Family and old folk remedies?

sethmctenn · Sep 7, 2009

I learned a long time ago that just because science hasn't proven it yet doesn't mean that folk remedies don't work. I think that self care techniques are fabulous in conjunction with western medical care.

Many of these techniques come from generations of use. Ayurvedic Kitchen Remedies come out of a 5000 year old method. Traditional Chinese Medicine comes from a 3000 year old method. Even western herbalism is much older that conventional western medicine (only 150ish years old?).

My grandma had a remedy for anything you could think of. As I have been educated, I've looked for some of the physiological basis of some of these. She used rose leaf tea to stop bleeding (vascular astringent action from the tannins?). She used epsom salt soaks for muscle pain (magnesium affecting troponin binding?). When grandpa had cancer, she still used western medicine (although she made darn sure he was eating a lot of nutritive herbs).

Self care techniques encourage people to take ownership of their health. In western medicine, they get the message "You don't know your body. You have no real power to change things. You don't know what you should do. Take this pill. See you in 6 months."

What your relative is doing is taking personal responsibility for health. I say go for it. Even if a placebo response (which can be considerable) is all that is achieved, there is a high degree of safety in these types of remedies. Have you ever, even once, seen someone in the hospital for complications of taking vinegar? When they take responsibility in this one area of health, it is easy for you to use your training to suggest others: eating well, sleeping well, moving well and removing any obstacles to health that you, with your training, can see that they are not addressing.

So, absolutely safe, possibly efficacious. Encourages personal resposiblity. I don't see a problem.

Regarding vinegar in general: the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (which is so conservative that it says even celery seed, a common food spice is unsafe) is likely safe when used orally as a food flavoring and when used topically, diluted. There is one report (how many people use vinegar, come on guys 1 report) of someone who took 250mL per day for over 6 years who had hypokalemia ASSUMED to be from the vinegar. All listed drug interactions come from the assumption that vinegar depletes potassium.

Actual research (rather than the one anecdotal report of a possible problem) shows: vinegar lowers the glycemic index of foods (possibly reducing insulin levels and improving glycemic control when used consistently), vinegar affects genes that affect fatty acid oxidation and heat generating proteins, improves postprandial satiety, and yes lowers systolic blood pressure (rat study not human).

I did see one study that suggested esophageal erosion in one woman with consumption of vinegar. So, for safety, I'd suggest that the vinegar be diluted or added to food (greens, etc...). Most studies suggest 20-30mL as a dose.

Blessings to you and your loved one

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2009

I have found in my own practice that some remedies work, and work well.

I am a true believer in alternative therapies, and don't mind them at all.

MedSurgeMess · Sep 8, 2009

As long as they are harmless, then I never tell a patient to stop

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Sep 8, 2009

My grandmother was a firm believer in all things vinegar--for the skin--eases sunburn, stops dandruff....(well that and Listerine mouth wash!! LOL)--that being said there's more myths regarding the use of blood pressure medication than anything I have experienced--people believe it is like an antibiotic--it has an end date, and as soon as one's pressure lowers (via the home BP machine--LOL), you can stop taking it. So I am 100% careful in my patient teaching in that I really emphasize that this is something that for now, you need to take until a doctor tells you otherwise, conceivably from now on. I do think that home remedies are wonderful alternates to some things, but NOT for blood pressure control--there's too much of a risk that may outweigh the benefits.

sharpeimom · Sep 8, 2009

when i was a student nurse back in the '70's, i had a very sweet lol in her upper '90's who became very very very upset when she was told the hospital (a world renowned major teaching and research hospital) didn't have any leeches!

sharpeimom:paw::paw:

oguesswhat · Sep 8, 2009

While I do not know the action of vinegar and bp my grandma does drink it for something...don't remember which. But it was not for bp. But it does work great for sunburns...by putting it on the skin not by drinking it. I do use it for that reason at least. I think it works better than aloe and such. :)

rn/writer, RN · Sep 8, 2009

Old-time and homeopathic "cures" can do some good at times but not always. The challenges with various forms of alternative medicine fall mainly into two categories. Some cause harm in and of themselves or when given in the wrong amounts, wrong combinations, or for the wrong problems.

But the more common difficulty (and therefore, more serious in my mind) is the use of even harmless remedies in stead of necessary conventional treatments. Using goose grease and camphor rather than antibiotics to treat bacterial pneumonia can be fatal. Herbal supplements may not do a thing for cancer or asthma, but delaying chemo or steroids might prove costly.

It's a mistake to dismiss folk remedies out of hand and may alienate the patient to the point where communication shuts down. Often, the wisest course of action is to try to use mutual teaching and respect to establish trust and introduce medical possibilities that have a good track record. Without the respect and trust, that kind of working relationship is not likely to happen.