5 Health Myths You Grew Up With—And Why It’s Time to See a Doctor Instead

Most Filipinos grew up surrounded by stories, from age-old folklore and urban legends to other health-related beliefs passed on through generations. Remember when your lola warned you against sleeping with damp hair, fearing it would lead to blindness? How about the mysterious “usog” blamed on a person’s wandering gaze?

While Pinoy health myths are a testament to the superstitious nature of older generations, most of them stem from a desire to protect and heal. The health advice of elders often carries deep cultural significance and comes with the best intentions, however, it’s crucial to recognize when it’s time to seek medical help.

Modern medicine relies on scientific research, diagnostic tools, and validated treatments making it safe, effective, and reliable. Whereas, health beliefs that arise from intuition and old wives’ tales have no scientific evidence and can pose significant risks to people’s health. Here are some health myths you probably grew up with and the facts behind them.

Health Myth #1: “Usog” or “Balis”

In Filipino culture, the sudden onset of stomach ache, fever, vomiting, or nausea, particularly in infants and young children, is often blamed on “usog,” also known as “balis”. It is thought that a simple greeting or gaze (evil eye hex) from a stranger or visitor can trigger discomfort. To alleviate the pain and other “symptoms of usog,” it is believed that the person responsible must apply saliva in a cross pattern on the victim’s stomach, forehead, or feet while uttering the words, “pwera usog.”

Debunked: There is no scientific study that validates “usog.” Furthermore, the “saliva remedy” is unsanitary and a health risk. According to Cleveland Clinic, the mouth is home to different kinds of microorganisms and exposure to someone else’s saliva can transmit certain viruses and bacteria.

Home Remedy for Stomach Ache: Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can provide temporary relief for stomach aches that are not related to a pre-existing medical condition. Children: Consult your pediatrician. Adults: If you take prescription medications, talk to your doctor to avoid potential interactions.

Other home remedies:

Place a heating pad on your stomach.
Eat smaller meals (easy-to-digest food) and drink plenty of water.
Include fiber-enriched food in your diet to prevent constipation.
Get plenty of rest.

When to See a Doctor: Mayo Clinic recommends seeking medical attention if you or your child experiences any of the following:

Persistent abdominal pain
Severe abdominal pain and sensitivity to pressure
Stomach pain accompanied by a fever of 38 C or higher, bloody stools, nausea or vomiting
Swelling of the abdomen
Pain on the lower right stomach, the area is tender to the touch, and accompanied by fever and vomiting. These can be symptoms of appendicitis (considered a medical emergency)

Health Myth #2: Applying Toothpaste to Burns

Many Filipinos apply toothpaste to minor burns, believing it’s an effective home remedy due to the cooling effect of ingredients like sodium fluoride, baking soda, and menthol.

Debunked: A study in the Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries claims that applying toothpaste to a burn can intensify the pain, increase the risk of infection, and raise the chances of scarring. Healthline also notes that applying toothpaste on the burn can “seal in heat underneath the skin layers,” resulting in more damage.

Home Remedy for Minor Burns: Mayo Clinic recommends holding the affected area under cool (not cold) running water for about 10 minutes. After the burn has cooled and dried, you can apply burn ointment or lotion with aloe vera or cocoa butter to prevent the area from drying.

When to See a Doctor: It is advisable to seek medical care for major burns:

Deep burn, involving all layers of the skin
Skin appears dry and leathery
Appearance of white, brown, or black patches
Fast swelling
The area is bigger than 3 inches in diameter
Involving the hands, legs, feet, eyes, mouth, or genitals
Accompanied by smoke inhalation

Health Myth #3: Using Rubbing Alcohol to Bring Down Fever

Using rubbing alcohol to bring down fever persists among Filipinos because of its immediate but fleeting cooling sensation. Some elders believe that adding alcohol to lukewarm water and wiping it onto the body using a washcloth can help lower the body temperature.

Debunked: Contrary to beliefs, rubbing alcohol does not reduce fever, and can be harmful to the body. According to the Cleveland Clinic, isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol, when used in small amounts can help clean bug bites and injection sites. However, applying it on the skin to treat fever, especially on a child, can cause serious and even life-threatening conditions including alcohol intoxication, alcohol poisoning, cardiac and neurological problems, and in extreme cases, even coma.

Health Myth #4: “Kulob” to Break Out a Fever

Another common health myth about fever is the practice called “kulob” which involves wrapping the individual in blankets to “sweat out” a fever.

Debunked: “Kulob” can trap heat and raise temperature even more. “Sweating out” a fever through “kulob” also increases the risk of dehydration.

Home Remedy for Fever: Here are some safe and easy tips to manage fever:

Dress in light clothing
Take trusted OTC medications
For sponge baths, use lukewarm water without alcohol
Monitor your temperature to know if your fever is going down
Eat healthy meals
Stay hydrated
Get enough sleep

When to see a doctor: It is generally recommended to see a doctor if your fever lasts for more than three days.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a fever accompanied by any of the following symptoms requires immediate medical attention:

Lack of appetite
Extremely tired and sleepy
Difficulty waking
Presence of rash
Drooling a lot or having difficulty swallowing
Trouble breathing
Dehydration
Convulsions, seizures
Unusual behavior
Infrequent urination
Redness, swelling
Slurred speech
Lips, tongue, or nails turning blue

Health Myth #5: Using “Bato Balani” to Remove Rabies

“Bato Balani” or magnetic stone is an iron-enriched and naturally magnetized mineral. In many rural areas, a person bitten by a dog or a cat is brought to a traditional Filipino folk healer called an albularyo. Some Filipinos believe that the albularyo can remove rabies from the body by rubbing, placing, or encircling the bite area with a “bato balani.” After the quick ritual, the albularyo usually exclaims, “Wala na ang rabis!”

Debunked: This bizarre medical ritual has no scientific foundation and should not be followed.

When to see a doctor: Rabies is a fatal viral disease but preventable. If you have been bitten or scratched by a cat or a dog, wash the wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes to decrease the risk of infection. Seek immediate medical help within 24 hours if the animal bite has broken your skin or if you have been bitten or scratched on your face or neck. The healthcare provider will assess the severity of the bite and determine the necessary treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies includes wound washing, human rabies immune globulin (HRIG), and a four-dose series of vaccines.

Conclusion

Even with the best intentions, relying on health myths can be hazardous to your health. It’s about time to discard the misconceptions that have shaped your health beliefs in favor of medically approved practices to ensure proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Prioritize your family’s health and wellness by seeking expert medical advice for any health concerns. To explore affordable healthcare plans Philippines, contact our Health Benefit Advisor.

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