By Ayanna Black
Last night I found myself in Walgreens searching for medicine that would cure my son’s crazy cough. Typically, I’d call my mom and ask what she thought I should give him. I knew she’d likely give me an old school “Madear” remedy but this time I decided to try to figure it out myself. I seem to always be on the fence when it comes to Madear remedies. My mother says I’m one of those “new mothers” that run to the doctor for everything. I guess some of Madear’s home remedies just sound so silly to me that it won’t work.
One day I was visiting a friend’s house with the triplets and we got on the subject of eczema and how to treat it. My friend’s mother-in-law happens to be there and offered a suggestion on how to treat my son’s eczema. She suggested that I put bleach in his bath water at night and that would help. I thought to myself there is no way I’m going to bleach my baby. Another seasoned woman suggested I grease him up in Crisco and not buy all the expensive creams.
My daughter was a late walker, so a lady at church suggested I rub her knees down in oil so they could slip and she would then begin walking. Another woman suggested instead of buying a teething ring get a rag, put ice in it and let them chew. I’ve heard to stop colic blow smoke over a spoon of milk. To stop diarrhea give them flour water. The list goes on and on and on. I guess if I had to choose between Dr. Madear or Dr. MD, I’d choose Dr. Madear out of respect. Although some of the remedies work, I still feel more comfortable with the doctor’s approval. I know, I know I’m one of those “new girls” that Cedric the Entertainer talks about that needs to measure all my ingredients, etc. I’ll get to Madear status one day. lol
Who would you choose Dr. Madear or Dr. MD? What are some of the craziest Madear remedies that you’ve heard?
Ayanna is a married mom of busy triplets in Chicago. She’s a freelance parenting/marriage and technology blogger. Ayanna is also the proud owner of ABlackWebDesign.com and MommyMultiple.com