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A gentleman called in to our public radio show with an amazing story about Listerine mixed with baby oil. His veterinarian had recommended this combination for relieving itchy spots on his Dobermans and horses. He found that it worked and tried it for his own dandruff. He told us that it gets rid of dandruff in two to three days. Listerine contains a number of essential oils (thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate) that may have anti-fungal activity. Since dandruff appears to be caused in part by fungus (yeast), it stands to reason that a fungus fighter could provide some benefit. The caller did not tell us the precise ratio of Listerine to baby oil so if you want to try it you will have to experiment.
I have another ailment that Listerine cured. A few years ago I had surgery that required the use of a wound-vac. When applied, a thin piece of plastic adhesive is used to ensure an airtight seal. This was an abdominal wound that covered a large area of skin that became infected with yeast.
After two months of using large doses of prescription anti-fungal to no avail, I tried applying Listerine at every dressing change. Within 6 days the yeast was completely healed.
It also works for a baby's "cradle cap." An older lady had told me that when my middle son was a baby and had a raging case of it. I just had my husband hold him over the sink and was very careful to not get it in his eyes. I put a small amount on and rubbed it in before I washed his hair. It only took about two times and it was completely gone!
This concerns Listerine and its many uses. One boring saturday afternoon I went to my college library to look through old magazines. I found an ad (full page!) for Listerine in an old Look or Life (from the 1940's). What amazed me was the fact that Listerine was advertised for use against dandruff. (It showed using a cotton ball saturated in Listerine and rubbing it onto the scalp.) (UNTIL that day, I had never heard of Listerine being used against dandruff.)
That so MANY old-time remedies are now being proven effective excites me! Why, there might be a cure for cancer or other diseases out there somewhere in some old home-remedy book just waiting to be re-discovered!
P.S.: Vick's sure did clear up my husband's toenail fungus! He applies it once weekly for maintenance.
Sheila Anne, Branson
Listerene's original purpose (in the 1930's, I believe) was as an anti-dandruff product.
Listerine will cure toenail fungus. I had a very bad case of fungus in my big toe nail. I soaked my toe in Listerine for 15 min. 2 nights before bedtime. In less than a week the fungus is all gone and my nail is back to normal.
I read somewhere of a solution for "hot spots" on dogs: 1/3 listerine (any flavor), 1/3 baby oil, 1/3 water. Shake up in a spray bottle and spray on the dog, rubbing into the spot. If done when you first see the dog "worrying" a spot, it stops the problem in its tracks. I think the Listerine dries it out and the baby oil soothes it. It works like a miracle!
I HAVE USED LISTERENE FOR ITCHY SCALP, AND IT WORKS. I DONT ADD BABY OIL BECAUSE I NEVER THOUGHT OF IT, BUT MAYBE I WILL ADD THAT.
TED
When I was young, the Listerine label had a laundry list of items it was to work for--dandruff was one of them. My mom used to apply it to her scalp when it got itchy and flaky. I seem to get the same problem when the seasons change. A few applications at night before bed and the problem is solved.
I have very sensitive skin that reacts badly to everything. I have used Listerine for years to clear up small blemishes. Apply a dab to the area at night and usually by morning the spot is clear. It doesn't irritate the surrounding skin either. My husband has started using it for shaving bumps too!
I have found that Tea Tree Oil rubbed onto the scalp before shampooing works wonders to get rid of the dandruff.
Listerine was invented/created by Dr. Lister around 1870 to fight infection. it was then used as mouthwash. http://www3.telus.net/st_simons/cr9801.htm
I remember this from a film in jr high school (a long time ago).
I often get a very itchy sun rash when I first go on holidays. Listerine calms it down so I can sleep and soon clears it. It also soothed an allergic reaction after a massage. I dont travel without it.
Listerine is a great product. I had problems of soap scum build-up on our shower door. I decided to try listerine to remove it, and it worked wonders! I was left with a gleaming door. Just add a small amount on a bit of paper towel and rub. What a find--it's great!
I had dandruff & scaley flakes on my face. I used a dandruff shampoo which controlled the scalp problem, but not the facial flakes. I found a Tea Tree Oil shampoo & conditioner & within one week all flakes were gone.
I too read about Listerine for hot spots on animals. It works very well. Then I thought about my problem with yeast bacteria creating a rash. I use equal parts original Listerine, baby oil and water. Keep it in a spray bottle, shake it up and apply wherever Yeast bacteria causes problems. It works well, no more rash and beats RX creams.
I tried the veterinarian's solution, and it works!