The Russians insist for gastroenteritis vodka with black pepper. A couple of kids even got out of detention when they found vodka in their rooms, because the parents explained it was medicinal. It turns out this was not just an excuse, but is widely believed. They use vodka for many of their health problems. I've never tested this theory out, but they truly believe it, Who knows?
A grain of sugar in a hard to get out splinter - a Zimbabwean nurse showed me this, and it really worked. The sugar apparently draws in fluid, and the splinter works its way out. Never used it myself, but watched the result when my colleague has. There have been some stories in the papers about the use of sugar lately, so they might have some hard evidence soon.
Fractured clavicles - we had some problems because the Russian parents insisted a middle clavicle fracture should be operated and put back in alignment, while local doctor's said no. Parents still angry despite 3 doctor's recommendations, and flew child home for surgery.
Bedrest - for minor coughs/colds, Russian parents insist on complete rest in bed, and the insist that a temp of 37.0 centigrade is a fever.
Just some of the interesting things I've come across.
I am Russian, of which my user name implies. Having said that, I have never heard of my fellow countrymen using Vodka and Black Pepper in self-prescribed treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Just like in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Russians have always used various natural cures, many of which are ridiculed in Western Medicine, despite the facts that a lot of them actually work.
I graduated from nursing school in Russia and still remember that a part of my curriculum had stuff like "Cupping" (Rus.: "banki"). Chinese have used "cupping" method for many problems ranging from chronic bronchitis to neuralgia. If interested, search Google for "cupping". Jackie Chan shows this method off in his 2010 Karate Kid movie.
And now for your amusement, here below are a few natural cures we use in Russia to this day:
- "Cupping" (banki) as noted above is used in non-severe, non-febrile bronchitis (NOT used when fever is present)
- Loose Cabbage leaves are used as wraps for joints affected with arthritis :)
- Fresh beet juice is used is nasal drops in nasal congestion
- Mustard powder is used in foot bath for colds and in patches for hypertension and migrane headaches
- Beer is poured over scalp for itching and dermatitis relief
- Copper coins are laid over fresh bruises for first aid
- Camphor oil is massaged into skin for muscle ache relief
- Vodka is used externally to cool the body when fever is present
- Castor oil is used in constipation
- Birch leaves are used as antiseptic and detoxification agent in Russian sauna
And the list goes on and on and on...
I am a firm believer in Modern Medicine, but I also believe that many methods of Traditional Medicine have earned an important place in modern society and should not be discounted as obsolete or looked upon with disdain.
I'm enjoying learning about this (haldol, Thorazine, etc. for intractable hiccups). Thank you for sharing it. We had a patient who had intractable hiccups last week and he would end up in pain and nauseous from it all. Could you imagine living with this?
I've given it a lot for neuro hiccups. I don't remember how long the order has been for, though; I work in the ICU so transfer most of our neuro pts to an LTACH or the floor before they're better
- Beer is poured over scalp for itching and dermatitis relief
- Camphor oil is massaged into skin for muscle ache relief
Beer not only works, but super soft and shiny hair afterwards.
I have a special fondness for Buckley's, a camphor based cough syrup. Tastes like vicks smells.
Speaking of things that have strong smells, eucalyptus oil on a wash cloth for helping open up airways. I'll take warm shower with shower tablets when I have a cold.
Then just ignore it! Jeez...people are too uptight.
All it does is foster negativity.
Most of us who have suffered through his pretentious, condescending crap ARE pretty much ignoring him. We don't need anyone to tell us to do so.
And as far as "fostering negativity", life ain't all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes people will disagree with what you say and even hold dear to your heart. Especially in a public forum.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I am Russian, of which my user name implies. Having said that, I have never heard of my fellow countrymen using Vodka and Black Pepper in self-prescribed treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Just like in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Russians have always used various natural cures, many of which are ridiculed in Western Medicine, despite the facts that a lot of them actually work.
