13 Dangerous Folk Remedies to Avoid Unintentionally (Lee Jin-kyung's Health Tips)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-kyung Lee] There are many traditional folk remedies that have been passed down for a long time. But how far can we trust and follow them? Blindly following unverified folk remedies can actually worsen symptoms or cause side effects. Folk remedies are medical treatments used in the community aiming for immediate symptom relief, often used as temporary measures when visiting a hospital is difficult or when there is no medicine to take. Of course, some may show temporary effects, but many folk remedies lack significant efficacy or evidence and can even threaten health, so special caution is needed. Let's find out what folk remedies we have casually followed in daily life.

1. Applying Doenjang (fermented soybean paste) when stung by a bee

Doenjang is known to be effective for detoxification and has been used as an emergency treatment for bee stings or insect venom. Applying doenjang to the wound may have temporary effects, but it is dangerous as it can lead to secondary infections. The bacteria in this fermented food can enter the wound and worsen it, and it can dilate capillaries, worsening swelling and pain, so caution is necessary. If stung by a bee, it is important to first remove the stinger; trying to remove it with fingers or tweezers may push it deeper into the skin, so it is better to use a hard object like a credit card to scrape it off. If you have a bee venom allergy, shock symptoms can occur within 15 minutes after the sting, and in such cases, use a pressure bandage or tourniquet to prevent the venom from spreading throughout the body and visit a hospital quickly.

2. Tilting the head back when having a nosebleed

Many people unconsciously tilt their head back when they have a nosebleed. However, this is not a good method. Tilting the head back can cause blood to flow down the throat and possibly enter the airway, which may lead to choking or vomiting. Therefore, when you have a nosebleed, it is better to lean your head slightly forward and pinch the nostrils with your thumb and index finger to quickly stop the bleeding.

3. Massaging bruised areas with an egg

There is a common saying that rubbing an egg on a bruised area is good, but does it really work? Massaging a bruise with an egg can promote blood circulation and help dissolve clotted blood, but the effect is actually very minimal. Moreover, rubbing the bruised area vigorously right after the bruise occurs can stimulate torn capillaries, making the bruise worse and larger. Therefore, if you want the bruise to disappear quickly, it is better to apply a dedicated ointment or use cold compresses on the bruised area.

4. Applying saliva to mosquito bites

Some people apply saliva to itchy mosquito bites, but this is a dangerous folk remedy that can lead to bacterial infections or cellulitis. Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection caused by bacteria invading the subcutaneous tissue and should be treated carefully. Therefore, if bitten by a mosquito, the best method is to apply a dedicated ointment to the affected area.

5. Pouring soju (Korean distilled liquor) or rubbing ice on burn wounds

These are really dangerous folk remedies. The alcohol in soju can actually irritate the wound, dilate capillaries, and cause inflammation. Microorganisms can enter the damaged skin tissue, causing bacterial infections and further irritating the skin, so caution is needed. Also, applying ice directly to a burn can constrict blood vessels, worsening inflammation and delaying recovery. Therefore, if you get burned, cool the area with cold water for 15 to 20 minutes, then apply burn ointment. If blisters form, cover them with clean gauze and visit a hospital for treatment.

6. Brushing teeth with salt

Does brushing teeth with salt make them cleaner and whiter? Not really. While salt is known to strengthen teeth and reduce gum inflammation, coarse salt particles can cause gum wounds and tooth damage. Therefore, it is better to brush with toothpaste and rinse your mouth once a day with salt water.

7. Pricking the hand with a needle when experiencing indigestion

The most common folk remedy for indigestion is pricking the hand with a needle. Does this really relieve indigestion symptoms? Using an unsterilized needle can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause infection. If you must prick your hand, it is advisable to use a needle sterilized with alcohol. If indigestion symptoms are severe, it is better to take medicine quickly or visit a hospital for a prescription.

8. Drinking carbonated drinks when having indigestion

Many people reach for carbonated drinks when they overeat and feel bloated, hoping to burp. Carbonated drinks can cause burping and temporarily relieve discomfort, but they do not actually aid digestion. Instead, they can irritate the stomach, cause acid reflux, and impair digestive function, so caution is advised when consuming them. If you have indigestion, gently massaging your abdomen or applying a warm compress can help alleviate symptoms.

9. Leaving a thorn embedded in the skin untreated

What is the best way to remove a thorn stuck in the skin of the hand or foot? Some people think it will fall out on its own if left alone, but this is not a good method. The skin absorbs moisture, making the area softer over time, which actually makes it harder to remove the thorn. Therefore, if a thorn is embedded in the skin, make a thin paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the area, and after some time, the thorn will soften and can be removed more easily. For your health, remove embedded thorns promptly.

10. Drinking alcohol when having a cold

Drinking alcohol while having a cold may temporarily promote blood circulation, making you feel lighter. However, it does not actually improve cold symptoms. On the contrary, alcohol impairs the function of the stomach and liver, worsening overall health and immunity. If you want to recover quickly from a cold, it is best not to follow this folk remedy.

11. Eating plain rice when a fish bone is stuck in the throat

Elders often say that eating a big spoonful of plain rice can push out a fish bone stuck in the throat and help remove it easily. However, following this folk remedy can worsen symptoms and is dangerous. Swallowed rice grains can push the bone deeper and cause injury to the esophagus. If you have a fish bone stuck in your throat with pain and discomfort, it is best to visit a hospital first and have a doctor remove the bone.

12. Applying vinegar to athlete's foot or skin diseases

Many people say that applying strong acidic vinegar to itchy and painful skin conditions like athlete's foot or atopic dermatitis is good, but blindly following this is very dangerous. Applying acidic vinegar to atopic dermatitis or athlete's foot can cause the skin's keratin layer to peel off, temporarily relieving itching, but it also causes rapid evaporation of moisture from the skin, leading to dryness and worsening itching. According to specialists, repeatedly applying vinegar to athlete's foot can cause skin damage and secondary infections, and in chronic patients, it may lead to necrosis of peripheral areas of the toes. Athlete's foot should be treated by removing the causative fungus with antifungal agents, and mild atopic dermatitis symptoms can disappear with moisturizing creams alone. For severe cases with oozing and intense itching, treatment with antibiotics, immunomodulators, or systemic steroids is recommended.

13. Eating raw eggs to soothe the throat

Raw eggs are soft and sticky, making swallowing easy, and are considered ideal for soothing a hoarse throat. Many people drink raw eggs when singing or clearing their throat. However, raw eggs do not significantly affect the vocal cords. The vocal cords, which vibrate 150 to 300 times when speaking, are lubricated 99% by water. In contrast, eggs contain sticky proteins that do not greatly aid vocal cord vibration. Also, when swallowing, the epiglottis covers the vocal cords, so raw eggs do not directly touch them. Since chickens excrete waste through the same opening that lays eggs, eggshells can be contaminated with feces, so eating raw eggs carelessly increases the risk of bacterial infection or food poisoning, so caution is advised.