Favorite Home Remedies

Where do home remedies come from? How do people learn about them? We haven’t a clue who thought up the idea of soaking raisins in gin and decided nine a day is the right dose for arthritis. We first heard about this remedy from Jim Campbell in Hendersonville, NC, but the note he sent us credited several other folks. Lois Loebide in Toledo, OH, wrote it up in her parish newsletter, but she learned about it from a friend of hers in Hyannis, MA, who heard about it from a podiatrist in Washington, D.C. Who knows where he found out about raisins and gin!

Raisin d’Être

“Empty one box of golden light raisins into a large shallow container. Pour enough gin to completely cover the raisins. Let stand, uncovered, for about seven days until all of the liquid evaporates. Stirring occasionally will help the evaporation process. After the gin has evaporated, place the raisins in a closed container ... Eat nine raisins a day. If you don’t like raisins, put them on your cereal or in a salad.”

Attributed to “The Acts of Saint Lucas,” the newsletter of St. Lucas Lutheran Church, Toledo, OH.

We’ve never experienced anything like the enthusiastic response to this home remedy. Many people have written to us from all over the country to sing the praises of gin-soaked raisins:

“I was interested to read your column about gin-soaked raisins for arthritis relief. I heard about this home remedy from a friend who knew I had problems with painful osteoarthritis. I had tried all kinds of medicine, from aspirin to Voltaren, without much result. I started the remedy and after about a month I really noticed a difference. It was much easier to get out of bed in the morning. I can climb stairs without stopping halfway up. I can play tennis three or four times a week without suffering afterwards. These are just a few things that have changed since I started on the raisin remedy. It’s not a cure for arthritis, but it is a lot cheaper than the high-priced medicine that hurt my stomach and I believe it has helped me.”

We don’t know if the “raisin remedy” works or is just a figment of people’s imaginations. There are no scientific studies, but juniper (the flavoring in gin) has historically been used to treat stomach problems, bronchitis and even arthritis. Compared to many other arthritis treatments, this one seems benign.

Because the original recipe specified that the gin had to evaporate, the most frequently asked question was “Do these raisins ever dry out?” We heard from people who waited days or even weeks for the raisins to dry. Others ate their gin-soaked snack while still soggy. We now know the raisins never really dry out, but we asked pharmacologist Brian Thomas at Research Triangle Institute to test them for alcohol on his high-tech mass spec machine. The verdict — less than one drop of alcohol left in nine raisins — not enough to harm most folks.

The reader who rejected home remedies, supplements and natural approaches because because they are "scary territory," completely ignored drug side effects. And yet nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs contain a long list of very worrisome adverse reactions. 

NSAID Side Effects

• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention, edema
• Heart attacks and strokes
• Cardiac arrest
• Irregular heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation)
• Congestive heart failure
• Digestive distress (indigestion, heartburn, ulcers)
• Perforation of the stomach, small intestine and large intestine
• Kidney damage, kidney disease
• Severe allergic reactions
• Toxic skin rash
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Liver damage
• Blood disorders (anemia)
• Breathing difficulties (worsening asthma)

We recognize that a long list of adverse drug reactions means virtually nothing to most readers. Watch virtually any prescription drug commercial on television and you will hear an announcer describing some extremely serious complications. For example, one of the most lucrative pharmaceutical products ever developed was Humira (adalimumab). It is prescribed for a range of immune-medicated inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Here is what the announcer states during this commercial:

“Humira can lower your ability to fight infection. Serious and sometimes fatal infections including tuberculosis and cancers including lymphoma have happened, as have blood, liver and nervous system problems, serious allergic reactions and new or worsening heart failure. Tell your doctor if you’ve been to areas where certain fungal infections are common and if you’ve had TB, hepatitis B, are prone to infections or have flu-like symptoms or sores. Don’t start Humira if you’ve had an infection.”

The visual images on the screen during this recitation of potential side effects can be quite distracting. You often see people smiling and doing active things like playing with kids or hiking with dogs. It's hard to worry about adverse drug reactions when people are having fun. That's why we share just a few stories, because they are always more compelling than lists of complications:

Stories from Readers:

Bob in Chapel Hill, NC reports:

“I had to stop regular use of naproxyn because of kidney damage. After 40 years of practice in orthopedic surgery and stopping the prescribing of butazolidin because it caused leukemia and a number of other NSAIDs because those drugs caused heart attacks, I had to stop what I thought was ‘Safe’!”

Mary, writing about ibuprofen, says:

“Both my mother-in law and my mother almost died from this drug. I told the ambulance drivers I thought my mom was bleeding internally.  She was and almost died.

Jack writes:

“NSAIDS and blood pressure medication caused both of my kidneys to fail. I am now on dialysis three days per week for the rest of my days. There was no warning either on the containers or from medical personnel. Needless to say, this turn of events really chaps my butt!”

People with hypertension should probably avoid NSAIDs, since these pain relievers can make hypertension worse.

Arthritis used to be thought of as a condition of older people. Grandma Esther complained about a touch of “rheumatiz” in her fingers and Uncle Charlie needed a cane to hobble around because of a sore knee. Increasingly, though, arthritis is affecting younger people.

