Latest news with #Aspirin
Montreal Gazette
5 days ago
- Health
- Montreal Gazette
The Right Chemistry: A peashooter will not bring down a charging rhino
'A gesture as effective as sending out a boy with a peashooter to bring down a rhinoceros.' Sometimes I feel like I'm the boy and the rhino is the compendium of quack therapies ranging from coffee enemas, raw juice diets and therapeutic touch to Laetrile, homeopathic X-rays and Joe Mercola's penchant for infusing carbon dioxide up his rectum. Alas, the peashooter analogy is not my own. I swiped it from '100,000,000 Guinea Pigs,' a book published in 1933 by consumer advocates Arthur Kallet and F.J. Schlink. It claimed that the American public were guinea pigs, at the mercy of retailers who were flooding the market with overly hyped products that were either untested or known to contain harmful ingredients. The peashooter in Kallet and Schlink's example was aimed at 'Allen's Ulcerine Salve,' the 'rhinoceros' that was claimed to be an effective treatment for gunshot wounds, lacerations and animal bites. Not only was there no evidence of efficacy, but the product contained a toxic lead salt. The 1906 Food and Drug law had prohibited nostrums from false labelling of ingredients, but if there were no ingredients listed on the label, authorities could do nothing but confiscate a few dozen bottles. Allen's Ulcerine Salve was by no means the only rhinoceros targeted by Kallet and Schlink. Lead arsenate was widely sprayed at the time on fruits and vegetables as an insecticide and government action was only taken when Britain refused to import American apples because of arsenic residues. Dried fruits were preserved with sulphur dioxide at doses that were not allowed in Europe, flour was bleached with potassium bromate already banned in France, and toxic ammoniated mercury was widely advertised to whiten skin and remove freckles. Fear of bacterial diseases was widespread and various 'antiseptics' of unproven efficacy were advertised to convince a credulous public that without them they were destined to find themselves hairless, toothless, reeking of body odour and helpless in the face of germs that were waiting to pounce on vital organs. Pebeco toothpaste was supposed to strengthen gums with its content of potassium chlorate, for which there was no evidence. A tube contained as much as 30 grams of the chemical, a potentially lethal dose. A German army officer was said to have committed suicide by consuming a tube of Pebeco. Obesity 'cures' containing animal thyroid extracts or laxatives were available in pharmacies, as were painkillers like Salicon that contained Aspirin without it being declared on the label. People with Aspirin sensitivity were fooled into trying it. 'Scar-Pox' guaranteed to cure scarlet fever or smallpox in just three days. It contained nothing but a few pennies worth of cream of tartar. 'Kopp's Baby Friend' and 'Winslow's Soothing Syrup' contained unregulated amounts of morphine sulphate, and then there was perhaps the ultimate dangerous quack remedy, 'Radithor,' marketed by William Bailey, a man with a long record of dangerous quackery. He had previously 'invented' the 'Radiendocrinator,' a small container of radioactive radium that came with an 'athletic strap' so that men could place it under the scrotum where it could be irradiated to enhance potency. The only thing it enhanced was the risk of cancer. Radithor was a solution of a radium salt that was meant to be consumed as a cure-all. Wealthy American businessman Eben Byers became a Radithor guinea pig when he started consuming the liquid upon noting that his performance in the bedroom wasn't what it used to be. At first, he claimed he had 'staged a comeback,' but that was short-lived. Soon his teeth began to fall out, most of the bones in his jaw had to be surgically removed, and his body eventually disintegrated from radiation sickness. One of the most scathing attacks in 100,00,000 Guinea Pigs was directed against 'Koremlu,' a cream that 'devitalized the hair follicle so that it can no longer produce hair.' It was marketed by New York beauty salon owner Kora M. Lubin and contained thallium acetate, a chemical that could indeed cause loss of hair. But it could also cause loss of life. Thallium as an element was isolated in 1861 almost simultaneously by French chemist Claude-August Lamy and British chemist Sir William Crookes. Lamy found that during his experiments he suffered from exhaustion and developed excruciating pains in his legs. When he fed thallium compounds to animals they quickly weakened and died. This led to the use of thallium sulphate for pest control that persisted until the 1950s. Animals exposed to thallium also began to shed hair and that induced French dermatologist Raymond Sabouraud to use it to treat ringworm, a scalp infection. Removing hair from an infected scalp he believed would allow the scalp to heal. He did urge caution about its use because of thallium's toxicity. It seems Lubin read about Sabouraud's use of thallium and paid no attention to the warning. She launched Koremlu in 1930 as a depilatory mostly for women to be