# Products That Really Work **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 1, 2003, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619 "2003-04-01T02:54:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![isewquilts2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b5ac83/32.png) [@isewquilts2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/isewquilts2)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/181 "2003-04-13T01:32:03Z")
Cold Eez zinc lozenges are the ONLY thing that will stop a cold dead in its tracks for me, IF I catch it soon enough–and I mean immediately after the first sneeze or the first hint of a sore throat. ---
**Author:** ![LifeOnWry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/96bed5/32.png) [@LifeOnWry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LifeOnWry)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/182 "2003-04-13T04:24:28Z")
Welcome to the SDMB, **isewquilts2**. However, zinc lozenges made me puke, and had the same effect on two friends of mine. Others I know swear by them, but I think it’s definitely a YMMV thing. ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/183 "2003-04-13T04:59:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by LifeOnWry \* > \*\*Welcome to the SDMB, **isewquilts2**. > > However, zinc lozenges made me puke, and had the same effect on two friends of mine. Others I know swear by them, but I think it’s definitely a YMMV thing. \*\* Slightly wandering from the protocol of the OP…has anybody had luck with taking echinacea to ward off colds, sickness, etc.? Some of my friends swear by it and they seem healthy as horses. Could just be they’re healthy as horses anyway though. For all the effect it’s given me, I might as well eat grass clippings. Oh…FWIW, zinc lozenges have seemed to help shorten the length and severity of colds for me. But, yeah, they’re rough as hell on my stomach. Maybe it’s just one misery cancelling out another. ---
**Author:** ![LifeOnWry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/96bed5/32.png) [@LifeOnWry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LifeOnWry)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/184 "2003-04-13T05:22:47Z")
**TVeblen** - I’ll have to go cite-hunting, but from what I recall, it’s been conclusively proven that echinacea has NO medical benefits whatsoever. The upside is that it seems to have no adverse effects, either, unless you’re allergic to pollen. I’ll be back with a cite on this one. ---
**Author:** ![LifeOnWry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/96bed5/32.png) [@LifeOnWry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LifeOnWry)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/185 "2003-04-13T05:34:35Z")
[http://www.valleyskeptic.com/echina~1.htm](http://www.valleyskeptic.com/echina~1.htm) > **[The Washington and Lee Journal of Science](https://journalofscience.wordpress.com/)** > > Just another WordPress.com site Well, it looks as though I may have heard wrong, but I only looked for about five minutes on google. Anyhow, it looks like there have been a lot of inconclusive studies, but for all the “conclusive” ones showing that echincea DOES work, there another “conclusively proving” that it doesn’t. I guess it’s a YMMV thing. ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/186 "2003-04-13T05:53:37Z")
Thanks, **LoW**. I hadn’t looked for a long time but your info pretty much updated what I found: “Gee, dunno, maybe, whatever.” I’m usually pretty skeptical about the supplements/herbal industry just because it’s so unregulated and untested. Unfortunately I’m not at my critical best when sicker than hell. Some dinosaur synapses lurking in my cranial hardwiring can sound almost plausible when I’m miserable and just want to feel better. Sulking and off to gnaw grass clippings, Veb ---
**Author:** ![Zenster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/cdc98d/32.png) [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/187 "2003-04-13T20:48:19Z")
**CONDIMENTS** **Hot Sauce** : **Crystal** :[ul]Most people are more familiar with the ubiquitous **M[sup]c[/sup]Ilhenny** Tabasco sauce. If you try in succession, a few drops of each on your tongue you will find that **Crystal** has a nearly tomato-like flavor from the ripe red chile peppers they use in their product. **M[sup]c[/sup]Ilhenny**’s has a more pronounced vinegar taste to it and lacks the depth of character that **Crystal** possesses. I know that most people will consider this to be blasphemy. I thought so too when I first heard it, but after performing the simple test above, I was convinced.[/ul] **Lousiana Green Hot Sauce** :[ul]All natural ingredients make this one of the best green hot sauces I’ve been able to find. Not too hot yet full of fire and flavor, it makes an excellent companion to scrambled eggs, chicken and many other dishes.[/ul] **La Victoria Green Taco Sauce** :[ul]While not a really _hot_ sauce it is still a perfect way to liven up a _carnitas_ soft taco or seafood omelet. One of the classics in its category, this sauce is always in my refrigerator door.[/ul] **Pico Pica** :[ul]This is one of the oldest and most traditional red hot sauces made. Flavorful and spicy it does not dominate whatever food you season it with. Great with beef enchiladas and tacos it is also good in soups and on _huevos rancheros_.[/ul] **Seafood Sauce** : **Crosse & Blackwell** :[ul]This is a sterling example of how seafood sauces should taste. The solid tomato and vinegar recipe is augmented with a goodly dose of pure ground horseradish. Other authentic elements like, Worcestershire, red pepper and garlic make this one of the best, widely available seafood sauces.[/ul] **Mustard** : **Zatarain’s Creole Mustard** :[ul]This authentic whole grain mustard is an American classic. With just the right degree of spiciness it can liven up a ham sandwich or add zest to your favorite sausages. This one is a must for all mustard collectors.