Whether they’re small paper cuts or deep scrapes across your knee, leaving a wound untreated can lead to a lot of pain later on if it gets infected. Traditionally in India, we used to turn to natural ingredients like haldi for treating these wounds. However, nowadays, you might be more inclined to look to modern medicine for a cure. Here are some of the best antiseptics recommended by experts for open wounds.

Can Antiseptics Be Used On An Open Wound?

When it comes to manufactured creams, however, you need to be wary of what you use on an open wound, as there are some ingredients that could be potentially harmful. Although the FDA has a list of these antiseptic ingredients available publicly, there’s only one of them that is actively being used in antiseptic cream today: triclosan.

When these creams are used repeatedly, it could possibly annihilate healthy cells and actually slow your healing process. Do also bear in mind that if the wound is too severe, like in the case of burns or quarter-inch-deep wounds, it’s better to go to a medical professional.

What Are The Best Over-The-Counter Antiseptics For Open Wounds?

Biguanides: These are antiseptics that have been in use for over 30 years, primarily including chlorhexidine. They can specifically be used for treating mouth or skin infections and sore throats. In general, these can be in the form of mouthwash, skin cream, or a lozenge

Peroxides: These antiseptics are much less potent, with some like hydrogen peroxide being used to prevent infections that are less severe. Some people also use them to rinse their mouths, while dealing with sores in the case of a mouth infection

Iodine: This bears a reputation as one of the most effective antiseptics when it comes to reducing the risk of infection. It’s incredibly effective at disinfecting most wounds and specialises in antimicrobial cleansing.

These antiseptics have specifically been approved by the Food and Drug Administration of America and are specifically designed to disinfect the skin, which is why they are more appropriate and have less risk associated with them.

During a recent conference on drug addiction, the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. shared a personal story about his own battle with drug addiction and his journey to recovery. He also emphasized on the importance of helping young people find meaning in life. His speech at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, emphasized the need for prevention, community, and spiritual support in addressing substance abuse.

RFK Jr.'s Struggle With Addiction

Kennedy revealed that he was addicted to heroin for 14 years. It started during his teenage years. During that time, he constantly promised to quit to himself and his family, but he felt powerless to follow through.

“I didn’t want to be someone who woke up every morning thinking about drugs,” he said, describing the feeling of being unable to “keep contracts” with himself. He shared that he felt like he was born with a hole inside him—something many addicts feel—that he tried to fill with drugs.

He also called addiction "a source of misery, but also a symptom of misery". He stressed that threats of overdose or ruined lives often have little impact on those who are already suffering. “Every addict feels that way in one way or another... and the only thing that works are drugs,” he said.

His message to the 3,000 attendees focused on how deeper issues like hopelessness and disconnection from community contribute to addiction.

Finding A Way Out Through Faith

RFK Jr. went on to describe his recovery journey that started after he read a book by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who suggested that people who believe in God tend to recover more effectively. This inspired him and rekindled his faith in God. He began to attend the 12-step meetings. God was mentioned in his speech over 20 times, and it was noted that spirituality played a big role in his healing.

RFK Jr. also acknowledged criticism from public health experts and was interrupted several times by hecklers. Without directly engaging them, he said he tries to learn from everyone—“even the people who give me the finger.”

Prevention Through Purpose

While RFK Jr. did praise tools like Suboxone, methadone, and access to rehab, his main focus remained on prevention. “We have this whole generation of kids who’ve lost hope in their future,” he said. According to him, restoring connections to family, community, and purpose is crucial.

He encouraged policy changes that would promote stronger family bonds—such as phone-free meals—and more opportunities for young people to engage in service. “The best way to overcome hopelessness,” he said, “is to wake up each day and pray, ‘Please make me useful to another human being today.’”

While Kennedy’s speech resonated with many, others pushed back on his approach. Researcher Caleb Banta-Green, who was removed after shouting, later said that while spirituality can be helpful, science-based interventions must be prioritized and properly funded.

While Kennedy’s speech resonated with many, others pushed back on his approach. Researcher Caleb Banta-Green, who was removed after shouting, later said that while spirituality can be helpful, science-based interventions must be prioritized and properly funded.

Orgasmic Meditation (OM) is a unique wellness practice that brings together mindfulness, touch, and pleasure. For those unfamiliar, this partnered activity involves one person gently stroking the upper-left quadrant of the clitoris in an up-and-down motion for 15 minutes. The intention? Not climax — but connection, presence, and awareness.

