I Told You I Was Sick

Just the thought of hookworms, maggots and leeches might be somewhat unappealing to most people.  But how does ingesting or applying them to your skin sound? And what about intentional bee stings? No thanks. These are just a few of the many unusual remedies out there. But some of them actually work (and others, well, there’s little evidence to prove so). In fact, some therapies that have been around since ancient times are still being used today.

Now I’m not suggesting you venture off into the swamps in search of the finest leeches or throw yourself into a swarm of bees. Please don’t do that. These therapies are conducted under the supervision of trained medical professionals. There are a few household remedies, however, that you can certainly try at home after you’ve consulted your physician and they have given you the go ahead.

Again, please consult your physician first before trying any of the therapies mentioned below.

Hirudotherapy

There’s nothing new about this therapy, which involves the use of medical leeches (most commonly Hirudo Medicinalis), not the wild ones. They are effective in the treatment of venous insufficiency and after reconstructive surgery, are applied to stimulate circulation again. Pooling of blood after some procedures creates pressure and prevents the surgical site from healing adequately. The leeches’ combination of anticoagulant hirudin and an anesthetic in their saliva make it the perfect pest for the job.

Maggot Debridement Therapy

Some wounds just don’t heal. And when conventional therapy fails, why not consider this: there are plenty of studies out there that prove maggot therapy works.  Sterile maggots are placed in a non-healing wound (such as a pressure ulcer or neuropathic foot ulcer), and rid the wound of necrotic tissue, speeding healing time.

Helminthic therapy

Helminthic therapy is thought to be able to treat autoimmune diseases and immune disorders such as Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis as well as food allergies, asthma and eczema. Helminthes are parasitic worms such as hookworms and whipworms and the ova of the worms are intentionally ingested in order to begin the therapy. Helminthes can also be introduced into the body through the skin. Whilst not yet approved for use, there is more and more research being conducted out there to prove that this therapy actually works.

Bee Venom therapy

Studies conducted on this therapy have been inconclusive but many people swear by it. The bee venom contains a variety of peptides and proteins and one in particular, melittin, has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These properties are useful in the treatment of tendonitis, bursitis, keloid scars and some autoimmune diseases.

Home remedies

Pickle Juice

After a long run or intense workout, how do you deal with those pesky cramps that sometimes follow? Drink pickle juice, if you can stomach it.  It’s the vinegar in the juice that triggers a neurological response in the mouth, which then signals the brain to stop the muscles from cramping. Others claim it’s the magnesium that clears the cramps.

Duct Tape

If warts are bothering you, grab some duct tape. And, no, you don’t use the tape to wax off the warts if that’s what you’re thinking. Instead, clean the area around it, cut a piece of Duct Tape to size and stick it on the wart. After a few days, rub it down with a pumice stone or emery board and re-apply. Many people claim this works because the chemicals in the tape dissolve the wart over time.  It’s not exactly a natural alternative but worth a try I suppose.

Listerine

Toenail fungus can be difficult to cure but apparently, Listerine can do the trick. For 30 minutes a day, soak your toes in a bowl of the original stuff until the fungus disappears. It’s all due to Listerine’s powerful antiseptic properties but if you don’t have that at home and instead have a bottle of wine you’re not going to drink, you can use that too.

Preparation H.

Lack of sleep, dehydration and stress can all lead to puffy eyes. And if cucumbers aren’t working for you, hemorrhoid cream might. Phenylephrine in Preparation H. constricts blood vessels, thereby decreasing the puffiness below the eyes, or so many people claim.

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Guest Post by: Mrs. Jenna Paxton is a medical blogger and staff writer at Medshop Australia (blog link), Australia’s leading supplier of medical equipment (homepage link) and supplies to home, student and professional users.

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