On March 7, 2017 when Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Anne Schuchat, MD, gave a briefing about “Arthritis in America,” she pointed out that arthritis is a growing problem. Doctor-diagnosed cases are now over 54 million. That doesn’t include people who haven’t been officially diagnosed. If we add in another 20 million or so, you have a very big number! She went on to say:

“This is not your mother’s arthritis. Contrary to popular opinion, arthritis is not an old person’s disease. About 60 percent (six – zero) of all adults with arthritis are less than 65 years old.”

Yikes! The numbers have been going up dramatically and no one seems to have an answer as to why. Yes, we are a fatter nation than we were 50 years ago. Extra pounds put a strain on joints. But we are also eating more pro-inflammatory foods (sugar and carbs) than ever before. We are also exposed to bacteria, viruses, pollutants and medications that can trigger inflammation and arthritis-like symptoms.

Over 40 percent of people with arthritis have the quality of their lives affected. Many have had to limit their activities. Dr. Schuchat spells it out:

“We are seeing this increase independent of aging of the population. When I say limited, I mean that adults may not be able to kneel on the ground, hold a cup, lift a grocery bag, or walk to their car. Today’s Vital Signs report finds that 24 million adult American lives are limited because of their condition. Dealing with limited abilities can be frustrating and have a negative impact on the quality of life.”

The Dangers of Drug Treatments

It is hardly any wonder that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have become so popular. When people are in pain they look for help. That’s why drugs like celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc) ketoprofen (Orudis), meloxicam (Mobic) and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, etc.) have become so popular. But such drugs are now recognized to come with the potential to cause significant side effects. One scary discovery is that NSAIDs are associated with a risk of sudden cardiac arrest (European Heart Journal. Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, April, 2017). That’s why home remedies are catching on.

Ashwagandha

We will bet that you have never heard of this herb (Withania somnifera). It has been used in India for thousands of years and is very much a part of the Ayurvedic healing tradition. That said, Americans are mostly unaware of Ashwagandha.

Our colleague, Tieraona Low Dog, MD, is one of the country’s leading experts on botanical and integrative medicine. When we interviewed her on our radio show she noted that Ashwagandha could be helpful for people who are “wired but tired.” It has an anti-anxiety effect that may help you stop ruminating from bedtime into the wee hours of the morning. Ashwagandha appears to exert this effect through its action on GABA receptors (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Aug. 2, 2015).

This herb also appears to have anti-inflammatory activity (Journal of Biological Chemistry, Feb. 16, 2007). One of the active ingredients in Ashwagandha is withaferin A (WA). It inhibits NFkappaB, which suggests it may be beneficial against both inflammatory conditions and cancer. A review of medicinal Ashwagandha in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology (Nov. 15, 2012) points out:

“It is traditionally used for treatment of various divergent disorders, such as chronic fatigue, dehydration, rheumatism. The berries and leaves are traditionally used as topical treatment for tumors and ulcers. The health benefit of Ashwaganda is supported by clinical trials in case of inflammation and immune modulation, periodontitis, reducing anxiety and reducing arthritis pain.”

The authors point out that there have not been long-term clinical trials of Ashwagandha. However, there is a surprising amount of basic research documenting the powerful anti-inflammatory action of this ancient Ayurvedic herb. Words of caution: it may affect thyroid function and the digestive tract. Some visitors to our website have complained it upsets their stomach, makes them nauseated or gives them diarrhea. Learn more about this natural approach in our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis.

Certo and Grape Juice

This home remedy is at least as old as gin-soaked raisins. We first heard about Certo and grape juice from a disappointed reader of our syndicated newspaper column in the spring of 1998:

“My wife and I tried your golden raisins and gin for arthritis and we were unimpressed. We have discovered something else, though, that seems to work for us. Take two teaspoons of Certo dissolved in three ounces of grape juice. Do this three times a day. We have been told to cut back to one teaspoon Certo in grape juice twice a day after the joints quit aching.

“We buy Certo in the grocery store near the canning jars. It’s simple and cheap and seems to be helping. I am on Coumadin so I can’t take anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil or Aleve.”

Our Answer on March 2, 1998

A. Certo contains pectin, a natural ingredient found in the cell walls of plants. It is used as a thickening agent in jams, jellies and puddings. Grapefruit pectin has been used to lower cholesterol, but this is the first we’ve heard of using pectin for arthritis pain. It seems safe, however, and we welcome comments. It did not take long for readers to respond (see sidebar to your left).

It wasn’t long before we heard from other readers

“I read your article on mixing grape juice with Certo for arthritis. It worked for me.

“I learned about this home remedy back in the 1970s from my mother-in-law. At that time my knee was swollen double size even after taking Motrin and Clinoril, so I tried the grape juice and Certo. The knee returned to normal size within a month.

“I took one tablespoon of Certo in 8 oz. of unsweetened grape juice once a day. I still use this treatment if and when the occasion arises.” May 11, 1998

In July we received another convincing story

“In a recent article you expressed surprise that Certo has been used for arthritis since the 1970s. Back in 1945 my 65-year-old grandmother suffered from arthritis in her knees. When a friend told her about the benefits of Certo in fruit juice 2 or 3 times a day, she tried it and was pain free within a few weeks.