used on the upper lip, armpits and legs. It wasn't long before they were experiencing hair loss on the scalp, fatigue, severe pain and burning in the feet and even paralysis. No government action was taken because Professor Curt Wimmer of Columbia University's College of Pharmacy declared it to be safe after trying one-gram portions on his body for 10 days and finding no toxic effect. Women were using as much as six grams a day. Finally, Koremlu disappeared when the company went bankrupt after numerous lawsuits had alleged damage by the product. It wasn't only unregulated chemicals that were wreaking havoc with the health of people. There were quack devices as well. The Vit-O-Net was an electric blanket that would 'charge the bloodstream with minute currents of electricity to nourish cells.' Pneumonia and diabetes were no match for the energized cells. Vit-O-Net's inventor was 'Dr.' W. F. Craddick, who despite having only a Grade 8 education received a doctorate from the College of Drugless Physicians in just two weeks in return for a promise to send 'students' to the college. Then there was the 'Electro-Chemical Ring' that would help against rheumatism, bladder stones, gout, irregular menstruation, jaundice and diabetes by 'supplying electricity to the blood to reduce the intensity and quantity of acid until there is no surplus.' It was a ring made of iron and nothing else. Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose! The situation has not changed all that much since 1933. Yes, there are more regulations, but quacks are still running amok. Is there much difference between the Vit-O-Net and today's 'Biomat' that claims to be a '3-part synergy of quantum energetics from deep-penetrating heat of far infrared Rays, negative ion therapy for cellular activation, and the healing properties of amethyst?' Are the current magnetic bracelets that claim to relieve pain all that different from the Electro-Chemical Ring? I think not. Battling quackery is hard, but maybe with enough peashooters we can slow down that charging rhinoceros.
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to crush up aspirin and feed to plants showing these key signs
Plants to last longer by using the aspirin gardening hack, and it works (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS) Aspirins might be the unexpected gardening hack for your patios this summer. Gardening experts have revealed the many benefits of crushing these tablets, showing that their usefulness goes beyond headaches, body aches or fever. They contain acetylsalicylic acid, an active ingredient obtained from salicylic acid. Also found in willow bark and other trees. Surprisingly, this key ingredient is quite beneficial for many plants. As explained by Gardening Know How, it can boost the plant's growth, as well as speed up germination and even act as a barrier to any pests and diseases that may come in between. READ MORE: Households with bedding plants urged to act now to stop them dying Aspirin can be a lifesaver for headaches, but it can also benefit a plant's health (Image: Getty Images) It explained: "This tiny amount helps plants cope when they are under insect attack, dry, underfed, or maybe even experiencing a disease issue. The component helps boost the plant's immune system, just like it does for us." The United States Department of Agriculture also revealed that salicylic acid produces an immune response in plants of the nightshade family. It has also been proven to help with plant growth. Crushing aspirin and feeding it to plants can also extend their life span. The site added: 'The cut flowers will die eventually, but usually, you can add some time by the use of aspirin on plants.' When aspirin is diluted in water and sprayed on plants, it substitutes for the salicylic acid that plants naturally produce in response to stress. It then prepares the plant to defend itself from any threats, such as insects and diseases. In shorter words, it's their awakening call. Trials at the University of Rhode Island proved this by treating plants with this solution every three weeks during their growing season. The results showed better and faster growth, as well as more produce coming from those who didn't receive any treatment. Nonetheless, moderation is key when using these tablets, as they can lead to negative effects. Using too much can damage the plants even more, which is why it's best to do this in the early morning to allow plenty of time to soak up the nutrients. READ MORE: Gardeners told to use 'unusual' item to stop dust build-up on peace lilies It's also important to note that not all plants will react positively. As per the website, the appropriate dosage is three aspirin tablets (with 250-500 g), and then mixed with four gallons of water. Aspirin is also easily found in all supermarkets and pharmacies without a prescription. Even better, it's budget-friendly, costing less than a pound for a packet. Whether you're growing vegetables or want to keep a vibrant garden, this aspirin hack will easily become your go-to method. Still, don't forget to use it in moderation and follow the expert's advice.
