Get Well Wednesday: Home Remedies That Really Work

Husband and wife team, Dr. Robert C. Robinson III, MD and Dr. Karla L. Robinson, MD have taken an unprecedented multi-dimensional approach to tackling health disparities and improving health literacy within the urban community. Recognizing the need to empower the community to become more active participants in their healthcare, Drs. Robinson established Urban Housecall Health Media Group, a comprehensive, multimedia health and wellness resource designed to meet the needs of the urban community.

Drs. Robinson serve as regular health contributors to local and nationally televised talk shows such as TV One’s News One Now, JET Magazine, various blogs and news outlets. Authors of the new release In Sickness and In Health, Drs. Robinson are often called upon as media consultants, medical writers, and expert witnesses in medical malpractice cases.

Dr. Karla Robinson has clinical experience as a board-certified family physician, while Dr. Robert Robinson is a board-certified internal medicine and hospitalist physician. Their combined inpatient and outpatient medicine experience give them the unique ability to service the community as experts on all the health issues that matter to the urban community the most.

Both natives of Chicago, and alums of Xavier University of Louisiana, Dr. Robert Robinson went on to complete medical school and Internal Medicine Residency training at the University of Illinois at Chicago, while Dr. Karla Robinson completed medical school at Rush University Medical College and Family Medicine Residency Training at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

Together, their mission is to use unique multimedia efforts to engage, educate, and empower the urban community to obtain a healthy lifestyle. Through their ministry of health and wellness, Drs. Robinson are committed to improving the health of the community, even if it is one person at a time.

For more information or to contact Dr. Karla and Dr. Rob, please visit their website www.urbanhousecall.com or find them via social media on Facebook: UrbanhousecallMagazine or Twitter: @Urbanhousecall.

So many of us have home remedies that have been passed down through the generations and we’re not sure if even really work. A lot of times we may call these old wives’ tales, but believe it or not, often times there is some truth and health benefits to a lot of those concoctions that your mother and grandmother were cooking up.

We’ve got a couple of examples of how your common household items can be used to treat what may be ailing you.

High Blood Pressure:

BEET JUICE, CELERY

• Drinking 2 cups of beet juice daily lowered blood pressure by about 10 points
• 4 stalks of celery per day have been shown to reduce blood pressure almost 10 points.

Migraines:

ICE CREAM

• “Ice cream” headache helps to stop migraine in its tracks.
• Research shows that recreating a “brain freeze” makes the blood vessels dilate and constrict, interrupting the migraine pathway and preventing the development of a migraine headache.

Gout:

TART CHERRIES (Montmorency or Morello Cherries)

• Helpful in reducing symptoms of gout
• Also useful in preventing gout attacks
• Thought to decrease uric acid levels
• Dried, juice or frozen effective

Burns:

• HONEY
• Has been used for centuries
• Antimicrobial properties
• Wound products (gels, pastes, creams) have medical grade honey
• Note: Honey can be dangerous for children under 1 years old.

Dr. Robert and Karla Robinson answer your questions:

Is drinking a glass of pickle juice a day good for you? If so, what does it do for you?

Pickle juice does have vinegar in it which has been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. However, I would recommend apple cider vinegar rather than pickle juice.

Is there a home remedy for joint pain (not necessarily arthritis)? Is there one for arthritis?

Regular exercise is key for controlling joint pain. Biking and swimming are good exercises that don’t put a lot of added stress on your joints. Talk with your doctor about an appropriate exercise regimen for your fitness level.

I’m suffering with hot flashes. Is there a home remedy to help with that? I have tried black cohosh but that doesn’t work for me.

Soy may be beneficial but discuss with your doctor first.

What is the home remedy for diabetes?

Exercise and a diet high in soluble fiber help to control blood sugar values. Speak with your doctor about how to incorporate these into your lifestyle. Also check out our book In Sickness and in Health HERE.

Is there a home remedy for hand arthritis? I don”t want to take prescription drug, but my fingers and hand hurt so bad.

Hand exercises can help with mobility and pain.

My husband has really really dry feet.. So bad they itch and peel… I tried everything over the counter but nothing works. 

He may actually be suffering from athlete’s foot. If so, he can try soaking his feet daily in original Listerine mouthwash, which helps kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. An antifungal cream may be necessary as well.

Hello. I have diabetic nerve pain in my feet and hands. Any home remedies? Also I’m experiencing erectile dysfunction. Remedies?

