Surprising Remedies for Some Serious Conditions
There have been tremendous advances in health care in recent years. Sometimes effective treatments and solutions are found in the strangest places or even by chance!
Scientists are unlocking surprising new treatment options for conditions such as
- Dry Eye Syndrome,
- excessive sweating,
- depression,
- and even emergencies like heart attacks.
The Accidental Discovery of Dry Eye Treatment
While it’s commonly known that looking directly at the sun can damage sight, some other forms of light are actually good for the eyes!
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy introduces by dermatologists to treat skin complaints such as redness, inflammation, blemishes, acne, and rosacea.
However, in 2002 an American ophthalmologist started investigating other possibilities after hearing from many patients receiving IPL treatment on their skin, also reporting an improvement in their dry eye symptoms.
Research uncovered that applying the 500 to 800nm wavelength of intense light to the eye area improved the function of the Meibomian glands. It also helps in stimulating the production of natural secretions to lubricate and soothe the eyeball.
While IPL is particularly helpful for sufferers of chronic dry eye symptoms, unfortunately, the equipment is expensive, so it is not commonplace in optometry practices. So if you suffer from chronic dry eye, look for an optometry clinic which is equipped with IPL.
We are just beginning to realize that some of the most toxic substances on earth may be key to life-saving treatment!
The Benefits of Funnel Web Spider Venom
You could argue that a funnel web spider is more likely to cause a heart attack if you spot one in your house or yard than help you recover from one!
Yet scientists from The University of Queensland (UQ) and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute have recently discovered that the venom from one particular funnel-web species can potentially save heart attack patients’ lives
Reduced blood flow following an attack decreases the amount of oxygen in the heart muscle.
The resulting rise in acidity leads to the death of heart cells. But a specific protein found in the funnel web spider venom prevents this from happening.
Not only could this protein help minimize damage following a heart attack. Allowing victims to recover, but it also offers new hope for transplant patients as it extends the life of donors’ hearts.
Researchers aim to begin human clinical trials within two to three years.
Surprising Health Discoveries from Botox
Another substance emerging as having potential medical benefits is Botox – a toxin the microbe produces that causes botulism (food poisoning).
Botox is most commonly known as a cosmetic procedure for fine lines and wrinkles; however, Botox injections have also proven to help treat migraines, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating.
More recently, however, scientists have realized that Botox may be effective in helping patients with depression.
While there is a need for more research to establish the mechanism behind this effect. It is amazing that what provides for younger-looking skin could be key to unlocking new treatments for some serious conditions.
As these examples show, we can thank some surprising sources for our long, happy, and healthy lives today.
Have you discovered any odd remedies that work to treat other ailments? We like to hear from you!
Janet Camilleri
Based in Brisbane, Janet Camilleri submitted her first article to a magazine at the tender age of twelve (no, it wasn’t published). Since then however her work has appeared in dozens of print and digital publications. If you enjoyed this article, check out her blog Janetti Spaghetti!
