The Home Doctor

Why You Should Try Putting Garlic in Your Ear Before Bed—And Other Life-Saving Health Hacks You Didn’t Know About

When it comes to our health, having a few self-care tricks up our sleeves can make all the difference. Imagine a world where your usual health services aren’t just a phone call away. It’s a little unsettling, right? That’s exactly what The Home Doctor: Practical Medicine for Every Household tackles—preparing you with knowledge and strategies to manage health issues independently, especially when times get tough.

I stumbled upon this book recently, and I was blown away by how practical it is. Written by Dr. May bell Nieves, a surgeon who experienced Venezuela’s healthcare collapse firsthand, this book is packed with advice she developed under some pretty extreme conditions. From treating patients when hospitals ran out of supplies to finding innovative ways to care for people, Dr. Nieves has seen it all. Her insights are designed for situations when you need to rely on yourself—and they’re surprisingly easy to follow.

Here are some of the tips and tricks in The Home Doctor that might just change the way you think about handling health at home.

The Garlic Trick You Never Knew About

Yes, garlic in your ear—it sounds strange, but it’s a simple, effective remedy for mild ear pain. Garlic is naturally antibacterial, and using it this way can help ease discomfort without reaching for medicine. The book has tons of unique solutions like this one, and honestly, they’re things I’d never considered. Knowing that I can try small, easy remedies on my own is a huge plus.

Essential Medical Supplies You Should Have

What would you do if you couldn’t just run to the pharmacy? The Home Doctor includes a list of ten essential supplies that everyone should have at home, just in case. Some, like Naproxen (a painkiller more effective than ibuprofen), are things you can grab now while they’re still available. I didn’t realize how reliant we are on imported medicines and supplies until I read this—it’s eye-opening and made me want to stock up.

What to Do in a Blackout

Imagine handling a blackout that lasts days or even weeks. It’s scary to think about, especially if you have medications that need refrigeration. Venezuela faced these issues regularly, and Dr. Nieves shares her insights on what you can do to keep essential medications like insulin safe during long power outages. It’s a chapter that could make a real difference for families.

Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms Early

Heart attacks aren’t always as dramatic as the movies make them seem. The Home Doctor explains the four main symptoms to look for: chest discomfort, pain in your arms or jaw, shortness of breath, and a cold sweat. I learned that even just one or two of these signs is reason enough to seek help. The book also gives tips on what to do while waiting for help, like chewing an aspirin—something so simple, yet it could be life-saving.

Expired Medications: Should You Keep or Toss?

If you’re like me, you probably throw out expired medications without a second thought. But this book offers an interesting perspective: many medications are actually effective long past their expiration dates. Dr. Nieves explains which ones are safe to keep and which aren’t, so you’re not discarding useful supplies unnecessarily. This section alone could help you avoid unnecessary waste and be better prepared.

The Top Four Antibiotics to Stockpile

Antibiotics can be hard to come by in emergencies, but having a few specific types on hand could be crucial. The Home Doctor lists four that cover a range of infections. It’s comforting to know that these are legally available, without needing a prescription. I had no idea there were options like this—it’s practical information that gives peace of mind.

Natural Painkillers You Can Grow at Home

I was intrigued to find that some natural painkillers might be growing in our backyards! After pharmacies ran out of medications in Venezuela, Dr. Nieves discovered a powerful pain-relieving plant that many people turned to. Knowing I could grow something similar at home has me looking at my garden in a whole new way.

Why The Home Doctor Is a Must-Have

Reading this book reminded me how important it is to be prepared. It’s not just about survival—it’s about handling everyday health challenges with confidence. Whether it’s knowing what to do in a blackout, handling minor injuries, or even learning which probiotics really work, this book covers it all.

If you’re interested in having a practical health guide close by, check out The Home Doctor here. It’s full of tips that could make a big difference for you and your family when it matters most.