Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with Remedies

Tips on adjusting to nursing

gypseefire — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:13:11 -0800

My daughter just had my grand daughter. The entire process was amazing and I haven't fallen in love this hard in nearly 20 years. (when my daughter was born) She has decided for the health and benefits of the baby to nurse. I nursed and I remember how hard it is the first 2 weeks. A great deal has changed and I was wondering if anyone had any practical advice on how to get through the rough beginning of nursing an infant with a barracuda grip. Are there any products, herbal remedies etc...

What is this asthma-reducing herbal stuff?

Dee Xtrovert — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:56:50 -0800

I'm looking for a strange medicinal herb which alleviates breathing problems from asthma, and sold at pharmacies circa 1970. Can you tell me what it could be? It came in a tin, like chewing tobacco. You opened it up and lighted the dried herb and it almost immediately made it possible to breath again. It had a sweet smell - not menthol-like, though. Sort of a dried-herb incense. Not terribly dissimilar to marijuana in appearance perhaps. It did not require a prescription, but you did ask the pharmacist for it. (I'm asking for a friend.) Anyone have a clue what this is?

Am I shining my teeth right back to stubbly knubs?

lottie — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 02:32:55 -0800

Can I scratch or otherwise harm my teeth by occasionally polishing them with bicarb soda? About once a week I dip my toothbrush into a mouth wash with peroxide in it (1.5% w/v), and then into bicarb soda, and give my teeth a polish with the gritty moosh this makes. I do this because it makes them shiny, gives a wonderful cleaned-by-a-dentist feel, and I've heard it's a good, cheap way to whiten them.

My questions are should I stop? Am I doing them any harm? Am I scratching my teeth, or doing something else I don't know about?

For what it's worth, I haven't noticed any problems, and I keep the stuff well away from my gums, because I know it may be too abrasive for that area.

I've googled around, and have only managed to find glowing endorsements for the practise by folksy sites, or references to bicarb soda being safe because it's not a deadly poison - the rationale being that we use it in cooking), but I haven't found any comment about whether it's safe for teeth.

I asked my dentist, but he only gave me a vague reply that it's probably not the best thing to do because it's untested. When I asked him why it wouldn't be safe when many toothpastes have bicarb soda added, he suggested that it may be a different grade or type of baking soda. Any truth?

How do I relieve this pain in my shoulders?

miasma — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:47:06 -0800

I'm having a pretty standard tight pain in my shoulders (most likely due to stress), kind of like my shoulders are stuck in the tensed up shrug position. Can the hivemind recommend some remedies? I found some exercise sites from past posts, but anything would be helpful.

I'm a little hoarse.

crinklebat — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:08:19 -0800

My call center job is making my throat sad. Help? I'm one of those people who typically doesn't do more than an hour of talking in a day (and that's under duress), but for the next six weeks I'm taking tech support calls and two days in, I think I'm already losing my voice. I'm in a heavily air-conditioned cube farm, and I can't suck on lozenges while I'm on a call because I think it'll make me impossible to understand. I have always had a pretty sensitive throat due to a lifetime of seasonal allergies, but I need to be able to talk, nonstop, every weekday until Thanksgiving, or I can't do my job.

Right now I drink about 12oz of hot coffee in the morning (becomes warm and gradually cool coffee as the morning drags on) and try to drink as much water as I can in the afternoon. I need the caffeine to be able to function as I find the job quite draining, but I'm open to different delivery methods. I have no control over the air conditioning at work, and it's still warm enough here that my apartmentmate wants air conditioning on at home too - and I think I'd be pretty uncomfortable without it, to be honest.

If you talk for a living, how do you do it?

Pain, pain go away.

hannahq — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:13:17 -0800

Femalefilter: What is this sharp pain? Female, mid20's. Not pregnant. Relatively healthy. First day of most recent period 14-15 days ago. Intermittent, SHARP sharp pain that quickly dissipates in lower left quadrant/pelvic area. Slight nausea and low-grade fever. No blunt trauma or injury to area. OTC painkillers do nothing. What gives???

I know - before you suggest it, an appointment has already been made to see the doctor - but the earliest date available was July 5th!

What the hell is going on? My doctor told me that I only need to get to the ER if my fever goes over 100F. But this really doesn't feel good! On the pain scale I'd rate this a 7-8.

Any other females experienced this? Do you have any remedies? I thought I would try some home remedies before heading to urgent care if this pain doesn't let up. This isn't normal is it?

Natural remedy or tonic for lungs?

mintchip — Sun, 13 May 2007 22:03:56 -0800

Natural remedy or tonic for lungs? I've noticed that I don't breathe as deeply or fully as I used to. I suspect I've developed a mild case of adult asthma, as my lungs often feel somewhat constricted, especially when I'm exposed to household chemicals or pollution such as car exhust.