[/ul] **Colman’s Original English Mustard** :[ul]Indispensible for when you need pure mustard flavor this ageless British import is another must-have. Sharp as a tack and able to give any sauce, spread or dressing a noticeable edge, this is one condiment I _always_ keep handy.[/ul] **Pickles** : **Claussen Kosher Dill Pickles** :[ul]While I do not normally recommend Kraft products of any sort, this is one of the few exceptions. I _hated_ dill pickles until I tried this brand. Their crisp texture and no nonsense dill flavor make these one of the best commercially made pickles around. Their relishes are also commendable, but it is their pickles that take the prize.[/ul] **Mrs. Fanning’s Bread and Butter Pickles** :[ul]When dill pickles aren’t in order, these can always fill the bill. Perfect on a liverwurst sandwich, they also make a nice change up in tuna salad. With just the right balance of sweetness and sour vinegar flavor, they are another timeless classic.[/ul] **CHEESE** : **Fromage D’Affinois** :[ul]This is one of the finest new cheeses to reach the United States. A mild double cream soft cheese, it has a superb and delicate buttery taste. My favorite breakfast cheese, I like to spread it on crusty toasted French bread. It is my best new find in years and I love sharing it with friends. No one has given it an unfavorable comment yet.[/ul] **BAD PRODUCTS** : **Cheese** : **Athenos Feta** :[ul]This is one product that has consistently failed to perform. Although they have improved it from the moist chalk that it used to be, a recent sampling still found it to be a rubbery salted mass of flavorless trash. I strongly urge you to avoid this routinely unacceptable product. Please look for Danish or French Feta instead. They are of much higher quality and consistency.[/ul] ---
**Author:** ![eveanyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a88e4f/32.png) [@eveanyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eveanyn)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2003, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/188 "2003-04-13T22:04:29Z")
My latest favourite products are Burt’s bees lip balm, carrot cream, and milk and honey lotion. It all smells so good! Thermasilk leave in conditioner spray. I have long hair and swim a lot, so my hair needs extra moisture. I live in southern Ontario, does anyone know where I could buy OdorNix? ---
**Author:** ![Fluffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Fluffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fluffy)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/189 "2003-04-14T01:48:09Z")
Shana-I"m another one who uses Miracle Whip to exfoliate dead skin. There was a thread about this last summer I think. This stuff is awesome! Other winners; Lancome Definicils Mascara Almay Kinetin Moisturizer Spf 15 Maybelline Everlast Foundation Dove shampoo and conditioner Caress body wash (original) Another vote for Oxyclean Lipton Cold Brew tea bags ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/190 "2003-04-14T01:54:03Z")
**YMWIFE** Welcome to the boards and thanks for finding my thread. Miracle Whip works good on rough elbows and feet, too. I like my feet smelling like ham sandwiches. And so does my dog, apparently. ---
**Author:** ![Zenster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/cdc98d/32.png) [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/191 "2003-04-14T06:10:34Z")
This thread is really bringing fresh members out of the woodwork! I’ll personally add the most hearty sort of welcome to all the new posters replying here. Welcome aboard(s)! ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/192 "2003-04-14T15:34:44Z")
I surprised no one has mentioned **Lava** soap. I’m constantly amazed at how well it cleans my hands after working on the car. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/193 "2003-04-14T16:00:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Shirley Ujest \* > **I like my feet smelling like ham sandwiches.** This should definitely be your new signature quote. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![puddleglum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puddleglum/32/137_2.png) [@puddleglum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puddleglum)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/194 "2003-04-14T16:10:03Z")
\*\*Bullfrog \*\* brand sun tan lotion. When I was lifeguarding an older lifeguard hipped me to this and it works great. It stays on longer and keeps the burn away better than anything I have ever tried. A little harder to find and a little more expensive but it is worth it. It is a gel and not a lotion, so a little dab will do ya. I love **Dubliner** brand Irish cheddar cheese. It has a sweet subtle flavor that I enoy greatly. Put it on a water cracker and it is wonderful. ---
**Author:** ![sperfur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9adbd/32.png) [@sperfur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sperfur)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2003, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/195 "2003-04-14T17:25:23Z")
Regarding **The Keeper** : > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by norinew \* > \*\*The only thing I’ve wondered about regarding the Keeper is in public restrooms, where you have to leave the privacy of your stall and go out amidst others to rinse it before re-inserting. I’m afraid the whole deal would be a little much for me! \*\* I empty mine once a day - in the shower. Lean over, dump that puppy down the drain, wash/rinse it out and pop it back in. No mess in public restrooms. No mess in _my_ restroom. I love it and would recommend it to any and every woman. **The Keeper** rocks! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619.md?page=9)