In the world of home remedies that are seen as miracle solutions in case of poisoning, palm oil and charcoal often stand out. Popular belief attributes to palm oil the power to neutralize the toxic effects of accidental ingestion, thus inducing vomiting to expel the poisons from the body. However, this practice is far from being safe and can even make the situation worse.
It is true that palm oil can absorb some of the toxins present in the stomach, but once they are absorbed, it tends to diffuse them to the lungs, causing serious complications. In addition, if the poison ingested is oil-based, mixing it with palm oil can increase the toxicity of the substance. Contrary to popular belief, palm oil does not neutralize the poison and can increase the gastric volume of the stomach, causing more harm than good.
The same goes for charcoal. While some healthcare facilities use activated charcoal in some cases of poisoning, it is important to note that this product is very different from kitchen charcoal. Activated charcoal is refined to remove impurities, making it safe for controlled ingestion. Its porous structure helps trap chemicals and toxins in the intestine, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. On the other hand, kitchen charcoal, which contains impurities and does not have these properties, is ineffective and can be dangerous.
It is worth noting that milk is not a miracle cure for food poisoning either. By irritating the stomach lining, it can make it harder to digest dairy products and promote bacterial growth, worsening symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
In case of suspected poisoning, it is crucial not to make a hasty decision by trying to induce vomiting, especially if the poison is a petroleum-based liquid such as gasoline or kerosene, as this could cause serious respiratory problems. The best course of action is to go to the hospital immediately for professional care. It is important not to ingest anything (even water, milk, alcohol or cooking charcoal) and to seek urgent medical attention. It is recommended to bring with you the container or the element that caused the poisoning, in order to help doctors determine the appropriate treatment.
In short, it is essential to be wary of supposedly miraculous home remedies in the event of poisoning. Rather than resorting to uncertain practices, it is essential to favor professional medical care for the effective and safe management of each emergency situation.