Many of us grew up with such popular home remedies as steam over potatoes, aloe juice in the nose, radishes with honey, garlic wherever possible.
Then it seemed that all these procedures really helped and were a panacea for all ills. But over time, it became clear that a significant part of such popular councils are not only useless, but can also seriously harm.
Experts have sorted out the most popular misconceptions about “grandmother’s” methods.
1. Tilt your head back when you have a nosebleed
Many people instinctively raise their heads up, hoping to stop the bleeding. But in this position, it flows down the back wall of the pharynx and enters the stomach. As a result, nausea, vomiting and discomfort appear.
It’s better to slightly tilt your head forward and apply the cold to the bridge of your nose. In this position, the blood will stop faster and safer.
2. Drink soda for heartburn
Dilute baking soda in a glass of water – a classic of home medicine. The burning sensation does temporarily disappear, but the body begins to produce even more acid, provoking inflammation of the stomach walls and new attacks of heartburn.
It’s better to buy normal medicine and not save money on your health.
3. Breathe over potatoes when you have a cough or runny nose.
Steam inhalation with potatoes was almost an obligatory ritual in childhood. But hot steam can cause burns to the mucous membrane, swelling, bronchospasm, and worsening breathing.
And at high temperatures, such procedures are especially dangerous and can even lead to fainting. In addition, potato broth contains solanine, a toxic substance that is harmful in large doses, especially for children.
4. Vegetable oil for burns
The popular “grandmother's” method only increases the pain. Oil retains heat, creates a “greenhouse effect,” clogs pores and increases the risk of infection.
It is better to simply cool the burn site with cool water and then act according to the situation.
5. Iodine and brilliant green for all ills
Previously, they were used to smear everything – from acne to deep wounds. But concentrated antiseptics are only suitable for small scratches.
If you apply iodine or brilliant green to wide or deep injuries, you can get a chemical burn and slow down the healing process.
6. Onion or garlic juice on your nose
Yes, onions and garlic do release phytoncides. But putting their juice into your nose is absolutely forbidden.
These are aggressive substances that can burn the mucous membrane, cause inflammation, cause swelling, and worsen breathing.
The same applies to aloe or Kalanchoe juice. High concentrations can lead to loss of smell and chronic nasal problems.
7. Reduce temperature with vinegar
Rubbing with vinegar is an old method that has long been recognized as unsafe.
Vinegar is easily absorbed through the skin, causing a toxic effect, causing chills, creating additional stress on blood vessels, and can worsen the condition rather than improve it. Especially dangerous for children.
8. Sleeping with mustard in your socks
Mustard plasters and dry mustard really warm the skin, but can also irritate it greatly. In children, such “therapeutic” socks can cause:
burns, allergies, overexcitation of the nervous system, increased fever.
Instead of these dubious methods, contact specialists and use medications with proven effectiveness on the recommendation of a doctor.
Important: This information is not a substitute for consulting a doctor. The body's response to changes in diet/training may depend on individual physiology, genetic predisposition and health status. It is recommended to consult a specialist.