“At the time I wondered whether this marvelous improvement was due to a placebo effect. During a two-week vacation in Florida she had no access to Certo and was a wreck when she returned. Grandma cried as she crawled to bed on her hands and knees. She returned to taking Certo, and was fine in two weeks.

“A few years ago I noticed persistent pain in my thumbs and shoulder and had to stop playing the piano. When my wrists and elbows became sore, I saw a nurse practitioner who diagnosed osteoarthritis and offered anti-inflammatory pills.

“I tried a tablespoon of Certo mixed with fruit juice (mostly grape juice) at breakfast and bedtime. Within a couple of weeks all symptoms disappeared, and I can now play the piano for hours.

“When I stopped taking Certo for nine days the pain was excruciating.  Going back on Certo banished it. Clearly it is not a cure, but seems helpful and has no worrisome side effects.”

 How To Make Certo & Grape Juice

Over the last two decades we have heard from hundreds of people who have tried this and similar remedies for arthritis. The recipes vary. One involves two teaspoons of Certo in three ounces of grape juice and is to be taken three times a day. Another involves a full glass of grape juice with one tablespoon of Certo. There are several variations on this basic theme. Since it is a home remedy, we encourage you to experiment to see what works for you and is convenient for your lifestyle.

Other Remedies for Arthritis

If you would like to learn more about other remedies and herbal approaches to easing inflammation we encourage you to check out our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis. In it you will learn about Knox Gelatin, bromelain (from pineapple), boswelia, turmeric (and its active ingredient curcumin), ginger, stinging nettle, acupuncture, glucosamine, MSM, SAMe, avocado/soybean mixtures, hyaluronic acid and much more.

Damp, smelly armpits are uncomfortable as well as unappealing, so it is no wonder most people apply an antiperspirant as part of their daily routine. In fact, more than 90% of Americans use some type of underarm cosmetic, either an antiperspirant or a deodorant. How often do we stop to consider the impact of that product on the ecology of the microbes that live on the underarm skin? Researchers have found that antiperspirant use encourages Actinobacteria to increase (Archives of Dermatological Research, Oct. 2014). That is, as the scientists delicately put it, "an unfavorable situation with respect to body odor development." You see, Actinobacteria contribute to stinky smells.

Rebound Odor

The problem is that stopping an antiperspirant suddenly can make your armpits smellier for a while. Years ago, we received this letter from a reader:

"I work in cancer research. About ten years ago, most of the women in my office decided to stop wearing antiperspirant because of the uncertainty of adverse health effects.

"We all had amazingly similar experiences. Most of us immediately had an increase of smelly perspiration that gradually tapered over a year. We used frequent underarm toweling and added baking soda-based underarm powder for meetings.

"Fortunately, once we got past the rebound period, there were virtually no problems. We experienced normal sweat production and no unusual odor.

I suspect that antiperspirant rebound is like so many other problems caused by living in the age of chemistry: it fixes a short-term problem but causes a long-term one."

Scientists report that when individuals stop using their antiperspirant or deodorant abruptly, the microbes in their underarms are dominated by Staphylococcus (PeerJ, Feb. 2, 2016). On the other hand, those who use neither have armpits in which Corynebacterium rule. We can't tell you that one is better than the other; they're just different. But we note that when Staph gets out of control, it can cause trouble.

If you do decide to stop using any underarm products, keep in mind that their effects can be detected on the armpit microbiome for several weeks (BMC Biology, June 12, 2019). That's a bit discouraging. After all, you don't want to smell for several weeks! Investigators are interested in developing products beyond the aluminum salts that are the key ingredients in antiperspirants (International Journal of Dermatology, May 2021). So far, though, scientists are silent on actual solutions for smelly underarms.

Readers Offer Remedies for Underarm Odor

Maxine shared her grandmother's old-fashioned solution with a smelly sister-in-law:

"A sister-in-law of mine had such body odor under her arms that you could smell her when she walked into a room. I hinted to her, but finally had to set an example. One day I pretended that I had to go into the bathroom and refresh myself, and she came with me to freshen up and comb her hair. I made a big deal about my underarm deodorant and applied it right in front of her.

"I use something my grandmother used. She never smelled. She used cornstarch and baking soda rubbed into her armpit. That worked for her and for me, and my sister-in-law did not smell so bad again. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. Some people never think they stink."

Another reader used baking soda alone as a substitute for deodorant:

"I stopped using deodorant over 5 years ago just to see if I could go without it. I started using a dab of baking soda in each armpit daily. It worked great and I found out I don’t have to use it daily. I’ve had no odor or problems since."

Judy applies apple cider vinegar to her armpits:

"I saw somewhere that apple cider vinegar (probably any vinegar) worked as a deodorant. I tried it and it works great — just a drop spread on each armpit. It works even better if a little cornstarch is put on after it dries, and it doesn’t make my clothes stink."

