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Jim in Alaska's avatar

Tradition; "We've always done it that way, why change?"

I wouldn't go that far but there is usually, or at least very often, a reason behind traditional actions. There is no harm in looking carefully at traditions and understanding the reason for such before changing.

In other words, listen to what the doctor says but also pay attention to your grandmother's excellent advice also, young lady! Grin.

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Jayshree Gururaj's avatar

lol, excellent advice, indeed, Jim! I agree with the mixing up of new and old remedies too. TI love your comment, and with your permission, may use it as a tagline in the future - "“Listen to the doctor, but also pay attention to your grandmother." Thank you.

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Doug Tietz's avatar

Fascinating, Jayshree. Well done. I think the influence of culture on the "medical advice" that people will accept or reject is just about everywhere. But of course varies, correct?

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Jayshree Gururaj's avatar

Thanks, Doug. True on cultural influence. Yes, absolutely true - it varies - but for the most part I think it safe to say the DNA leans towards natural cures for common ailments. This does not apply to major illnesses, of course, when multiple medical opinions are commonly sought - which I learn now is also happening in US.

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Paudan Jain's avatar

1. Just yesterday, a doctor handed me a sheet on “longevity.” Among the usual recommendations like an annual multivitamin infusion, was curcumin tablets. What surprised me was his comment: while turmeric in the Indian diet is beneficial, it’s not enough. “You can never go wrong with curcumin,” he said.

2. I. agree with never fully trust the doctor. And seeking a second opinion is becoming the norm these days.

3. And I’ll admit, whenever I visit India, I’ve been guilty of reaching for pills a bit too quickly. It’s just so convenient, especially when you’re short on time. Despite being fully aware that the chemicals are not the best for the body.

Glad you wrote about Dolo-650 - the unofficial national tablet of India. Loved reading this. Thanks J.

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Jayshree Gururaj's avatar

Great to hear you liked the post. Nice share, Paudan. Yes, curcumin - more in the range of 1.5g-2g is effective. The convenience of getting meds for minor ailments can't beat - and the natural caution of the expereinced pharmacist is a natural guardrail.

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Dale Flowers's avatar

I concur with "The common view: Never trust the doctor fully." No disrespect intended there. That old maxim "Take it with a grain of salt" really came to the fore for me after the COVID-19 con...so many doctors and medical experts lost their credibility by going along with government misinformation and Big Pharma grifting. A sad state of affairs, to be sure. The misinformation about Ivermectin cost many lives. Great article, Jayshree. Even-handed, nicely done.

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Jayshree Gururaj's avatar

Thanks Dale! Appreciate it. For the most part, people do listen to medical advice, but supplant it with their own therapies to aid it for common ailments.

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Larry Bone's avatar

Rosemary in capsules is also good to ease pain. Tumeric is a great anti-inflammatory. Thanks for the mention of the various Indian home remedies for the various unwelcome conditions.

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Jayshree Gururaj's avatar

Good tips! Thanks for sharing. It just occurred to me recently that we adopt so many here that there isn't a good accounting for them - perhaps, a more tailored article on home remedies most homes practice? The ones listed above would top the list.

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Larry Bone's avatar

That would be awesome. Also if it isn't too much trouble maybe mention what stuff might be available at a well-stocked India store in the U.S. Usually there is at least one really good one in cities and various local towns. Most of the stuff should be available because stores try to have as much as they can of what people back home can easily purchase near wherever they live. As you mentioned, a lot of this stuff helps a lot without side effects. I've read about older guys who drink a large metal tumbler filled of tumeric mixed into milk every morning after exercise. I mix it in ginger tea with honey from Singapore called Honsei which is great for easing respiratory congestion or upset stomach or any inflammation that could cause fever. All of this is so good especially if you can't easily see a doctor or if they are too overly Western. Best is to maybe see a lady doctor from India fully cognizant of home remedies but also looks at the bigger overall picture of someone's health. Plus you help them build their practice. Though many of them are specialists there are probably many of them in family medicine as well. Thanks so much for this excellent post.

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

I take turmeric twice a day for my pain issues. It works wonders.

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Jayshree Gururaj's avatar

Turmeric is wonderful - a base spice for nearly all dishes, with a dash in lemon water each morning does the trick for regular use. Nice to learn that it works for you too, Pamela!

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John C's avatar

America herself needs some strong social medicine too. Every single day, it seems like the only remedy for America's illness is a tragic India-Pakistan-1947-like partition.

1947: Earth - full length feature film by Deepa Metha

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2idzkx

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