A doctor discusses 10 natural remedies that have evidence to back their effectiveness. These remedies include:
1. Honey for nighttime coughs in children over one year old.
2. Melatonin supplements for jet lag, delayed sleep-wake phase syndrome, and other sleep disorders.
3. Saline nasal sprays for sinus infections, colds, and allergies.
4. Sugar for hiccups.
5. Oatmeal for eczema.
6. Aloe vera for burns and sunburns.
7. Prunes for constipation.
8. Calamine lotion for burns, itches, and irritation.
9. Probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
10. Duct tape for warts and teabags for styes.
The doctor also discusses the importance of consulting with a doctor before using these remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Additionally, the doctor warns against using soda as a remedy for upset stomachs, citing its link to obesity and other health problems.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends honey for a nighttime cough in children over the age of one.
2. Honey has been shown to perform as well or better than some over-the-counter cough suppressants in scientific research.
3. Children under the age of one should not be given honey due to the risk of Clostridium bacteria.
4. Melatonin is a hormone naturally secreted by the pineal gland that induces a state of drowsiness and sleepiness.
5. Melatonin supplements can be effective in treating jet lag and delayed sleep-wake phase syndrome.
6. Exposure to blue light from devices before bedtime can decrease melatonin secretion.
7. Saline nasal sprays can help clear nasal passageways and relieve sinus infections, colds, and allergies.
8. Sugar can be used to treat hiccups by stimulating the vagus nerve and relaxing the diaphragm.
9. Colloidal oatmeal can be used as a skin protectant to prevent fluid loss and relieve eczema symptoms.
10. Aloe vera contains anthraquinones, which can decrease pain and speed up healing in burns.
11. Prunes can aid in the treatment of constipation due to their high fiber and sorbitol content.
12. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is not digestible by the body and can help soften stool.
13. Prunes have been shown to be more effective than psyllium in treating constipation in some studies.
14. Calamine lotion can help relieve minor skin irritations, including burns, itches, and poison ivy.
15. Probiotics can help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea by replenishing good bacteria in the gut.
16. Duct tape can be used to treat warts using the tape occlusion method.
17. Teabags can be used as a warm compress to relieve styes by opening up blocked glands and facilitating drainage.
18. Ginger ale is not effective in replenishing electrolytes or hydrating sick children, and may even contribute to obesity.
19. Traditional ginger sodas contain barely any natural ginger.
20. Drinking soda has been linked to higher rates of obesity later in life, particularly in children who consume large amounts.