Donnie is enthusiastic about Epsom salts:

"I put a dab of epsom salts in my bathroom sink, and run some warm water in it. After the epsom salts dissolves, I wash my underarms with my usual soap, and this seems to prevent underarm odor very well. I don’t need to use deodorant at all. I also use epsom salts when I soak my feet, and that works great, too."

Ken prefers rubbing alcohol:

"The rebound odor can be controlled by using rubbing alcohol splashed on a paper towel and using it to wipe down your pits."

Some readers, including this one, like plain old milk of magnesia (MOM):

"I have been using MOM for about 2 years now, ever since I read about it on your site. I put it in a little soap dispenser with a pump top. I put a squirt in the palm of my hand and rub it in.

"In the past I always had to shower before going out but not now. It is a relief to skip the shower at times. Today I am going to softball practice at noon and will shower later before going to Good Friday services tonight. When I used regular deodorant it only lasted for that day. The next morning the underarm odor was back."

We defy you to name one other product that has as many uses as plain old baking soda. From scrubbing the sink to cleaning the connections on a car battery to making chocolate chip cookies rise, sodium bicarbonate is almost indispensable.

Probably the foremost medical use for baking soda is as an antacid. It has also gained popularity as a dentifrice. Some people brush their teeth with baking soda, and a trip down the toothpaste aisle at your local drug store will show just how popular baking soda is in oral hygiene. It is less abrasive than some toothpastes and preliminary dental research suggests it may even be helpful in reducing the risk of gum disease. Baking soda in water is also an excellent gargle.

Its deodorant properties are legendary, but did you know that smelly feet could benefit? Wade, in Deer Park, Texas, offers the following advice:

“When I was a kid my feet smelled and sweat something awful. I confided to my barber and he gave me a solution for them.

“Take a pan big enough for your feet and fill it with water as hot as you can stand. Put two tablespoons of plain old baking soda in the water and soak the feet for 30 minutes for 30 nights.

“Throw away those synthetic sneakers because they hold in the moisture. Leather or canvas shoes with a clean pair of socks each day will breathe better. I’m 72 and my feet don’t sweat and I feel at ease if I have to take my shoes off for any reason.”

Thirty days of baking soda soaks may not last until you are 72, but it certainly does seem safe and inexpensive. Other readers rave about baking soda and cornstarch as an underarm deodorant.

Are you afraid to put your best foot forward, especially during warm weather. Millions of Americans wish their feet were more presentable.

Normally we take our tootsies for granted. We count on them to carry us around, and we keep them covered and out of sight. But when it gets hot outside we like to wear sandals or even go barefoot in the backyard or at the beach. If you’re headed for the swimming pool or the backyard barbecue, flip-flops or sandals are more appropriate than sweaty sneakers.

But lots of us are embarrassed to bare our toes in public. The problem is fungus. Such organisms love warm, dark places. Mildew grows on damp shower curtains. Mushrooms thrive on the underside of rotting logs. Shoes provide a perfect environment for the fungus that causes athlete’s foot or thick brown misshapen toenails.

In most cases, toenail fungus is just a cosmetic issue. There’s no denying it: fungus-infected toenails aren’t pretty. One reader complained, “I’m a distance runner and have toenails that are fit to be seen only on Halloween.”

Some people try home remedies first. Soaking the toes nightly in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water may help some cases. Others respond to Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil. If applied on the nail twice a day, one of these treatments may help clear toenail fungus.

Toenails grow slowly. Even powerful prescription pills like Sporanox or Lamisil may take months to show benefit, and it can take up to a year for a toenail to grow out completely fungus-free.

Another problem many people complain about is foot odor. One mother complained about her daughter’s smelly feet:

“She’s seven years old and has hot, sweaty feet which smell really bad! Perhaps the odor is worse now because it’s summer and she’s wearing tennis shoes all day. It’s almost enough to kill you when she takes her shoes off in the car!”

One mother recounted her family’s solution:

“Wash and dry the feet. Soak them or wipe them down with a solution of ordinary rubbing alcohol. This gets rid of any bacteria left after the washing. Dry the feet, then rub on a small amount of any generic brand of acne treatment cream containing 10 percent benzoyl peroxide. It kills the bacteria that cause odor.

“Do NOT put treated feet into smelly shoes. Use new shoes free of any odor to avoid re-infection. Continue the cream application once a day for a week. After that, two or three treatments a week are enough.”

Home Remedies For Nail Fungus

Home remedies are rarely studied in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. As a result, we don't often have scientific research to show how well-or not-they may work. It is unusual for us to have a solid explanation for the success of certain popular home remedies. One example is the use of Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus.

Fighting Toenail Fungus:

One reader shared this story:

"I have lived with a fungus infection of one big toenail for several years. Various over-the-counter remedies I tried did not work. I read the following article in the "CR Health" department of Consumer Reports magazine:

"Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months..."

"I purchased a tube of Vicks Greaseless Cream VapoRub in mid-February, and have applied it morning and evening to the affected toenail. I use only a small amount, enough to scrape off my finger under the front of the nail and around the cuticle.

"To my immense gratification, IT WORKS! (At least for me.) After six weeks of use, the nail has lost most of its previous black color and is showing about a quarter of an inch of fresh, healthy-looking nail coming out of the cuticle as the nail grows. It's worth trying - nowhere near as expensive as the ineffective stuff they sell for the purpose!"