I'm going to get this checked out at my next physical. Although I'm not overly concerned, I'm wondering if there might be some sort of natural remedy or tonic (herbal or otherwise) that can be used to help clear the lungs and improve breathing.

Is pepper-based Sinus Spray effective? Dangerous? Risky?

soulbarn — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 22:40:20 -0800

I have chronic sinus infections for which I am now considering surgery after trying most major medical options, as well as a massive allergen removal program. I read about a product called "Sinus Buster" which uses pepper in the form of a nose-drop to clear sinuses. I bought some, and based on just a few days usage, there is a definite improvement. I'm surprised, since the manufacturer also claims that the product can help you lose weight and has even said that it can cure some forms of cancer (multiple miracle claims=sure red flag.) So, my questions: - Does anyone else have any exeperience with this product? - The stuff burns, which I am getting used to - but is it really a good idea to put something that (at least) feels caustic up my nose? Is there a possibility of long-term damage? -Can I become reliant on it for clearing my congestion, as with "traditional" OTC nose drops? Here's the product URL: www.sinusbuster.com

The lump IS my throat...

poweredbybeard — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:46:51 -0800

Doctor at the clinic said I don't have strep throat, but I'm not convinced. What else could this be? Should I take antibiotics? Other ways to fight strep? He said I don't have the lesions (or whatever) on the throat or tonsils that go with strep. The reason I'm not convinced is I used to get strep all the time as a kid and this feels pretty familiar, and I'm pretty susceptible to bacterial infections.

Is it possible for absence of the lesions (or whatever) on the throat and tonsils to give a false negative, especially if you've got the other symptoms (swollen neck, fever, headache, earache, excruciating pain swallowing)? In retrospect I should've insisted on a swab.

He prescribed me antibiotics anyway (very strange, I know) - should I take them?

What else could this be if not strep?

Other things to do short of antibiotics?

Thanks for reading...

Help a former athlete deal with depression.

|n$eCur3 — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 21:05:30 -0800

As a former athlete, I am having trouble coping with both the loss of my sport, and in its absence, the associated lack of euphoria. What can I do to feel better without taking anti-depressants? For the record, as far as I can remember I have always had a case of mild to moderate depression. I have never taken prescription medication to treat it though. However, during different segments of my life, I have self-medicated in one way or another. I smoked pot habitually for about a year but quit because the lows were too low. I also tried drinking alcohol for about a year, but gained weight and felt like shit; ditched that too. Finally I started eating right and doing daily exercise. After about 6 months of training I felt amazing and started to get competitive with cycling. And for the past 3 years have been riding for about 2-3 hours per day (as a student with plenty of time).

When I was near my athletic peak, I was able to deal somewhat serendipitously with my ongoing case of depression. Incidentally, the highs that I obtained on daily 3 hour bike rides gave me enough of an endorphin cocktail to be somewhat productive in society. Outside of the sport, I felt that I had a lot of energy left over – enough to accomplish anything that I was willing to set my mind to. Now that I have actual responsibility for the first time in my life, I have had to let go of cycling, gradually. I feel dysphoric, depressed, unmotivated, easily distracted and tired most of the time. The 45 minutes in the gym does not cut it for me, no matter what sport I try. Cycling on the weekends helps to a point, but the endorphins wear off and its hard to accept not being able to go on rides that I could easily do as recently as 2 months ago.

I am interested if anyone here has experienced a similar transition. Specifically, what did you do to cope? What do you do to fill the void where [insert sport] had previously existed?

I am willing to take anti-depressants as a final measure, and in the end, accept that I might need to. But for now I would like to know if there are any natural ways to deal with depression. I exercise, eat well, and sleep enough. So, I'm looking for things along the lines of: vitamin B-12, green tea, Chinese medicine, meditation. What works for you?

herbal calming remedy for dogs

nancoix — Thu, 25 May 2006 13:30:21 -0800

I found a few references to herbal dog calming remedies in the MeFi archives, but I specifically want some testimonials (positive or negative) about products such as Actipet Anxiety-Free tablets. Or similar products containing St. John's Wort, chamomile, valerian, hops and yeast. Bonus points if you've tried them on a basenji.

How can I end my chronic illness?

b_thinky — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 23:53:52 -0800

How can I end my chronic illness? In October while travelling in SE Asia, I contracted dengue fever. Basically, it's a mosquito-borne virus that makes you very sick for 1-3 weeks typically. Problem is, ever since then I'm always sick with flu-like symptons. I get tired very easily, come down with headaches and often have sore throat, congestion, cough and my athsma kicks up like crazy. And I'm usually a healthy person!

