Ever since I read “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult this summer, I’ve been thinking about what one of her characters did to terminate her pregnancy. She goes online and finds an herbal remedy.

And it works. ?

Now, just to be upfront: this column’s purpose isn’t going to suggest what the character did was right or wrong. This column is going to be about herbal remedies. I mean, do they really work? And are they really all that goofy? ?Well, now you can decide for yourself.

I went on www.herbal-home-remedies.org, and I decided to list a few of them here to either be tried or made fun of. ??

Allergies

I had to see what they listed for allergies first-just because I’ve been beginning to feel the effects. There isn’t anything more annoying than a stuffy nose or red eyes.

According to the Web site, all you need is three ounces of the herb licorice root (which can be found in a grocery store) and one quart of water.

Mix the two together, and put it over the oven until it boils, and then strain it into a bottle. If you drink one tablespoon before each meal every other day, it’s supposed to cure you of allergies. ??

Puffy Eyes

This herbal remedy actually sounds like it would work – not because of the remedy itself, but because it takes 15 minutes to do and usually, if you wait 15 minutes anyway, puffy eyes will go away.

For this herbal remedy, all you have to do is fill a bowl with cold water or ice-cold milk. Take two cotton balls, dip them in the bowl and as you’re lying down, put the cotton balls on your eyes. As soon as the cotton balls get warm, replace them. Make sure you do this for 15 minutes.

Body odor

This is funny. Instead of using deodorant – all you need is lemons! First, roll three lemons on the table until they get soft. Then, cut them in half. Make sure if you have hairy armpits, you shave before applying these lemons just as you would deodorant. And yes, you have to use all three lemons, alternating pits.

Acne

All right, now I’m warning you – this herbal remedy is really messed up.

First, you need a white cloth (I don’t know why it has to be white but.). Then, wet the cloth with your first urine of the day. That’s right. You heard me. Pat it on your pimply areas and you should be pimple free! Oh, and just in case you’re wondering, to maximize results, you can use baby’s urine.

Cracked heels

All right, so I’ll admit it, this herbal remedy actually sounds pretty legit. Before you go to bed, wash your feet with warm water and then pat them dry with a towel. Put petroleum jelly all over your feet while massaging the rough areas. Then, cover your foot with plastic wrap. After that, put socks on and leave your feet that way overnight. It will take about a week for your feet to completely heal.

Sam Sottosanto is a junior journalism major and can be reached at DENopinions@gmail.com or 581-7942.

At tonight’s Student Senate meeting, Jarrod Scherle will by appointed to vice president for business affairs by Student Body President Michelle Murphy.

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