When it was first introduced in 1879, Listerine was used as a surgical antiseptic, Greenville, S.C., television station WYFF reported.

By 1914, it became the first mouthwash sold over the counter. And in the 1920s, the product was trumpeted as a dandruff treatment.

Users were instructed to massage it into their scalps before shampooing to keep the dandruff away.

According to the station's research on the Internet and other places, people also say Listerine works as a cure for cradle cap, but it noted that anyone using it for that purpose needs to avoid getting it into the child's eyes.

Others say Listerine works wonders for preventing lice infestation. Rub it into the scalp, and then rinse it out.

Perhaps the most unusual suggestion was to use it to get rid of toenail fungus. For that, pour some Listerine on to a cotton square and dab it on the affected nail.

The station also found instances where people who suffer from shingles said it works for the pain of that viral skin condition. The People's Pharmacy has an account of a woman who dabbed the mouthwash on the affected area and got relief from the pain.

Still other people say Listerine works for the itching brought on by poison ivy and oak.

So what is it about Listerine that might make it work for all these problems?

The station reported that, among its ingredients, Listerine has a blend of essential oils in an alcohol base. That combination could have an antifungal effect.

It contains eucalyptus and menthol, both soothing agents.

Research also turned up a manufacturer's suggestion from decades ago that Listerine could be used as a floor cleaner.

There's no mention of that use in any current information about Listerine.