This post is part of our Home Remedy Handbook, a tour of the landscape of home remedies from the iffy to the doctor-approved. Read more here.
We’ve covered some of the best and worst home remedies in depth, but now it’s time for a lightning round: Should you feed a cold and starve a fever? Drink cranberry juice to prevent UTIs? Hold your breath to halt your hiccups? Let’s see, shall we?
Epsom salt baths
Epsom salts, or magnesium sulfate (no relation to table salt) are also known as “bath salts” because they are often dissolved in a warm bath to soothe sore muscles. There’s no evidence that your body absorbs any of the minerals through your skin, though, so don’t think of these baths as medicinal. That said, warm baths can feel good on sore muscles, and scented bath salts are a great way to make a relaxing experience more pleasant.
Baking soda for heartburn
If you have heartburn or “indigestion,” an alkaline substance like baking soda can sometimes help to relieve your symptoms. But baking soda is not the best choice. It can make you feel even more uncomfortable because of the way it expands in your stomach, and it’s not appropriate if you’re trying to avoid sodium in your diet (its scientific formula is sodium bicarbonate). Better to grab a different type of antacid, like Tums or Maalox.
Vitamin C for colds
If you chug orange juice or take vitamin C pills when you have a cold, you’re not alone. But the idea that vitamin C boosts your immunity never had very strong evidence behind it, and it hasn’t stood up very well to scientific studies. People who regularly take vitamin C may have slightly shorter colds than people who don’t—by just a few hours—but even in that case, starting to take vitamin C after you get sick doesn’t seem to help.
Warm milk for sleep
The Sleep Foundation says that warm milk “may” help you sleep, and that’s about the strongest recommendation you’ll find. People tend to find a cup of warm milk soothing, but the usual explanation—that the tryptophan in the milk makes you sleepy—doesn’t add up. There isn’t that much tryptophan in milk, and there’s no easy way for it to get into a place where it can send sleepy messages to your brain. Another theory holds that warm milk’s power is all in its association in our mind: We think it will make us sleepy, so it gets us in a sleepy mood.
Witch hazel for hemorrhoids
Witch hazel is a plant, but you probably know it from the liquid extract you can buy at the drugstore—between the rubbing alcohol and the hydrogen peroxide. Witch hazel is an astringent, meaning it dries out and temporarily tightens skin or other tissues.
There isn’t much evidence on witch hazel for hemorrhoids, but what we have suggests it may reduce itching, pain, and bleeding. To use it, put some witch hazel on a cotton pad or a piece of toilet paper, and pat it on. You can also buy wipes or pads that are already treated with witch hazel.
Ginger ale for nausea
When you feel like you’re going to throw up, ginger ale can be a comforting thing to drink. But does it actually help nausea?
There is some evidence that ginger root may help with nausea from pregnancy or after anesthesia. It doesn’t seem to help nearly as much with nausea that comes from illness. But ginger ale may not contain real ginger root at all, or the dose might be very small. So if ginger ale helps you feel better when you’re sick, chances are it’s more about the comfort and familiarity and placebo effect—which means you’re free to drink a different beverage if you prefer.
Feed a cold, starve a fever
This is an archaic idea, from the era when body fluids and functions were categorized as to whether they are “hot” or “cold.” Fevers are hot, and blood is considered to hold heat, so bloodletting was part of how you would treat a fever. The idea of “starving” a fever was inspired by the same idea: Remove your body’s fuel, and the fire won’t burn as hot. On the other hand, if you’re leaking mucus from your nose, you have a “cold” and the treatments would be entirely different.
We know now that colds are caused by viruses, and that a fever is one way our body may respond to an infection (by a virus or otherwise). You can have a “cold” and a fever at the same time. You also can’t bring down a fever by fasting, even if you wanted to. So whichever you have, eat normally (if you can) to provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
Cranberry juice for UTIs
Cranberry juice is rumored to be able to prevent or even treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Fun fact: Ocean Spray, which produces cranberry products, has also funded a good bit of the research on cranberries and UTIs.
So is the rumor true? Studies have not found that cranberry juice can treat a UTI, so if you’re already feeling the burn, go to urgent care rather than the grocery store. As for prevention, the jury is still out. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes this, but their top tips for UTI prevention are even simpler: Stay hydrated, pee when you feel the urge, and wash the skin around your anus and genital area. (Peeing after sex does not make the list, either.)
Ice for a bruise
If you just whacked your shin on something and are pretty sure it’s going to bruise, ice can help to keep the swelling down and reduce the eventual size of the bruise.
Chamomile tea to help you sleep
As famous as chamomile tea is for helping people get to sleep—one chamomile-containing blend is even sold as Sleepytime Tea—the evidence is minimal. One 2019 review of six studies found that chamomile improved sleep quality, but didn’t help people with insomnia to get more sleep. If you find it relaxing, enjoy; but if it doesn’t seem to be working...it’s probably not.