How Well Does Vicks VapoRub Work?

Over the years we have heard from many people who have had success with Vicks VapoRub in the treatment of nail fungus. You will read some of their stories below. Others tell us this remedy is totally worthless.

That is not surprising. Many people report failure with pricey prescription anti-fungal products too. Some people spend quite a bit of money on oral antifungal medicine and take it for many months, only to have the fungus return after a temporary "cure."

It seems as if nail fungus is surprisingly variable. This may be due both to the range of fungal pathogens that can affect nails and to differences among the hosts' immune systems. Some people never get nail fungus even though they walk barefoot in the garden, in the shower or at a locker room. Others find all their toenails are thick, yellowish-brown and misshapen. Not only do they look ugly, but they are hard to clip. One treatment may work for awhile, but the fungus seems to come back relentlessly.

We often wonder whether there are different fungi at work or if the relationship between the immune system and the fungi have something to do with this problem. We have also come to believe that bacterial may also play a role in nail "fungus."

The Research on Vicks VapoRub for Nail Fungus:

As for Vicks VapoRub, there actually have been a few studies showing benefit against nail fungus. In one, people with AIDS (whose immune systems do not function well) had their nail fungus treated with Vicks. The conclusion: safe and effective (Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Jan-Feb., 2016).

Previously, a pilot study had shown results in 15 out of 18 people using Vicks VapoRub on the nails daily for 48 weeks (Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, Jan-Feb., 2011). Even before that, a study of some of the essential oils in Vicks VapoRub showed that they are active against five different species of fungus that infect nail tissue (Phytotherapy Research, April, 2003). Camphor, menthol, thymol and oil of eucalyptus are effective against these organisms. Moreover, fungi rarely develop resistance to them (Mycopathologia, Feb. 2016).

Vicks VapoRub Stories and Experiences from Readers over the Years:

Tom N. touts the house brand at lower cost:

"My solution was simple and no fuss. I rubbed Walmart house brand version of VapoRub (1/3 cost of Vicks) on toenail, uncovered, each night before retiring. After 5 months the fungus has grown out the end of the nail.

"Disclosure: I am not a shill for Walmart...."

We have no opinion as to the quality of generic Vicks VapoRub. The relatively low cost of either the name brand or the house brand does not make this a big issue for us. Keep in mind that a jar will last a long time, even with daily applications.

Vagisil for Nail Fungus?

Jim P. offers a different option--a vaginal anti-itch product:

"On a radio show years ago, Joe or Terry mentioned that resorcinol was an anti-fungal. This is the active ingredient in Vagisil (and store brands).

"So I tried it on my toenail fungus. The results were equal to Vicks VapoRub (complete cure on 3 nails, partial on 1), but the nail surface was smoother and more normal-looking. All I do is rub Vagisil into the affected nails and nail bed once a day after my shower. 30 seconds once a day is all it takes, and there's no odor or greasy residue.

"Note - you won't clear up existing fungus; you have to wait for new nail growth to see the difference. (I tried a weak tea tree oil lotion years ago, and all the fungus grew back. I haven't tried a 100% tea tree oil.)"

Resorcinol has been around for more than 150 years. It has been used topically as an antiseptic and to treat a variety of skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema and acne. Not surprisingly, it has antifungal activity, which might account for why it could be useful against nail fungus. But wait, there's more! resorcinol can help fight bacterial infections too. It has activity against both staph and strep infections (Dermatologic Therapy, June 2022). That may help explain its effectiveness.

Amber Listerine & White Vinegar:

Jen says Listerine and vinegar are her go-to solution:

"I used tea tree oil faithfully for several years with some improvement. Also oregano oil, recommended as stronger than tea tree oil - and quite expensive. Again, some improvement. I tried the Vicks with socks at night, but I don't like sleeping with socks.

"Then I began one hour per week of soaking in water with lots of white vinegar. I had immediate success - the fungus cleared almost completely and quickly.

"Since then I have continued the weekly soaks with vinegar and the amber Listerine and no water - one hour while sitting at the computer. I wonder if there is more than one kind of fungus since the tea tree oil was only somewhat successful, while the vinegar was much better for me. If there is more than one kind of fungus, that would explain why different strokes for different folks seems to be a key factor.

"Incidentally, the weeds in my garden do not like vinegar so I just dump my used soaking mixture there - I have lots of weeds to use it on! And it works."

Here's another story...from Hawaii:

"Ten years ago, I had toenail fungus. I soaked my feet in a Listerine and vinegar 50/50 solution for an hour every day for a week. That sounds like a lot of time, but I was stubborn and really wanted to get rid of it. I live in Hawaii where everyone wears flip flops.

"This really worked for me. I’m hoping to use the same solution now to get rid of my athlete’s foot. My doctor was amazed, especially since he wanted to give me a pricey prescription I would have had to take for a long time."

We were initially surprised that this remedy worked so quickly. It normally takes several months for infected nails to be replaced with healthy tissue. The thymol in Listerine has well-established anti-fungal properties (BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Aug. 30, 2016). We now think we have an explanation for the success of Listerine and vinegar against toenail "fungus."