The technique is precise: the stroking must be no firmer than one would touch an eyelid. Usually, the person performing the strokes wears latex gloves lubricated with a personal lubricant. Notably, there is no genital stimulation of the stroker, and the act itself is not meant to serve as foreplay.

Despite its name, OM is less about achieving orgasm and more about exploring sensation and emotional intimacy. Practitioners often describe the experience as meditative — a path to becoming fully present in one's body.

OM Was Introduced In 2009

While the traditional meditation practices aim at connecting the individual with themselves, these new age techniques are more focused towards reducing anxiety and calming the mind. OM was introduced by OneTaste. Founded by Nicole Daedone and Rob Kandell, this company promoted OM as "A pleasurable place for your body to be."

However, OneTaste later came under scrutiny, with former members accusing it of coercive financial practices and describing it as a "sexual wellness cult." The backlash led to a rebranding — OneTaste became the Institute of OM. Still, the practice continues to attract individuals seeking deeper sexual connection and personal fulfilment.

Is OM Just Another Form of Meditation?

Traditional meditation is often seen as spiritual or philosophical. Today, it's more commonly embraced as a health tool — a method to reduce stress, improve focus, or even aid therapy. But at its core, meditation is about being fully present and tuning into one’s authentic self.

Still, OM is not for everyone. It involves physical intimacy and often costly sessions. For those who prefer less intensive alternatives, traditional meditation apps and guided practices are widely available.

Are There Any Health Benefits Of Organismic Meditation?

Practitioners often claim increased happiness, reduced anxiety, and more connected relationships. Some report better communication, heightened confidence, and a deeper understanding of their partner’s emotional and physical needs.

While orgasm is not the goal, some do experience it—and with it, potential health benefits like the release of endorphins, reduction in cortisol, and temporary relief from pain. Moreover, OM shares many of the known benefits of conventional meditation: better sleep, sharper focus, reduced blood pressure, and mood improvement.

Getting Started With OM

There are plenty of resources online—articles, audios, and videos—to help beginners explore OM. While there is a common structure, there's no strict right or wrong way. You can even try a solo version of the practice.

Amid today’s fast-paced routines, OM offers a new form of self-care — one that asks for just 15 minutes of intentional touch and total presence. For many, it’s a meditative practice that bridges the gap between sexuality and mindfulness.

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Two made-in-India HPV test kits, which are essential for diagnosing cervical cancer, have been rolled out after successful evaluation by doctors at AIIMS Delhi. The results of this scientific review were announced in a meeting by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The two evaluated HPV kits—Truenat HPV-HR Plus by Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics, and Patho Detect by Pune-based Mylab Discovery Solutions—were developed under the Department of Biotechnology.

The evaluation of these kits was carried out by a team of experts at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, in collaboration with National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR) Noida, and National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH) Mumbai, along with support from the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Talking about the new test kits, Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, said, "Truenat HPV-HR Plus represents the kind of diagnostic innovation we need — dependable, scientifically rigorous, locally developed, and built to serve our public health system. It’s a huge step forward in strengthening cervical cancer screening across India."

How Are These Indegineuous Test Kits Made?

The newly validated kits use a chip-based real-time PCR (RT-PCR) technique, which is known for its accuracy and speed. These kits are designed to detect eight high-risk HPV genotypes, which are responsible for over 96% of cervical cancer cases globally. "The key feature of these kits is the inclusion of only the seven-eight most common cancer-causing types that will allow a very efficient and cost-effective screening programme which will be most suitable for India," Dr. Neerja Bhatla, former head of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS, Delhi and chief coordinator of the programme said in a statement.

Cervical Cancer Are The Second Most Prevalent Cancer In India

Cervical Cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the layers of the cervix. It is caused by abnormal cell growth that can spread to another part of your body. There are two main types of cervical cancer. These are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with around 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths in 2022, as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is also the second largest cause of death in women in India, resulting in nearly 18% of total deaths.

How To Identify Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer has no symptoms in the early days and therefore, is hard to detect until it has spread.

Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Symptoms

• Vaginal bleeding after sex
• Vaginal bleeding post-menopause
• Vaginal bleeding between periods or unusually heavy/long periods
• Watery vaginal discharge with a strong odour or containing blood
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
• Advanced Cervical Cancer Symptoms (when cancer has spread beyond the cervix):

• Persistent symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer
• Painful or difficult bowel movements or rectal bleeding
• Painful or difficult urination or blood in the urine
• Persistent dull backache
• Swelling of the legs
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen