The ultimate quest of Naturopathic Doctors in Des Moines Iowa is to cure or lessen the symptoms of an illness or condition. Home remedies made from herbs, plants and ingredients you’re likely to have in your cupboard have been used for centuries – and if used correctly they bring natural relief.
But, beware of homemade medications that can hurt rather than heal. Below are some home remedies that just might cause a problem rather than avoiding it.
Butter for Burns – For years, butter has been used as a salve for burns. Although using butter won’t harm you, a better alternative is DMSO. DMSO has been used for many years for just about any kind of tissue injury. It can bring pain relief in minutes – sometimes even seconds after it is applied. Here in Iowa, my family has been using DMSO for over 60 years!
- Paraffin (Kerosene) – Thought to be an effective method to make a child vomit. Forcing a child to ingest paraffin can damage the lungs and the stomach.
- Castor Oil – An old home remedy for constipation, caster oil is a stimulant laxative that can be a bit harsh if taken too often. You can also become reliant on it to induce regular bowel movements. A better choice is the herb cascara sagrada. Check it out but of course, get to the cause of the problem.
- Herbal Aphrodisiacs – Herbs like Spanish Fly aren’t regulated, so you don’t know how much you’re getting in a supplement. Too much of any herbal remedy can be harmful to your system.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – Some home remedy enthusiasts use hydrogen peroxide as an antiseptic. It’s effective in cleaning wounds and will kill the bacteria that can cause infection. The problem is that it can kill the good bacteria in your gut if you drink it. Talk to a Naturopath before you do this.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Used to promote weight loss (as well as helping with 100 other health problems), apple cider vinegar can harm your tooth enamel if you use it full strength. Always mix it with a beverage such as fruit juice when you drink it.
- Syrup of Ipecac – A home remedy used to induce vomiting if a poison is ingested. Pediatricians now discourage the use of the syrup and suggest instead that you call the National Poison Center at 800-222-1222.
- Kerosene – Treating head lice by rubbing kerosene on a child’s head is a “home remedy” that is ineffective and can be harmful to the child. Never come in contact with kerosene.
As history has shown most home remedies are harmless, but some need to be used with discretion. Mixed with certain prescriptions or medical conditions, these non-prescribed remedies can cause the prescription medicines to be even more harmful. Check with your Naturopathic doctor or a wholistic pharmacist if you have concerns with a home or herbal remedy.
Live Like You Love Life! ~
Dr R
Des Moines Iowa