Maybe Toenail Fungus is Not Always Just Fungus:

We have lost count of the number of people who insist that when all else fails, white vinegar and Listerine foot soaks do the job. We are not surprised. The original amber Listerine has some of the same ingredients as Vicks VapoRub, including eucalyptol, menthol and thymol. It also contains methyl salicylate and 26.9 percent alcohol as an inactive ingredient. Listerine was originally developed in St. Louis in 1879 as a surgical antiseptic. By the 1920s, dentists were recommending it as a mouthwash.

Did you pay attention to the words "surgical antiseptic?" That means it kills things other than fungi. We conclude that Listerine also kills bacteria. And we now believe that some nasty nails may be infected with bacteria as well as fungi. And here's the story you have never heard before!

Could Toenail "Fungus" Sometimes Be A Bacterial Infection?

We have been writing about toenail fungus for over 30 years. That’s because fungal infections of the nails are both common and hard to treat. They require patience and persistence. Home remedies are inexpensive and sometimes work as well or better than prescription treatments. We believed that fungi (dermatophytes) such as Trichophyton rubrum or T. mentagrophytes caused most nail infections. Other causes included Epidermophyton floccosum or the yeast Candida albicans. But sometimes a “fungal” infection may actually be a bacterial infection or both bacterial and fungal. 

Dermatologists have learned that bacteria are responsible, in part, for some nail infections (Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, March 1, 2021). Here is what the authors discovered:

“Thirty-nine consecutive nail and subungual debris samples with suspected onychomycosis  [nail fungus] were sent for laboratory analysis using three examination techniques: DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction analysis, and standard fungal culture.

“Results: The DNA sequencing detected 32 species of bacteria and 28 species of fungi: 50% were solely bacterial, 6.3% were solely fungal, and 43.7% were mixed communities of bacteria and fungi.

“Conclusions: Toenails tested with DNA sequencing demonstrated the presence of both bacteria and fungi in many samples.”

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (July, 2021) also found:

“Of 53 patients included in the study, 39 were female (73.6%) and 14 were male (26.4%). The ages of the patients ranged from 14 to 70 years, and the mean age was 37.8 years. No fungi could be isolated in 17 (32%) patients with nail dystrophy, while fungal pathogens were observed in 36 (68%) patients…

“Conclusion: Although fungal pathogenic agents are mostly detected among the diseases causing color changes and deformities in the nails, it should be kept in mind that nail findings of systemic or other skin diseases may mimic onychomycosis [nail fungus] and the diagnosis should be confirmed by laboratory tests in addition to clinical manifestations for accurate treatment.”

Neosporin and Polysporin to the Rescue?

Some readers have been reporting success with the antibiotics in Neosporin (neomycin, polymyxin B). Others tell us that Polysporin (bacitracin, polymyxin B) also works in some cases. Here are some testimonials:

“I tried home remedies for nail fungus with limited results. OTC liquids and athlete’s foot creams didn’t work either. The fungus always returned. Oral Lamisil helped, but I had to stop it due to abnormal liver function tests.

“A few weeks ago, you wrote about Neosporin for stubborn nail fungus (here is a link). So I tried it.

“Almost overnight, my nails look better than they have in twenty-plus years! The thick, whitish-yellow, crusty, crumbly nails are now pink and healthy looking. Black spots on two smaller toes are growing out. My podiatrist was amazed.”

We have no explanation for such a rapid improvement. A fungal infeciton of the nails normally takes months (or years) to improve. We suspect something else is going on. Here is another case report that defies a fungal origin:

"I can’t remember exactly how I stumbled on your post about someone using Neosporin on their toenails. I’d spent years trying everything on my thick, crumbly toenails, including home preparations with coconut oil and essential oils. So I thought, what the heck, might as well give it a try. Within two days, there was a huge improvement. I have no idea why and I don’t care."

Green Nail Syndrome:

Q. My husband has toenail fungus that has made his big toenails green. He doesn’t usually remember to put anything on them. I have him just soaking his sock, while he is wearing it, with Listerine. Will this help or not?

A. It’s possible that your husband might have green nail syndrome. Dermatologists call this condition chloronychia. It is not caused by fungus, although fungus may also be present. Instead, a bacterial infection such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa is usually responsible (Clinical Interventions in Aging, Jan. 14, 2015).

One test you could perform at home involves dropping a clipping of the affected nail into a small amount (1 ml) of distilled water. After a day, the water turns bluish-green if P. aeruginosa is the cause. We recommend that he see a podiatrist or a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.

Soaking the nail in dilute vinegar may help. Sometimes, topical antibiotics such as Neosporin or Polysporin can also fight this infection.

Most likely the expert will recommend keeping the nails dry. These bacteria flourish in a damp environment. That’s why soaking his socks in Listerine while he is wearing them might not be the best approach, even though this mouthwash has both antifungal and antibacterial activity.

Our bodies have a hard time shifting through multiple time zones. People who travel from the East Coast to the West often wake up the first morning before dawn. Their brains were tricked by a natural chemical called melatonin. The further you travel the harder it is to adapt.

