I use lots and lots of quirky sayings in my normal conversations. Some things I say seem to be rarely used by other people, so much so that sometimes people don’t understand what I’m talking about. Hmm, and here’s an example:

Put some spit on it. That’s nature’s iodine.

This makes perfect sense to me, but not quite so for those who have heard me say it. But why not? Isn’t saliva, our own saliva, the safest fluid we can come in contact with? It’s like sleeping in your own bed with your own, well…. dirt. Sleeping in someone else’s, well… dirt, just doesn’t feel the same.

What does our spit do? Isn’t it protective. On top of that, it’s a crucial part of the digestive process. Even though this phrase was passed down to me through the generations (possible old wives’ tale), it makes sense that our spit can help to heal our minor wounds.

Every paper cut I’ve ever had has been healed more quickly with a few applications of the mouth water. I’ve passed the tip on to my children as a natural home remedy. We don’t dismiss the power of a good topical antibiotic cream, but spit’ll do in a pinch.

I would love to know if others have heard of this phrase. Does anyone use it besides me? Is it just an old tale that should be flushed or could it have some validity? I haven’t found the phrase at the phrase sites. Besides, if they can’t tell me why I can’t get blood from a turnip, they can’t help me with iodine spit.