Complementary Medicine
Sometimes it’s not possible, or practical, or desirable, to visit a doctor, and take medicine. If a non-life-threatening ailment can be treated at home with things that you already have, or are easy to get, why not? We’re not passing out medical advice or suggesting anyone abandon their meds. Complementary medicine is the use of treatments alongside standard modern medicine. This is the case for 2 of the 3 treatments we’ll discuss. With the 3rd, no standard medicine is needed, but that’s because it’s not an ailment per se.
Vinegar for Skin Tags
What are skin tags?
A little fleshy nub of skin that can grow anywhere, but prefer skin folds, particularly the eyelids, armpits, groin area, neck, and under the breasts. It may resemble a wart or mole. Non-cancerous, totally harmless. Very common, especially in older people. A doctor can remove them by freezing, cutting, or burning them.
Method
Dip a cotton swab in vinegar, then dab it on the skin tag. Do this twice a day. I used a concentrated vinegar, higher acidity level. This caused the skin to sting and burn. So I just left the vinegar on for a minute. Other vinegars will work as well, and can be left on for 10-15 minutes. At any rate, the area should be washed afterwards. After about 2 weeks, the skin tag will just fall off.
Baking soda for Heartburn
What is Heartburn?
Also known as GERD(gastroeshophageal reflux disease), or Acid Reflux. Stomach acid comes up your esophagus, rather than staying in your stomach, where it belongs. This causes significant discomfort. There are several over-the-counter meds available, to combat it after onset. There are meds available to prevent it from happening as well, a pill you take once or twice a day. The most effective type is called a PPI(proton-pump inhibitor). But as with all meds, there are side effects, mostly long term in this case.
Method
Put a spoonful of baking soda in a cup of water, stir it, and drink it. Done.
Dandruff Shampoo for Jock Itch
What is jock itch?
It’s a fungal infection of the skin, in the groin area. It thrives in warmth and moisture. So keeping dry is important. It’s common in athletes, and people who sweat a lot or who are overweight. It’s very itchy.
Method
Buy any Dandruff shampoo(I use Head n Shoulders), and make it your regular washing soap for the affected area. This is a preventive measure, not a cure. If you already have the problem, you must first use an antifungal cream to get rid of it. And don’t stop early, make sure it is gone. Once you are clear, use the preventive method to make sure it doesn’t return.
