Page 184 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

182 A–Z OF DRUG AND NATURAL REMEDIES

Earwax drops Essential oils
Common brands Eucalyptus, camphor, and menthol used externally
● Murine Ear Wax Removal System Ear Drops for treating colds and blocked sinuses. Inhaling
(carbamide peroxide) ● ERO Ear Wax Removal Drops vapors helps unblock the nose and ease breathing.
(carbamide peroxide) ● Bausch & Lomb Ear Wax Method of use Oils, chest rubs, and
Removal System (carbamide peroxide) lozenges. Inhale a few drops of oil placed on a
Used to soften, loosen, and remove excess earwax. tissue; at bedtime, place tissue inside the
pillowcase. Apply a rub to the chest, throat, and
Method of use Tilt head and apply drops
back. Suck menthol lozenges to relieve a
into ear. Treat one ear at a time, a few days apart.
stuffed-up nose.
Side effects May cause brief “bubbling,”
Side effects Usually none.
mild stinging, and irritation in the ear.
Precautions Never ingest essential oils.
Precautions Don’t use if there is pain,
Some may not be suitable for children or for use
inflammation, or damage in the ear, a burst
during preganancy.
eardrum, dizziness, or recurrent ear problems. For
occasional use only.
Eye lubricants
Common brands
Echinacea
EYE DROPS: ● Artificial Tears (hydroxypropyl
Herbal remedy believed to help the body fight
methylcellulose) ● GenTeal (hydroxypropyl
infections. Used at the start of a cold, may help
methylcellulose) ● Systane (polyethylene glycol,
to reduce symptoms and speed recovery.
propylene glycol) ● Tears Naturale (hydroxypropyl
Method of use Available as capsules, methylcellulose) ● TheraTears (sodium
tea, fresh-pressed juice, or a tincture. carboxymethyl cellulose) ● Lubricating and
Side effects Uncommon; the most likely rewetting eye drops for contact lens wearers
problems are stomach upset and nausea. (sodium chloride)
OINTMENT: ● Lacri-lube (mineral oil, white
Precautions Don’t use for more than 8 weeks;
petrolatum)
may worsen asthma or cause allergic reactions. See
also GENERAL CAUTIONS, p.176. Drops and gels keep eyes moist and relieve itching
and dryness. Ointment containing white petrolatum
Essential fatty acids lubricates eyes at night.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly omega-3 Method of use Wash hands before use.
EFAs, help the body to form healthy cells and Apply inside lower eyelid. Keep droppers or nozzles
nerve tissue; may also help relieve depression away from eyeball or any other surfaces.
and affect hormones that contribute to menstrual
Side effects Brief stinging or blurred vision.
cramps and PMS.
Precautions If vision is blurred, don’t drive
Method of use Found in foods, principally
or use hazardous machinery. Some eye drops contain
oily fish such as sardines and salmon; olive oil;
chemicals that can damage contact lenses; never
walnuts; and flax seeds. Fish oil capsules are readily
wear contact lenses when using ointment. Avoid
available, as is flaxseed oil.
using ointment in daytime as it may blur vision.
Side effects Usually none if EFAs are
eaten as part of a balanced diet. Feverfew
Precautions None. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a garden herb
found by some people to reduce the frequency and
severity of migraine attacks.
Method of use Available as capsules,
pills, leaf powder, or tea.