Bright sunlight may be one of the best ways to reset your biological clock. About 30 minutes to an hour of sunlight during the day can be helpful. The ultraviolet radiation suppresses melatonin and helps shift the body’s schedule to the new time zone.

If the problem is waking up too early, it’s best to get your light in the late afternoon. When falling asleep is difficult, as it may be for those traveling east, sit in the sun as early in the morning as possible.

A traditional treatment for asthma involves the medicine theophylline (Elixophyllin, Slo-bid, Theo-Dur, Theo-24, etc.). This drug is chemically related to caffeine. Although we would not recommend this home remedy for a serious asthma attack, the following anecdote demonstrates the power of this compound.

“You saved my honeymoon and I just want to thank you. My husband and I left for Hawaii immediately after the wedding. In all the excitement I forgot my asthma medicine. Although I don’t have to take it every day I always keep some on hand.

“The day after we arrived we took a long walk on the beach and by the time we got back I was wheezing. I almost panicked until I remembered reading in your book that coffee can act as an emergency treatment for asthma.

“Three cups controlled my attack and I didn’t have any more trouble. The rest of the honeymoon was great!”

Although it is not an adequate substitute for medication, two or three cups of brewed coffee may provide relief in a pinch for someone experiencing a mild asthma attack.

Your story demonstrates just how important it is to pack medication along with your toothbrush and other essential items.

There are dozens of home remedies for hiccups, from sipping water from the wrong side of the cup to swallowing a teaspoon of sugar dry. If you recall, we cited an article from 1971 published in the New England Journal of Medicine in which doctors shared their success with the sugar remedy to treat patients with long-lasting hiccups.

Is there any science behind hiccup remedies? In The first edition of The People's Pharmacy back in 1976, we suggested that:

"Actually, it is probably not the sugar itself but the small granules which do the trick. Salt would probably work just as well, but who can swallow a whole teaspoonful of salt? The way the whole thing works is probably by setting up a local irritation in your throat. Somehow the sugar particles stimulate a nerve, which then shuts off the hiccup reflex."

That was a crude guess, but not entirely off base. We now suspect that the granules end up stimulating the vagus nerve. This network of nerves collects information from the body’s major organs starting above the throat and reaching down to the colon. An article in the Journal of the History of the Neurosciences (online, July 23, 2014) reviews the history of hiccup remedies this way:

"The common denominator of most of these maneuvers is their ability to directly or indirectly increase efferent vagal activity."

The vagus nerve runs from base of the brain and "innervates" the tongue and mouth and descends to the diaphragm and stomach.

The "Valsalva Maneuver" stimulates the vagus nerve. The author above describes it this way:

"The Valsalva maneuver is performed by a moderately forceful attempted exhalation against a closed airway."

A German physician put it a bit more graphically in 1858:

“The patient had to take a deep breath and then hold the body under strong tension in such a way as if to press for passing stool.”

In 1888 a French physician, Dr. Georges Dresch, suggested a somewhat different approach to vagal stimulation. He told his medical colleagues to try:

"...obstructing both auditory canals with the fingers while applying a certain degree of pressure; the patient was supposed to also take a few sips of any liquid while the procedure was performed."

Joe was able to demonstrate this technique on Good Morning American many years ago with the help of Diane Sawyer.

Favorite Hiccup Remedies:

Our readers often share their favorite hiccup remedies with us. Many of them have scientific support, as described above.

Q. I really appreciate the tips, updates and news in your syndicated newspaper column. When I read advice about halting hiccups, I’m reminded about the only sure-fire way I’ve ever found to stop hiccups–and I learned it from the “Bullwinkle Show” when I was a kid. Honest!

Bullwinkle’s advice? Take seven sips of water while holding your breath. This simple trick has always worked for me–and everyone I’ve ever shared it with–for more than 20 years. Make sure each of the seven sips is completely swallowed.

A. Many hiccup remedies involve sipping or swallowing. In one, the hiccup victim must drink from the wrong side of the cup. (It’s necessary to bend over.) In another, the sufferer drinks several swallows of water while an accomplice presses on both ear flaps (technically called the tragus). Here is a detailed description of this approach from another reader:

“I hope you will publish this hiccup cure, as it never fails. I was tormented with hiccups for years. They were so loud they could be heard up the block.

“Once I was in a car with a friend for ten hours and hiccupped the whole time. He never believed I couldn’t help it. That ended our friendship.

“I tried sugar, scaring and other things; then in college I found something that has never failed. I never worry about hiccups anymore since I can always get rid of them.

“The simple solution is to drink water while standing up and holding the ears closed. After years of being helped with this, having a second person hold my ears, I realized I could do it myself. I hold my ears closed with my thumbs, and hold the water glass with the four fingers of each hand. (I like the solo method much better. It keeps me from spitting the water out in laughter, for one thing.)

“How much water is needed depends on how bad the hiccups are. One glass usually works. If not, a second will do it. I think only once in decades have I had to use a third glass.

“If there is only a water fountain and no glass, hold the water in your mouth, stand up and swallow while holding your ears, then repeat. Finding this cure was worth the price of my senior year college tuition. I learned it in nutrition class.”

