Next time you go to the beach, better pack the vinegar, because that age old wives tale about how to cure jellyfish stings has been debunked. It turns out that the science behind the classic Friends episode that taught so many beachgoers what to do in the event of a jellyfish attack (because “there’s ammonia in… that”) has been false all along. Not that we’re blaming them. Monica, Joey and Chandler’s shenanigans aside, the home remedy has long been thought of as the best treatment for strings. But no longer! Turns out seawater or vinegar is the way to go. As Joe Mulligan, head of first aid at the British Red Cross, told The Telegraph ,
If people have been stung, they need to get out of the water to avoid getting stung again. Once out, slowly pouring seawater over the sting will help ease the pain. Doing the same thing with vinegar can be even more effective as the acid helps neutralise the jellyfish sting. But, unless you’re near a chip shop, seawater will probably be easier to find.
Well, we can’t say we’re not sorry to see one of our favorite Friends episodes of all time proven wrong, but we are pleased to know that we’ll never be asked to save a friend from a jellyfish — you know, in that way.
[via MSNBC]