Opus 2026-518: In Defense of Snakeoil

Might I offer the suggestion that you begin to develop a shelf of snakeoils.  I have had one for years that involved more than the magic ingredient itself but has been linked to several benefits.  My daughter lost the use of her arms and was seriously handicapped.  Our podiatrist had a daughter who had experienced the same problem and recommended a doctor who had helped her.  We went to see him, followed his regime and she was healed.  Awesome.  In the process we all got on the protocol that he recommended.  The easy part was an over the counter drug with no side effects.  The hard part was that you had to avoid any contact with products that had aspirin or one of the key ingredients of aspirin.  As in any routine that benefits you it is the discipline more than the knowledge that holds us back.

I call it my snake oil.  Since I began the protocol I had a steady reduction in back pain to the point where the crippling agony that kept me in my recliner for days has gone away.  Another benefit is the lot fewer colds.  I cannot document this with scientific research.  The evidence is antidotal.  I still believe.

Then my daughter came across a formula for a magic elixir.  The rest of the world knows it as elderberry and honey.  She throws in a few other ingredients with legendary status and supplies me with enough to change my life.  I take a spoonful every morning as part of my routine.  Has it changed my life?  I have no idea but she and my son swear by it, it creates a point of bonding with her and there is no down side.  

My wife has come up with another substance that is reputed to cure anything inside or outside you body.  The key ingredient is silver.  You can mix it in things you drink.  You can use it for a mouthwash.  I use a spray bottle.  The jury is still out on this one, at least my jury, but I am beginning to believe it will get rid of my toe fungus.  My daughter swears it gets rid of warts.  I am not ready to take it internally but who knows how desperate I will become.

Choices may vary.  Results may vary.  Keep in mind that many of the household remedies your grandmother used actually worked.  Keep an open mind.  Experiment as long as it does not threaten you health or financial well-being.  Whatever you do, please do not post a You Tube video sharing the wonderful results.

homo unius libri