Boston Globe
08-07-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
How the risks of drinking increase in older age
Advertisement Alcohol can present new problems in older age — particularly at 65 and older — for even light or occasional drinkers. Older adults tend to have less muscle mass and retain less water in their tissues compared with younger people, which can increase blood alcohol concentration, said Aaron White, a senior adviser at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. This means it takes fewer drinks for older people to feel intoxicated, and heightens the risk of severe injury from falls. According to Nixon's research, older people also show deficits in working memory at lower blood alcohol concentrations than younger drinkers. In another study Nixon worked on, some older adults in driving simulations showed signs of impairment after less than one drink. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing chronic conditions such as dementia, diabetes, cancer, hypertension and heart disease. But it can also worsen outcomes for the majority of older adults already living with chronic disease, said Aryn Phillips, an assistant professor of health policy and administration at the University of Illinois Chicago who studies alcohol and aging. Advertisement Drug interactions also come into play. Mixing alcohol with prescription medicines that older adults commonly take, such as those for treating diabetes or hypertension, can make the medications less effective or cause harmful side effects, like ulcers or an irregular heart beat. Benzodiazepines, when combined with alcohol, can slow breathing and act as a powerful sedative. Even over-the-counter medication can be dangerous. Aspirin, which some older people take to reduce cardiovascular disease risk (despite the potential side effects), can lead to severe gastrointestinal bleeding, which older people are already at higher risk for, said Michael Wheeler, a professor of nutrition science at East Carolina University who researches alcohol-induced liver disease. Some older adults also contend that hangovers worsen with age. While there's no strong scientific evidence supporting this, the hangovers may seem worse because alcohol can exacerbate other symptoms of aging, like poor sleep, White said. How to Reduce Your Risk Experts said alcohol use among older adults appears to have risen in recent years, though national trends are difficult to track outside of self-reported surveys. A federal survey from 2023 found that 12% of adults 65 and older — about 7 million people — reported drinking at least four or five drinks in a sitting in the previous month. After decades of mixed messaging around alcohol's health harms and benefits, recent studies have made it clear that no amount of alcohol is good for you. Still, Sacco acknowledged that 'drinking has meaning for people,' and whether to moderate or quit altogether 'is a call that you have to make in consultation with your doctor and your loved ones.' Advertisement But what is a 'safe' amount of drinking for the older set? That's difficult to say. The available studies attempting to establish exactly how much alcohol it takes to drive up health risks in older populations use different benchmarks for moderate drinking, making it tricky to draw a consensus. 'Even as an expert in this field, I understand the confusion,' Wheeler said. Nixon advised that adults 65 and older should consume no more than one drink per day and no more than seven per week. (The NIAAA does not establish guidelines around alcohol consumption, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines moderate drinking for adults of all ages as two drinks or less per day for men, and one drink or less per day for women.) All the experts emphasized that older people should pay close attention to their bodies' response to alcohol, and to stop drinking or cut back if they feel like it's affecting them more physically or cognitively. 'If you're not currently drinking, don't start,' Phillips said. And if you do drink, be honest with your doctor about your consumption, and do it in a safe environment, knowing that your tolerance may not be what it used to be, she added. 'The answer doesn't have to be abstinence,' Nixon said. But healthy aging 'probably does not include multiple drinks a day for most people.' This article originally appeared in Advertisement
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Can onion juice boost your hair growth? Here's what you need to know
