Top 10 myths of folk medicine: being treated without harm

Faced with the malaise, people rarely go to the hospital, relying on pharmaceutical and grandmother’s experience. And as the popularity of traditional medicine over the years has not diminished, we decided to investigate the effectiveness of 10 classic recipes to treat colds, bruises and burns.

1. Tea raspberry helps with colds

Drinking plenty of fluids for colds – one of the main conditions for a speedy recovery. Although science does not have official data on that raspberry jam is able to cure SARS, worse you won’t get.

Raspberry contains salicylic acid and has antipyretic properties, because at the temperature of 37.3 – 37.5°C will be much more appropriate powders and tablets.

2. Mustard foot bath relieves symptoms of SARS

Alas, to stop the development of viral infections using heat treatments will not work, because the use of baths with mustard in the people greatly exaggerated. If you decide to use this method, immediately after put on warm socks and wrap feet with a blanket, otherwise, a drastic cooling of the body will bring only harm.

3. Hot jars will save us from cough

This classical method was the cause burns and damage internal organs in many people, patamona it is worth it to apply without the need of experience and guidance of a physician. A rush of blood to the skin can theoretically alleviate the condition of the patient, but carelessly discord: if you have a respiratory infection or chronic bronchitis, use of less radical treatment methods.

Inhalation is a good helper in the treatment of rhinitis and other respiratory diseases. Note, however, that the temperature of the steam from the hot potato it is difficult to regulate, and the person runs the risk of damaging the mucosa of the nose and vocal cords, leaning over the pot too low. Also doctors warn that inhalation of hot steam prosimerice the swelling increases and worsens the symptoms of the disease.

Garlic contains volatile, and although they are short-lived, but still capable of rescuing people from certain viral infections. The problem is that for round-the-clock protection, we would need to constantly chew the garlic and it irritate the gastrointestinal tract and exacerbate symptoms of gastritis, gastric ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer. You should also not lay the chopped garlic in the nose, as it may cause chemical burn of the mucosa.

This antiquated method is really effective because the cold constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling. The main thing – moderation. Doctors have known cases where patients were trying so hard to freeze bruised leg that got frostbite.

But this is not a myth but true. Although the antibacterial effect of this solution is weaker than that of the modern pharmacy antiseptics, it is enough to reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms on the mucosa. The main thing – do not overdo it with salt because of its high concentration can harm a sore throat.

In childhood we have applied to the bruised plantain leaf and the blood clot a little faster. However, to repeat this experience doctors do not recommend, because on the surface of the plant can be bacteria, which not only impairs wound healing, but can cause it to fester.

9. Burn need to butter

This is a common misconception still hurts a great number of people. After receiving a burn, smear the skin with oil, you should not. First of all, the injured area should be cooled under running water. Then the burn should be treated by antiseptic without alcohol. But oil, which worsen the heat transfer, only increases the area of damage to the skin, and if a person has had a chance to get off easy fright and redness, in the case of oil he almost certainly will earn a scar.

This procedure has become popular because it rubbing alcohol and vinegar really increase the heat output, and body temperature drops. However, these substances are rapidly absorbed through the skin, and the person runs the risk of serious intoxication. This is especially true of young children whose parents do not want to give antipyretic. A much safer option – the rubbing water. Listen to what says about doctor Komarovsky.