All of the above can be linked to uncontrolled diabetes. Controlling your blood sugar through diet and exercise can help in addressing these issues. Cinnamon and vinegar have been shown to help stabilize blood sugar values. Discuss with your doctor.

Will rubbing a used dish rag  on a baby’s kneecaps really help them start walking?

Never heard that one. I can’t see how that would help!

What is a good remedy for toenail fungus?

Daily soaking in original Listerine mouthwash can help to kill the nail fungus. This will likely take several weeks to a couple of months, but has been proven to work.

I would like more on how to increase sex drive for men over 55. What natural home remedies do you suggest?

Exercise can help stimulate sex drive. Speak with your doctor about an exercise regimen that is appropriate for your level of fitness.

For asthma, try to avoid triggers or those things that cause your asthma to flare up (pet hair, dust, pollen, etc.) A proper night’s sleep is the best remedy for not feeling rested (or get checked for sleep apnea). Coconut oil can help with symptoms of nausea.

Good morning. Please ask the doctors what helps lower cholesterol. 

A diet high in fiber, vinegar and exercise.

What causes swelling in the ankles?

Ankle swelling can be a symptom of many conditions ranging from heart disease, liver disease or kidney disease to less serious causes. Be sure to speak with your doctor to identify the cause of your ankle swelling.

What is the home remedy for high blood pressure?

2 cups of beet juice daily and 4 stalks of celery have been shown to lower blood pressure by 10 points. Please discuss with your doctor to make sure these are reasonable options for you.

What can you take to fall asleep???

Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and your phone and any electronic devices are turned off and you’re not using them right before sleep. Oftentimes, sleep issues are a result of not creating a good sleep environment.

How can you get rid of tonsil stones?

Tonsil stones can be the result of uncontrolled allergies. If you control your seasonal allergies, you may see benefits in your tonsil stones.

My three year has spots and scars from impetigo. How do you get rid of the discoloration on her face?

The discoloration should improve over time. Be patient.

Docs are there any home remedies for jock itch?

Jock itch is a fungal infection of the skin. Showering after exercise and drying the area thoroughly help prevent jock itch. You will probably need to use an antifungal medication to cure any current jock itch.

Is there a home remedy for yeast infections?

Yogurt actually works well to prevent yeast infections.

Is there a home remedy to stop snoring?

Snoring can sometimes be a sign of sleep apnea. Make sure to let your doctor know you snore. Maintaining a normal weight can be helpful.

Good morning,  doctors I need a remedy for a cyst on my nipple. Please help, my appointment isn’t until Sept 1st. 

Make sure to keep your appointment! Sometimes breast cysts can be improved by decreasing caffeine in the diet.

Hello, are there any home remedies for fibromyalgia?

Regular exercise and a diet free of processed foods has been helpful to decrease inflammation and improve pain.

Any home remedies for eczema?

After bathing, be sure to add a thick moisturizer and wrap with a moist towel for a couple of hours to lock the moisture in. You should see improvement in 1-2 days. Tea tree oil, oatmeal baths, and oolong tea are helpful for eczema.

Hi, I have a family history of high cholesterol on mom’s & dad’s side. I do exercise regularly and am conscious of diet. I’m looking for home remedies to lower cholesterol.

Garlic, fish oil, and coconut oil may be helpful to lower cholesterol. Low-fat diet and continued exercise is a great start.

Good morning! I have read that too much beet juice can be toxic to the liver. Any truth in that?

It is always best to consult your doctor before using any home remedies and use everything in moderation. But beet juice has been shown to be beneficial for liver health.

When hair remedies do you have to promote hair growth and decrease hair

thinning?

Sometimes hair thinning is genetic but a balanced diet is helpful for hair growth. Biotin has also been shown to be helpful.

What is a good home remedy for IBS?

Coconut has been shown to be helpful for IBS and diarrhea.

What can I do about mouth sores?

Canned green beans have been shown to be helpful for canker sores.

Regarding the beets and celery – when will your doc to know to reduce your medication? Do you think the reduced blood pressure along with the medication will trigger some symptoms to tell your doctor about which could result in lower meds?

It’s always good to monitor your blood pressure at home and keep a log. If your blood pressures start to drastically improve, your doctor may make adjustments as needed.

When my kids hit their head and a knot appeared, I would wet the spot and pat sugar on it. The swelling

would reduce and no bruise.

Sugar works on hiccups also; give them a teaspoon swallowed dry.

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