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When King Solomon had a horn in his foot, his doctors applied a plaster of figs there; this is one of the few biblical descriptions of a medicinal use of plants.
Figs contain enzymes capable of dissolving proteins that help dissolve the rock growths, especially corns on the feet. Papaya and pineapple contain the same kind of enzyme, and these three fruits have a very old reputation as remedies for corns and warts.
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This is a recipe that I would think of applying if I had to give up my good old habit of going barefoot and if I found myself with a horn on my foot.
Open a fresh fig and apply the pulp to the horn, cover with a bandage; leave in place overnight. Alternatively, cut a peelpool peel square and place it on the hoop so that the inside of the peel is in contact with the horn; cover with a bandage and leave it in place overnight.
The next morning, remove this plaster and soak your foot in warm water. After about an hour, try to remove the horn; it should detach itself quite easily, but you can also rub it gently with a pumice.
“Some particularly rebellious cases, however, may require four to five choppers left in place throughout the night. Pop-up medicine also mentions the same kind of treatment using papaya.
Gaultherie (Gaultheria procumbens).
Another good source of salicylates. Some herbalists recommend applying wortherry essential oil to dissolve durillons, corns, cysts and other warts. I would probably not hesitate to try it for the corns, both to dissolve the hardened skin and to relieve pain.
Here, too, to avoid any danger of irritation, be sure to put the essential oil only on the horn without overflowing onto the nearby skin.
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