Word-of-Mouth Cures That Really Work!
Seven homespun remedies that have solid research behind them.
It's amazing how many traditional cures actually have evidence to support them, says Francesca J. Fusco, M.D., of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Here are seven that have solid research—not just someone's grandma!—behind them.
Zap nail fungus with bleach
Why: "We're not sure why, but there is something in bleach that slows down the growth of nail fungi," says Dr. Fusco.
How: Combine one teaspoon of bleach with one cup of water.
(Note: Always dilute the mixture—applying pure bleach will burn skin.) Then, use a dropper to place this mixture under the affected nail. Repeat twice a day until the infection disappears; this could take up to three weeks.
Prevent blisters on your feet with deodorant
Why: Blisters are caused by skin rubbing against your shoes, and are made worse by sweating. "Deodorant works on your feet just like it does under your arms: It stops sweat glands from producing sweat," says Ranella J. Hirsch, M.D., president of the American Society for Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery.
How: Before heading out, roll deodorant—any kind will do—on your soles.
Soothe burns with tomato
Why: "The tomato contains lycopene, which is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it calms inflamed skin. And the wetness of the tomato juice helps draw some of the liquid out of the burn, reducing swelling," says Dr. Fusco.
How: Slice a large tomato and apply pieces to damaged skin. Leave on for five minutes, then remove, letting the remaining juices fully dry on skin. Once dry, rinse skin with cool water. Repeat twice daily until discomfort ends.
Calm insect bites with aspirin
Why: "Aspirin is made of salicylic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory that can reduce pain and itching," says Dr. Hirsch.
How:Crush three aspirin and add a few drops of water—enough to make a paste, Dr. Hirsch says. Apply mixture to the bite. Leave on for two minutes, then rinse with cool water. Repeat twice daily until pain and itching stop.
Stop small cuts from bleeding with used tea bags
Why: "The tannic acid in tea has an astringent effect, prompting blood vessels to constrict more quickly, which slows the flow of blood," explains Dr. Fusco.
How: Using light pressure, hold a cool (not warm) tea bag against the cut for one minute. Rinse, then cover with a bandage.
Remove warts with duct tape
Why: Experts at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash., found this remedy could clear warts in two months. There are a few theories about how it works. One is that duct tape irritates warts, causing an immune system reaction that attacks them. "Another is that the tape removes the virus-laden skin cells," says Anthony Mancini, M.D., professor of dermatology at Northwestern University.
How: Apply a piece of tape that's the same size as the wart and leave on for six days. (If tape falls off, replace ASAP.) Remove tape after the six days and clean area with soap and water; leave tape off overnight. In the morning, reapply tape, keep on for five days and repeat until wart disappears. It may take up to two months, says Dr. Mancini, but it's less painful and less expensive than repeated doctor visits.
Nix dandruff with apple cider vinegar
Why: "The vinegar's acidity reduces the natural pH of the scalp," explains Dr. Fusco. "And this creates an unfriendly environment for yeast that tend to overpopulate the head and cause dandruff."
How: Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with one quart of water and use as a final rinse after shampooing, twice weekly.
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TEA TREE OIL: Anti-*bacterial*, anti-*fungal*, AND anti-*viral*. From the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to the northeast coast of Australia.
Two applications wiped on w/cotton ball and it CURE$D daughter's Athlete's Feet. Analgesic for cuts. CURES toenail fungus. DO NOT ingest. I consider this my most-essential medicine-cabinet/emergency kit item! I buy mine at Walgreens when they have it two-for-one and pass the extra bottle on to others.
WHITE FLOWER balm: http://www.itmonline.org/jintu/whiteflower.htm Excellent for strains and stiff joints! When applied the the skin, it heats up and relaxes the muscles. Have used on my back and neck several times. I also use it for my sinuses. This is my second most-essential medicine-cabinet/emergency kit item.
This is the brand I use, but there are others. Here in Tucson I've found it at the Grant/Stone Market and the United Market on west side of S 6th Ave between 29th and 36th Streets.
Summer is here and with it comes sun burns. 2 very easy and quick ways to take the pain away.
1. Onion. Cut it in half and rub on the burn, it may sting at first but kills the pain near 100%.
2. Vinegar, any kind Put it in a spray bottle and spray on the burn. You may walk around smelling like a salad but the pain relief is worth it.
I would like to remind everyone one that a sunburn is still a burn. If blisters occur and cover a large % of the body or become large, infected or extremely painful. Seek medical attention.
baking soda. make a paste with this and this will clean any stubborn marks on pots and pans as well as tea and coffee stains in cups and tea pots.
If you also run out of any cleaning produsts it can celan your kitchen sink to a nice shine same again a thick paste with baking soda and water.
hey twang.
I was one of those people that was hungry for paper. Not pregnant or anything like that but i eat paper crave it even at work i would eat paper and i did get some weird looks from my colleagues but i found out why. We after doing some research on a unrelated topic. It had something to do with me being very anemic. That was one of the rare symptoms better known as pica. I eventually got my iron levels back on track and i am fine no problem with craving paper.
Apply bleach to burn as soon as possible. Let stay on for 30 sec or so rinse off with cold water.
Burn will stop hurting and will not blister up. For sunburn wipe it on with a soft cloth or your hand let stay for 30 sec or so then wash off with cool water. It will stop burning and won't be sore the next day.
This truly works...I work in a cafeteria and get burns all the time. I just grab the bleach and continue working.
are you trying to give some sort of helpful info here, or just knocking western medicine? Personal agendas are never appreciated...and, fyi...it's very hard to make any coherent sense of what you were trying to say in the first place 0_o...****???
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