Alternative meds? You'll never believe this one!!

SaraO'Hara · May 7, 2006

http://www.shands.org/health/information/article/003090.htm

The site behind the link indicates that rubbing alcohol should not be used because it can be easily absorbed through the skin. Isn't isopropyl poisonous?

elizabells, BSN, RN · May 8, 2006

http://www.shands.org/health/information/article/003090.htm
The site behind the link indicates that rubbing alcohol should not be used because it can be easily absorbed through the skin. Isn't isopropyl poisonous?

I think it is - I think they add it so people won't try to get drunk off it.

So, check, no alcohol.

In re olive oil - I worked at a summer camp and there was a HUGE lice outbreak. We coated the kids' heads in EVOO and wrapped them in Saran Wrap. A lot of the counselors did it too so the kids wouldn't feel like they stood out. Worked like a charm!

klhs · May 9, 2006

What about using Vicks vapor rub for nail fungus and gray (duct) tape to get rid of warts???

Indy, LPN, LVN · May 9, 2006

My children's babysitter told me her neighbor would duct tape a banana peel to a ... some kind of booboo, scrape, abrasion, burn, cut, or whatever it was that her kids had. (This was ten years ago; I don't remember the exact thing she was treating.)

So. This thread brought that to mind. And I have shingles, S3 nerve root, I'll let you look that up and see where it is. It's not fun. I casually suggested to my husband that maybe I should duct tape pieces of banana peel there on my off days and see if that helps the pain any.

It was so worth the look he gave me.

jensdandy · May 13, 2006

I've always wondered about the Windex trick from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Anyone tried it?
And in re kerosene for head lice: I knew a little boy whose mother did this, because he had beautiful long dreadlocks and she didn't want to shave his head. He wandered into the kitchen, where the gas stove was lit. He received 3rd degree burns all down one side of his body and lost three fingers. So no kerosene!

We were on vacation at the beach when I was stung by a jellyfish...already was turning into a big welp before I even got out of the ocean. In the vacation house couldn't find anything to put on it so jokingly tried the Windex...it worked wonderfully!!!! The man upstairs tried meat tenderizer when he got stung but his was much worse and painful the next day...

kukukajoo, LPN · May 14, 2006

The ammonia nuetralizes the sting. Many swimmers and surfers will carry it with them.

OpusNurse · May 14, 2006

My dad once passed out in church and being the nurse in the family, naturally I got called to take him to the hospital. Well, once there and on all the monitors, he had a heart rate of 17. That alone is amzing considering his salt intake. (He is your typical curmudgeonly old coot who never sees a doctor.) The doctor rx'd a can of coke and his heart rate went up to 70 within an hour. He left the hospital with his instructions. 1 can of coke qd. Been great ever since.

Oh, and the duct tape for warts...works. The docs where I work rx it all the time! Also works for husbands who cut themself frequently.

elthia · May 14, 2006

I know of people with severe sinus problems who swear that nasal/sinus irrigation with a weak salt H2O solution has prevented recurrent sinus infections, DH has started this every other day and hasn't had a sinus infection since.

elizabells, BSN, RN · May 14, 2006

I know of people with severe sinus problems who swear that nasal/sinus irrigation with a weak salt H2O solution has prevented recurrent sinus infections, DH has started this every other day and hasn't had a sinus infection since.

Back when I was in the theataaaahhhhh I knew opera singers who did this. They couldn't take cold medicines d/t their drying effects, so they just snorted a bit of water and there you go.

LydiaNN · May 14, 2006

Let's not forget the ''drink your own urine'' remedy which is still sometimes practiced for whatever ails ya in remote areas. A little less heebie-jeebie-ish, I often brew up a cocktail of hot water, lemon juice and Tabasco sauce when I'm really congested.

sanctuary, BSN, MSN, RN · May 17, 2006

Elderly neighbor used Listerine for both athlete's foot and dandruff. Swore by the stuff. Said her husband learned it in the Army. Don't know which war.

allnurses Guide · May 17, 2006

Rubbing alcohol rubbed down on a person with a fever will cause the fever to break, BUT you're not supposed to do it, but I don't know why. I know it will break a fever because it's been used on me and I've used it on my husband (prior to finding out I shouldn't be).

It cools the surface of the skin too quickly, and not necessarily core body temperature. If you start to lose heat too quickly, your body goes into shiver mode to make up for it, creating body heat to compensate. Not what you want to have happen with a fever.