Cool Tricks

I found some of these first aid remedies that you can do at home to be
pretty good ideas...now if they work, that's another story.

You Have a First-Degree Burn

The trick: Smother it with onions. Icing cuts circulation, and you need
healthy blood cells for healing, says Martin Ehrlich, M.D., of Beth
Israel Medical Center, in New York City. Instead, expel excess heat by
running cool water over the burn for several minutes, then cut an onion
in half and let it rest on the wound. Onions contain a mild analgesic,
says Dr. Ehrlich.

Your Hand Is Full of Thorns

The trick: Coax them out with candle wax or duct tape. Light a candle
and pour melted wax on the hand, let the wax harden, then peel it off,
says Dr. Tallman. This should free the more stubborn spines. Then use
the sticky side of duct tape or roll a lint brush over the area to pick
up the stragglers. Gently, of course.

Your Tooth Is Killing You

The trick: First, make an appointment with your dentist. Then suck on a
clove near the throbbing chopper. The oil in the clove acts as a mild
local anesthetic, says oral surgeon Richard Crinzi, D.D.S. Plus, it will
freshen that dragon mouth.

And the best one, which I will definitely try....

You Feel Like Puking

The trick: Make a golf-ball bracelet. Sailors swear by ginger to
suppress seasickness and general nausea. But there's an acupuncture
trick that works just as well if you're feeling queasy, says Dr.
Ehrlich. Find the pressure point "pericardium number six": From the heel
of your palm, measure three finger widths toward your elbow. In the
center of the wrist area, tape a golf ball snug against that point, and
your stomach should calm down.