Onion juice is a popular home remedy for hair loss and promoting hair health. It's been used for decades, but its effectiveness is still being researched. Before trying onion juice for hair care, it's essential to understand its benefits and potential drawbacks. Onions have uses beyond cooking, and their juice may have hair growth-promoting properties. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy. If you're considering using onion juice for hair care, it's crucial to learn more about its potential benefits and how it may fit into your hair care routine. How can you use onion juice for hair care? If you are interested in trying onion juice for hair care, according to healthline, here's a simple recipe you can try out at home: Mix 3 teaspoons of onion juice and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Apply this mixture evenly to your hair and scalp, covering the entire area. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse out completely with a mild shampoo. This may help eliminate any lingering onion odor and clean your hair. Why you should use onion juice for hair Use onion juice as a home remedy for many problems related to hair and scalp. As per reports onion juice has various benefits for your hair: Promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss Restoring shine and luster to hair Preventing premature graying Treating dandruff and scalp infections Soothing an inflamed, dry, or itchy scalp Addressing thinning, dry, or brittle hair Potentially helping with alopecia Points you should know before using onion juice According to reports, if you're allergic to onions, it's best to avoid using onion juice. Onion juice can cause skin irritation, such as redness and itching, especially if the mixture is very strong. To minimise this risk, you can mix onion juice with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or coconut oil. Onion juice, however, is not a treatment for conditions including alopecia or baldness, which require medical treatment or a hair transplant. Aspirin is one of many treatments that can increase skin sensitivities, so patch testing or speaking with a doctor before putting onion juice on your skin would be prudent. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Can onion juice help with hair loss? Onion juice may help with hair loss due to its high sulfur content, which is essential for growing strong hair. Sulfur-rich proteins like keratin support hair growth, and onion juice can provide an extra boost of sulfur to promote thick and healthy hair. The sulfur present in onions may also encourage collagen production, which helps develop healthy skin cells, and possibly encourage hair growth. Also, onions help improve circulation, and applying onion juice to the scalp could increase blood flow to hair follicles. However, more research is needed to confirm the significance of these findings. Also read | Is icing your face safe and effective? Know its benefits, risks, and application tips
Health Line
02-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Can Apple Cider Vinegar and Crushed Aspirin Treat Scalp Psoriasis?
While apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a frequently tried home remedy for scalp psoriasis, there is no evidence that crushed aspirin is effective at treating the condition—with or without ACV. It should only be tried with guidance from a medical care professional. What research says about apple cider vinegar for scalp psoriasis ACV has been called a cure-all ingredient for many health conditions because it contains numerous nutrients and antioxidants. In psoriasis, it's thought by some to ease itching and irritation, and to improve your skin's protective barrier. It may balance scalp pH and has mild antimicrobial effects. The National Psoriasis Foundation lists ACV as a natural remedy for psoriasis symptoms and recommends using organic ACV diluted with water at a 1-to-1 ratio so long as your skin is not broken or cracked. Once the solution has dried, it should be washed off. There are also many anecdotal stories online about ACV helping symptoms of psoriasis in people. However, much more research is needed to confirm any effectiveness of ACV for dermatological (skin-related) health conditions, including scalp psoriasis. Researchers of a 2023 study noted that there is still a lack of evidence and well-controlled and large-scale studies of the effectiveness of many home remedies, despite long-held assumptions that they work. What research says about crushed aspirin for scalp psoriasis Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an important ingredient for healthy skin and hair. It's often found in skin scrubs, moisturizers, shampoos, and other products. Benefits of salicylic acid for your skin include softer skin and reduced scaling. Additionally, some older research has found that aspirin may help lower the risk of melanoma, a skin cancer. Online, some tout the use of crushed aspirin in combination with ACV as a psoriasis remedy. However, there is no research showing the effectiveness of aspirin on psoriasis, with or without ACV. Additionally, aspirin can have blood-thinning effects and could be unsafe for some. It's recommended that you speak with a medical care professional before trying any home remedy to treat scalp psoriasis to avoid unwanted side effects or worsening symptoms. Psoriasis does not have a cure, and treatment focuses on improving symptoms and preventing flare-ups. While natural home remedies may help some, they can cause worsening symptoms in others.
