Home remedies have become increasingly popular as the expense and hassle of conventional medicine continues to rise. Plants, vegetables, fruits, and many other seemingly harmless but easily available things are used to create the remedies.
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We must definitely thank grandma for all those old home remedies that work wonders in curing our aches and pains. However, it should be noted that all home remedies are not effective and some can be quite dangerous. EHC lists out the kind of home remedies that could be dangerous and you should avoid.
Ear candling
Ear candling is often used to cleanse the ear by lighting a candle at both ends of the ear to create suction. However this is dangerous as it can lead to a blocked ear or even an ear infection instead. EHC recommends sticking to eardrops instead.
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Toothpaste for acne
Apart from cleaning your teeth, some people use toothpaste to solve their acne problem as well. However, this is not recommended as toothpaste might exacerbate your acne problem instead by burning or irritating the area. EHC recommends diluted vinegar or salt water instead.
Finger wart cutting
Some people use a blade or other sharp instruments to cut off their finger wart. However this is dangerous as it could lead to an infection or the person might end up cutting himself by accident. We recommend a pumice stone or surgery instead.
Buttering your burn
One home remedy which people use to treat burns is to apply butter on it. However applying butter on your burn can cause a bacterial infection. You should treat your burn with cold water if it is mild.
For mild to moderate first-degree burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 3 inches in diameter, it is recommended that you use an over-the-counter antibiotic burn ointment. Gently apply it to the burned skin, and keep it covered for cleanliness. You can also try ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help alleviate pain.
Cool tap water can also help, but only in the first minute after you are burned. Any greater length of time and the damage is already done. If you are near a faucet, run the burn under water for at least five minutes.
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Manually removing a stuck fish bone
It is quite common for people to try to extract a fish bone stuck in their throat by using their fingers. However, this is not advised as doing so could result in the bone being lodged even deeper in your throat. Your throat might get damaged as well if you scratch it with your fingernails as well. EHC suggests heading to the hospital where the doctors will take of the problem for you.
Needle to remove eye stye
One solution which many people use when they have an eye stye is to use a needle to pierce it. However, as styes are often very near your eye, you may end up hurting your eye. We suggest using antiseptic eye cream instead or just contact your ophthalmologist.
Applying alcohol on teething baby’s gums
People use alcohol for all sorts of reasons and some people use alcohol to relieve the pain for babies when they are teething. However, alcohol may upset your baby due to the burning sensation it produces. Furthermore some types of alcohol are not fit for consumption.
Home colon cleansing
We hear a lot about the toxic effects of the contents of the colon on the body, but that's a fallacy. And that is where home colon cleansing products come into play. People hear the claims that their colons are filled with toxic waste matter and that the solution is to flush them out with herbs, probiotics, special diets, enemas, or laxatives.
The fact of the matter is that the function of colon to let fecal material pass out of the body, naturally. Trying to cleanse your colon from the comforts of your home can disrupt your body's electrolyte balance, causing dehydration and salt depletion. Over time, frequent colon cleansing can even lead to anemia, malnutrition, and heart failure.
Instead of cleaning your colon on your own, start by increasing your fiber intake by eating more fruits and vegetables, or by adding a supplement to your diet every day. If you are still feeling constipated and uncomfortable, we recommend you see your doctor or a gastroenterologist.
Dangerous cures for head lice
There are many folk remedies for getting rid of head lice. People rub petrol or kerosene on their children's scalps, or use pesticides straight from their garden store. Other 'cures' involve coating the head with Vaseline, olive oil or salt water. Not only are these remedies ineffective, but they can be harmful. Safe and effective preparations can be purchased from pharmacies or prescribed by your doctor.
Paraffin ingestion
Forcing a child who has ingested paraffin (kerosene) to vomit. Paraffin is toxic, but vomiting takes it into the lungs, where it does more damage than in the stomach. It can lead to a form of pneumonia (chemical pneumonitis) that is very dangerous. You should not give the child milk, charcoal or a laxative like liquid paraffin, instead give the child water to drink. The child should be admitted to hospital for X-rays and up to 24 hours' observation.
Inserting hairpins inside ears
In order to clear the dirt inside the ear, some people often insert hairpins. Also, some choose to wrap a cotton bud around a matchstick and clean up the ear. But this technique may end you up losing your hearing abilities. There are chances that the matchstick breaks inside your ear and gets stuck there.
Just keep in mind that the home remedies do not provide miracle cures and are not meant to replace professional treatments. You should continue to work and consult with your doctor about your health problems.
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Image courtesy: bloomingcomplexions.com , findicons.com , wisegeek.com , ivillage.ca
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