Stay away from these 5 home remedies

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Medicine has come a long way in the past few centuries, and although we pride ourselves on choosing penicillin over leeches, some of us stubbornly stick with remedies that should have gone out of style with chain mail.

Here are a few remedies you should decline.

Tobacco smoke for children’s earaches

“My ear hurts, Grandpa!”

“Hang on. Let me get my cigar.”

No. Just no. This “cure” is simply blowing smoke.

Blowing that nasty stuff into a kid’s ear may relieve the pain temporarily, but the risks far outweigh the potential benefits. Not only is secondhand smoke something children (and everyone) should avoid — you know, cancer and stuff — but tobacco smoke can actually increase children’s risk of ear infection!

In this case, tell the well-meaning smokers in your life to butt out.

11 outrageous folk remedies to avoid

Breast milk for cuts

If you do an internet search for the curative properties of breast milk, you will begin to believe this liquid wonder is indeed from the gods. But although it is great for babies’ internal use, it may do more harm than good on sores and open wounds.

Breast milk can actually carry infectious diseases — including, possibly, HIV — especially if pumped milk is not stored properly. It’s not worth it. Save some for Junior instead.

Home remedies that do not work

WD-40 for rheumatoid arthritis pain

WD-40 can fix just about anything, right? (And duct tape covers the rest.) Squeaky doors, rusted bike chains … so why not painful joints?

This would actually be the perfect remedy … if you were the Tin Man on “Wizard of Oz.” Unfortunately, WD-40 does not work that way for nonmetallic people. In fact, it can cause skin irritation. When you’re already in pain, you don’t need more pain!

(And if you insist on trying this, you’re not the Tin Man anymore. You’re the Scarecrow.)

RA home remedies

Mayonnaise for a burn

Yes, some cookbooks describe mayonnaise as a “dressing,” and the Mayo Clinic does exist … but actual mayonnaise belongs on buns. (You know what we mean.)

Here’s what you should do: rinse the burn with cool water and use antibiotic ointment. If the burn is severe, go to the emergency room.

Do you know what’s in mayonnaise? Egg yolks, various preservatives … you might as well wear a sign on your back that reads, “HARMFUL BACTERIA WELCOME HERE. INQUIRE AT BURN.”

(Likewise, if Aunt Edna tells you to use butter on that burn, tell her you’re not toast. Then nurse your burn properly and have a sandwich.)

First aid myths that do no good

Urine for acne

Good news for those desperate enough to try this: It does sort of work. Urine has exfoliating and moisturizing properties. But you know what else does? Anti-acne creams, and in greater concentration, with no ick included.

Something else to consider about the pee-face treatment: You may receive less affection from your significant other. In other words, urine trouble.

The ‘urine facial’ is a real thing — but does it actually clear up acne?