Some home remedies are legitimate and useful, but many were actually harmful and should be avoided.

Not only is kerosene highly flammable, it is also highly toxic. Here are three of the most damaging. In previous generations, parents would sometimes kill lice in a child's hair by applying kerosene. Treating Your Stomach Woes With "Greta" or "Azarcon" Older people from Mexican or Mexican American communities may recall treating "empacho" (general term for stomach and intestinal illness) with powders named "Greta" or "Azarcon." These cures were very toxic they were mostly powdered lead. In the recent past, people relied on folk medicine or home remedies to help them when they were ill or injured. Killing Head Lice With Kerosene Can you imagine putting kerosene on your head.

Many illnesses and deaths were caused by this remedy. It also absorbs readily through skin.

Most of us would never do this, because we know how dangerous it would be.

If you have an ailment, pain, or illness, you'll probably head to a pharmacy to purchase an expensive over the counter or prescription treatment to help you treat your condition.