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Listerine Dazzles With Different Uses

Posting Date: 03/22/2004

More than 100 years ago Listerine was developed as an antiseptic. At first, surgeons used it in the operating room, but before long it became a household brand. The Lambert Pharmaceutical Company marketed Listerine aggressively to treat dandruff as well as bad breath.

One 1927 ad shows fingers pointing at the shoulders of a man wearing a dark suit. The copy reads, ?Guilty! End dandruff. It offends all, this disgusting and common condition. Consequently, it affects your chances in love, society and business.?

Another ad of the same era reads, ?Unwelcome! Dandruff is avoidable. What do all your graces and charms amount to if you have dandruff? Not much. Today, dandruff is an unpardonable social offense?You simply douse Listerine, the safe antiseptic, on your scalp full strength and massage thoroughly.?

These amusing ads have disappeared, in part because such a hard sell is no more socially acceptable than dandruff itself. In addition, the makers of Listerine no longer promote their product against dandruff.

This has not deterred readers of our column from touting the benefits of Listerine against dandruff. One reader confessed: ?Back in the mid 1900s when Listerine used to be advertised to combat bad breath, it was also recommended to cure dandruff. I began massaging it into my scalp for 30 seconds every morning, and I still do. I have never had dandruff since then.?

Another reader reminisced: ?I remember that years ago, the Listerine bottle included instructions for use in treating dandruff. I've used straight Listerine many times with 100 percent success within two to three days.?

We have also heard from animal lovers. One man said the vet had recommended a mixture of Listerine and mineral oil for hot spots in his dog?s fur. And a horsewoman in Washington said: ?A newly purchased filly had rubbed her mane and tail off. My farrier recommended the Listerine treatment?1/3 Listerine (original), 1/3 baby oil and 1/3 water. Put in a spray bottle, shake well and spray it on. Within a few months, her mane and tail were growing out nicely.?