Strong Flavors Stimulate TRP Receptors:

Q. In the past, when I would get the hiccups, they would last all day, off and on, no matter what I did. One day I was having a really persistent bout going on and thought, “I wonder what would happen if I took some Rolaids?”

I popped a few flavored Rolaids into my mouth, crunched them down, and—Shazam—within seconds the pesky, annoying hiccups were gone. It’s worked for me several times since and it’s a real relief.

A. We suspect that your crunched-up Rolaids stop hiccups by indirectly stimulating the vagus nerve thanks in part to the strong flavors. Scientists have found that transient receptor potential (TRP) channels influence nerves throughout the body. Menthol (mint flavor) activates TRPM8 (Current Neuropharmacology, March 2008). We don’t know if this leads to interruption of the vagus nerve misfiring that creates hiccups, but it is conceivable.

Q. I have been meaning to write you about this for a long time. I have used one or two green olives for hiccups for many years, as have all my family members.

I don’t know why it works, it just does. It stops them almost immediately. It even worked on a friend who had been through surgery and had suffered for three weeks until I gave him an olive. Have you ever run across anyone else who has used this? I’m rather curious as to why it works.

Bartenders are a common source of hiccup remedy recommendations:

“A tablespoon or two of Angostura bitters taken all at once always cures my hiccups. A bartender told me about this many years ago!”

People who drink alcohol are especially susceptible to hiccups. One favorite bartender recipe is to have the hiccupping person suck on a lemon wedge that has been sprinkled with a few drops of Angostura bitters. Bartenders have also offered their hiccupping patrons a wedge of lemon, a shot of white vinegar or a green olive.

Here is one reader's story about vinegar:

“I have been using vinegar as a remedy for hiccups for over 20 years. I know of no instance when a teaspoon of vinegar did not eliminate even the most stubborn case of hiccups. Usually I use white vinegar, but I have used balsamic and rice vinegar with success. I believe this answers the question of why green olives cure hiccups. It is not the olive but the vinegar in the brine!”

Chocolate for Hiccups:

A sweeter taste is chocolate:

“My father was recovering in the hospital for several weeks last summer, and many, many times he had lengthy bouts of severe hiccups. As he was recovering from abdominal surgery, these were extremely painful.

“His doctors tried anti-spasmodic drugs to end them, but that didn’t work. I read about chocolate as a remedy in your book, bought him a bag of chocolate chips, and voila. He is in his seventies and a skeptic. When he mentions this cure to his doctors, they think he is making it up. He was thrilled.”

Here is the original article that stimulated this success story:

Q. The absolute best cure I’ve ever found for hiccups is CHOCOLATE. Don’t believe me? Try it.

Keep some 70 to 90 percent cocoa dark chocolate on hand. (Lindt is good.) Smooth a bite of the chocolate on the roof of your mouth and be amazed at how fast your hiccups disappear!

Don’t worry about chocolate making you fat. Unsweetened dark chocolate is beneficial. (Milk chocolate, though, is not good for dieters.) You’ll thank me for this cure.

A. We first heard about using chocolate as a home remedy for hiccups from a listener who called our syndicated public radio show. Her Danish grandmother had always dispensed a few chocolate chips to a child with hiccups.

We have since heard from others who agree that chocolate can help stop hiccups. Here’s one reader’s hiccup cure story:

“I discovered this remedy one day after repeated bouts of hiccups. I became aggravated and decided that if I was going to have them, I was going to have them with chocolate. They stopped immediately, much to my surprise. The chocolate remedy has been foolproof for years now.”

Presumably some of the cocoa flavanol compounds are able to stimulate the vagus nerve to counteract hiccups (Experimental Physiology, Jan., 2013). We can’t think of a tastier remedy to chase away the hiccups.

When Hiccups Become Worrisome:

Q. You have written about hiccups that will not go away. My husband had hiccups for four days and finally saw the doctor when his ribs started hurting.

His physician told him to use an enema suppository. He did, and the hiccups were gone within 24 hours. I hope this helps someone else.

A. Persistent hiccups require a medical workup to rule out any serious underlying cause such as a heart attack, pneumonia, pancreatitis, hepatitis or cancer.

When all else fails, doctors have found that massaging the rectum can be surprisingly effective. Over three decades ago, an article in the Journal of Internal Medicine (Feb. 1990) reported that digital rectal massage resulted in a quick cure for intractable hiccups. Perhaps that is why your husband’s doctor suggested a suppository. We’re glad this approach worked so well.

Persistent hiccups could signal a serious problem such as an electrolyte disturbance (American Journal of Emergency Medicine, June 2017). Consequently, if they last for two days or more despite trying everything you know about how to stop hiccups, you should seek medical attention. 

A Word to the Wise About Home Remedies:

The warning above about persistent hiccups is true for just about any condition. Home remedies can work for minor ailments. If they don't work or if the condition persists or gets worse, always consult a physician!

If you appreciated the handful of simple approaches you found in this guide and would like to learn more about home remedies, we recommend The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies: Q&As for Your Common Ailments from  (National Geographic). Look for it at your library or order directly from this website in our bookstore at this link.