Another problem is my physical condition. I have not gained any weight, but I've done almost zero exercise since becoming sick. My body will feel like working out, but when I get the time to do so I will get one of the above symptoms.

My doctor hasn't been able to do much except give me meds for the symptoms; i.e. a special inhaler or a stronger cough medicine. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do - maybe some home remidies, a vitamin or a new god I can pray to?

How to evict a chest cold before it finishes moving in.

Karmakaze — Sat, 09 Jul 2005 17:24:56 -0800

I love medical advice from strangers on the internet: favorite chest cold remedies. I've just 80% kicked a head cold only to wake up this morning hacking up phlegm bunnies (just tiny yellow flecks so far). I'm generally prone to bronchitis and this is a really bad sign. What do people generally do to head off a chest cold that's trying to set up residence? Mega doses of Vitamic C? Hot lemonade? Steam baths? Prayer? I've got the rest and fluids things down (which has made me have to cancel some weekend plans, darnit), but am wondering what works for other people.

(Disclaimer: yes, I realize the only reliable source of medical advice is an actual MD, and believe me, the second the phlem bunnies turn bright yellow or get larger, I've got my GP on speed-dial - I'm trying to head this thing off before it gets to that point.)

Yeeaaarrrgghhhh

symphonik — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 02:15:17 -0800

Strep throat pain remedies -- homemade or medically-sanctioned, I care not. I've never been woken up by throat pain before, and the doctor is still 6 hours away. Any recommendations? I never get sick, yet this year I've managed to get the flu, some nasty cold, and now this. I don't even have tonsils or adenoids anymore (childhood strep was very regular), so I can't believe I'm even seeing that classic white crap back in my throat. I'm officially paranoid that my immune system is being shot by something worse, but I'll leave that diagnosis for the doc. Until then, please help me sleep—ibuprofen's not cutting it and hot tea's only very temporary; how can I relieve this pain?

I fucking hate pills.

Non-drowsy motion sickness remedies?

Gucky — Tue, 01 Mar 2005 12:46:42 -0800

Besides chemicals that make me nap all day, what can I do to keep from hurling on flights? I travel frequently for business, often same day travel. If I take Dramamine or Antivert, I can't work on the plane, as I get too sleepy. And if I have a presentation right after the meeting, forget it.

If I take nothing, well, the embarassment factor and the discomfort is too much. Especially since I often travel with coworkers.

I'm desperate enough that I'm looking at those bracelets they sell in "Sky Mall" and thinking, "Well, that might work."

Being able to do roller coasters or the tea cups at Disney would be a personal life bonus.

Anyone with motion sickness found the panacea?

Congested Ear Canal

vers — Fri, 19 Nov 2004 08:02:11 -0800

Remedies for opening up a congested ear canal? I've had a sinus/ear infection this week, and am currently taking both a decongestant and an antibiotic. My head seems to be clearing nicely, except my inner ear on one side which feels completely blocked. I'm trying hot compresses and steam. Are there any other suggested methods to clear this up at home?

Adult acne question

Anonymous — Fri, 22 Oct 2004 22:14:51 -0800

Adult acne & combination skin: have any MeFites won the battle over persistent & social-anxiety-creating skin problems? Want to share your secrets?

Extreme neck pain

corpse — Wed, 23 Jun 2004 11:29:35 -0800

Neck pain. Sharp stabbing neck pain, you know the kind you get when you sleep in a odd postion and wake up with a "crick". I woke up this morning with such pain, and now I can't turn my head to the right at all. This has happened before, but never to this degree. I sneezed earlier and thought I was going to cry. What's the remedy? Wait it out? Heating pad? Ibuprofen?

What's the best nighttime cold remedy?

grumblebee — Wed, 28 Apr 2004 08:52:55 -0800

Tylenol? Contact? Advil? Who makes the best nighttime cold remedy? I haven't slept for three nights because of my running nose and cough. UGH!

Anti-Dandruff tips for the winter

TimeFactor — Fri, 06 Feb 2004 07:56:13 -0800

Ask MetaFlaker: Dandruff [more] A couple of weeks of 24/7 sub-zero temperatures here in New England has left me scratching my head. I get bad dandruff every year around the coldest days of January and it tends to continue until April. In the past I've tried most of the OTC shampoo remedies: tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylate, selenium sulfide, and those now-available-without-prescription (but with-the-same-exorbitant-price) ones with names like Flazoxil and Nizorquidal. None seems to make much difference. Anyone have an ancient [ethnic group] secret that's worked for them or should I just adopt a pastel wardrobe and wait for spring?