People have been treating everyday problems with stuff from the kitchen long before drugstores existed. And a lot of these tricks have real scientific backing. Here are some of the home remedies from the past that actually hold up. Which of these would you still keep in your own home cabinet?
Just remember, we’re not doctors, and you should always consult a medical professional before trying any remedies.
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Honey for sore throats and wounds
There’s something so satisfying about a spoonful of honey when your throat’s scratchy. But it turns out, it’s not simply comforting. Honey coats the throat & slows bacterial growth because of its natural enzymes and low moisture, while on skin, honey creates a barrier that keeps wounds moist. It also shields them from germs.
Ginger for nausea
Sailors used to chew raw ginger during rough seas. Yet this was more than mere superstition, as ginger helps calm the stomach by speeding up how quickly it empties. You could have ginger slices or tea, but either way, it’s great for travel queasiness & morning sickness. A little ginger goes a surprisingly long way. Why not try some?
Peppermint for digestion issues
Sure, peppermint smells refreshing, and peppermint oil also has compounds that help muscles in your digestive tract relax. This eases gas & cramping. In fact, people used to sip peppermint tea after heavy meals, and now enteric-coated capsules exist, too.
Saltwater gargle for sore throat
This remedy is about as simple as a remedy gets. When you have a sore throat, get some warm water & salt and then gargle it for an easy fix. The salt draws excess fluid out of inflamed throat tissues, which makes things feel less swollen, and it also rinses away mucus. A saltwater solution will wash out some of the nastier bacteria hanging around in your throat.
Aloe vera for burns
Anyone who’s split open a thick aloe leaf & rubbed that cool gel on a burn will know how good it feels. That’s because aloe contains compounds that soothe irritation & help keep damaged skin hydrated. This speeds recovery for mild burns, and that’s why people have used it for centuries. They did even before bottled gels lined store shelves.
Turmeric for inflammation
Turmeric is great for curry, yes, but its active compound, curcumin, also has properties that calm inflammation in the body. People with achy joints sometimes take it in capsule form. However, you could also just stir it into warm milk or tea. It doesn’t work overnight. Yet regular use seems to make a difference, so it’s well worth a go.
Baking soda for indigestion
Before antacid tablets were around, people used to reach for a box of baking soda to make them feel better. Mixing a teaspoon of it into water can neutralize stomach acid rather quickly. Of course, it’s not exactly tasty, but you can’t put a price on the fast relief it’ll give you from heartburn. It also works on fighting that burning, bloated feeling after a heavy meal.
Oatmeal for skin irritation
Oatmeal baths sound a little odd until you try one. Finely ground oats release starches & compounds that form a thin protective layer on the skin, which can calm itching. Whether you’re itchy because of rashes or eczema, even bug bites, an oatmeal bath or a little oatmeal lotion can really help.
Prunes for constipation
You might think Grandma handing you prunes was just her being old-fashioned. However, the truth is that these fibrous fruits contain sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that softens stools & gets things moving. A few prunes a day will gently keep your digestive system on track. Best of all, you won’t need harsh laxatives, and they’re essentially nature’s way of nudging you on the toilet.
Garlic for minor infections/immune boost
The sharp bite of garlic comes from allicin, which forms when you crush it, and that compound has natural antibacterial properties. People have used it for centuries to help fight off sniffles or small infections. Some people eat it raw, but you can just take capsules for a bit of an immune system backup.
Clove oil for toothache relief
People used to use ground cloves for tooth pain. And it turns out, they had a reason to do so, as the oil inside cloves has eugenol. This dulls nerve sensitivity and slows bacterial growth when you apply it carefully with a cotton swab. Just a tiny drop of diluted clove oil can take the edge off until a dentist visit. It’s strong, so make sure you don’t use too much or you’ll irritate your gums.
Chicken soup for cold symptoms
Homemade chicken soup actually does a lot more than make you feel cared for. The steam from the broth loosens mucus & clears nasal passages, and this can make it easier for you to breathe. As for the warm liquid, this keeps you hydrated. While a bowl alone won’t cure anything, it’s proven that it can comfort you when you’re congested.
Cranberry for urinary tract infection prevention
Interestingly, cranberries have compounds that make it harder for certain bacteria to stick to your bladder walls. It’s this stickiness that often starts a urinary tract infection. As such, people who get frequent UTIs may want to drink cranberry juice regularly or take capsules as a preventive measure.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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