I graduated from nursing school in Russia and still remember that a part of my curriculum had stuff like "Cupping" (Rus.: "banki"). Chinese have used "cupping" method for many problems ranging from chronic bronchitis to neuralgia. If interested, search Google for "cupping". Jackie Chan shows this method off in his 2010 Karate Kid movie.
And now for your amusement, here below are a few natural cures we use in Russia to this day:
- "Cupping" (banki) as noted above is used in non-severe, non-febrile bronchitis (NOT used when fever is present)
- Loose Cabbage leaves are used as wraps for joints affected with arthritis :)
- Fresh beet juice is used is nasal drops in nasal congestion
- Mustard powder is used in foot bath for colds and in patches for hypertension and migrane headaches
- Beer is poured over scalp for itching and dermatitis relief
- Copper coins are laid over fresh bruises for first aid
- Camphor oil is massaged into skin for muscle ache relief
- Vodka is used externally to cool the body when fever is present
- Castor oil is used in constipation
- Birch leaves are used as antiseptic and detoxification agent in Russian sauna
And the list goes on and on and on...
I am a firm believer in Modern Medicine, but I also believe that many methods of Traditional Medicine have earned an important place in modern society and should not be discounted as obsolete or looked upon with disdain.
Fascinating. I am interested in going to Russia. Are there any other cultural practices that you have seen. I would love to know more! We have used vodka for cough syrup, but only a tiny bit in a large jar!
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Husband's Norwegian granny told me to wipe a stye in my eye with a cat's tail and it will be gone in less than a day. I thought she was nuts. BUT IT WORKS.
I put this one in the Old Wive's Tales thread, but it fits here as well:
Inserting a potato into the lady parts to relieve uterine prolapse. An organic pessary, so to speak. Apparently worked until it sprouted and the the lady in question showed up in the ER with c/o "leaves growing out of my virginia".
Question about sugar and splinters; how much do you apply and how long do you leave it on? My great-grandmother swore by this remedy.
Old school treatment for decubs: Maalox and Merchurochrome. Oh, and heat lamps on said decubs. What can I say? When I was in Nursing school, dinosaurs roamed the earth. 😛
Husband's Norwegian granny told me to wipe a stye in my eye with a cat's tail and it will be gone in less than a day. I thought she was nuts. BUT IT WORKS.
A cat's tail or a cat's tail? I'm incredulous either way, but curious. Anything that happens in less than a day makes me suspicious. Except pizza delivery.
RUmedic
89 Posts
I am Russian, of which my user name implies. Having said that, I have never heard of my fellow countrymen using Vodka and Black Pepper in self-prescribed treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Just like in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Russians have always used various natural cures, many of which are ridiculed in Western Medicine, despite the facts that a lot of them actually work.
I graduated from nursing school in Russia and still remember that a part of my curriculum had stuff like "Cupping" (Rus.: "banki"). Chinese have used "cupping" method for many problems ranging from chronic bronchitis to neuralgia. If interested, search Google for "cupping". Jackie Chan shows this method off in his 2010 Karate Kid movie.
And now for your amusement, here below are a few natural cures we use in Russia to this day:
- "Cupping" (banki) as noted above is used in non-severe, non-febrile bronchitis (NOT used when fever is present)
- Loose Cabbage leaves are used as wraps for joints affected with arthritis :)
- Fresh beet juice is used is nasal drops in nasal congestion
- Mustard powder is used in foot bath for colds and in patches for hypertension and migrane headaches
- Beer is poured over scalp for itching and dermatitis relief
- Copper coins are laid over fresh bruises for first aid
- Camphor oil is massaged into skin for muscle ache relief
- Vodka is used externally to cool the body when fever is present
- Castor oil is used in constipation
- Birch leaves are used as antiseptic and detoxification agent in Russian sauna
And the list goes on and on and on...
I am a firm believer in Modern Medicine, but I also believe that many methods of Traditional Medicine have earned an important place in modern society and should not be discounted as obsolete or looked upon with disdain.