Cucumber slices for puffy eyes
Cucumber slices over the eyes are an iconic beauty treatment, but we don’t have any clinical evidence supporting this practice with cucumbers specifically. Cucumbers contain plenty of nutritious chemical compounds, like vitamin C, but is there enough of them to do anything when applied topically? That’s pretty unlikely.
Instead, it seems that what we’re doing when we put cucumbers on our eyes is that we’re applying something cool and wet, which can feel good and may very slightly reduce puffiness temporarily. But if you don’t want to waste a cucumber, you can just use a cool gel pack or wet washcloth.
Aloe for burns
Aloe-containing lotions can be soothing on a burn, and it’s not uncommon to keep an aloe plant around so you can break off a leaf when you burn yourself in the kitchen. But is the aloe really doing anything special?
Studies have been inconclusive. It seems like aloe may be a good substitute for other burn ointments in places where those other ointments aren’t easily available. Aloe provides a moist covering to the wound, which helps healing.
The American Academy of Family Physicians says the best treatment for a minor burn is to run it under cool water for 20 minutes. After that, you can apply “aloe vera cream or antibiotic ointment.” If the burn is deep, if it blisters, or if it is in a sensitive area of the body like the genitals or face, seek medical help.
Apple cider vinegar for poison ivy
There are tons of home remedies for poison ivy, but what really matters is that you wash off the urushiol (the irritating oil) as thoroughly as possible. Dish soap or a regular bar soap works to get the oil off your skin, but be careful that you don’t spread the oil to your hands or to other surfaces in the process. Your clothes should go into the washing machine, if possible. The good news is that you have several hours after contacting the plant before it starts to form a rash, so it’s fine to shower after your hike rather than resorting to impromptu remedies while you’re still in the woods.
With that understood, it’s a lot easier to figure out which poison ivy remedies make sense. Should you pour vinegar on your shins immediately after touching the plant? No! It won’t do anything to remove the oil, and might even spread it. Once you already have a rash, the American Association of Dermatology recommends calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, colloidal oatmeal, cool compresses, and antihistamines.
Sex to relieve menstrual cramps
There’s lots of anecdotal evidence that sex can relieve cramps, which means that people have tried it and said it works. But if you’re looking for studies to support the idea, there doesn’t seem to be anything out there. Doctors have often gone on the record saying that endorphins or oxytocin from an orgasm can potentially relieve cramps, but oxytocin can also increase cramping—meaning you shouldn’t expect it to be a guaranteed cure. Sex can sometimes cause cramping all on its own, especially if the cervix is touched during sex.
So this one falls squarely into the “try it and see” category. If sex (partnered or solo) helps your cramps, then great! But if it doesn’t, that doesn’t mean anything is wrong.
Holding your breath to stop hiccups
The home remedies for hiccups are probably more numerous, and sillier, than for any other condition. Personally I’ve never found any of them to work, but the process of running through every hiccup cure you can think of keeps you busy and provides entertainment to others in your household.
Clinical research on hiccups focuses on people who have recurrent or intractable courses of hiccups. These people are not necessarily like the rest of us: Often the hiccups turn out to be triggered by another medical condition, like heartburn or even a tumor that is irritating the vagus nerve. Treating that condition tends to resolve the hiccups.
So we don’t have solid evidence that any of our home hiccup cures are helpful for ordinary cases of hiccups. A 2015 review of hiccup treatments identifies a few treatments that seem to be effective, at least sometimes:
- “Respiratory maneouvres” like holding your breath or breathing into a paper bag
- Vagal stimulation like applying cold to the face or having somebody scare you (a frozen steak on the chest would likely have a similar effect)
- Nasopharyngeal stimulation, like sniffing ammonia or putting vinegar up your nose (a new use for those smelling salts I keep in my home gym!)
So, do these cures work? We don’t know for sure. But now you have a few more to try the next time you have hiccups.
FAQs
What are the effective home remedies? ›
- Take Care. 1/15. No matter what you've heard or how badly you want relief, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before trying any home remedy. ...
- Peppermint. 2/15. Mint has been used for hundreds of years as a health remedy. ...
- Honey. 3/15. ...
- Turmeric. 4/15. ...
- Ginger. 5/15. ...
- Sex. 6/15. ...
- Green Tea. 7/15. ...
- Garlic. 8/15.
The Eight Natural Remedies Questionnaire (Q8RN) comprises eight dimensions: nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, pure air, rest, and trust in God. It is used to assess adherence to the healthy habits of the Adventist lifestyle.
Do natural remedies really work? ›Evidence for the effectiveness of herbal medicines is generally very limited. Although some people find them helpful, in many cases their use tends to be based on traditional use rather than scientific research.
Do home remedies really work for skin? ›In most people with an uneven skin tone, the underlying cause of the condition has to be eliminated. Home remedies may not work for some and even if they help restore the skin's complexion, they may not be a permanent solution to an uneven skin tone on the face, neck, or body.
Why are home remedies better? ›Dr Anil Ballani, Consulting General Physician, Hinduja Hospital, says, "Home remedies offer cures with simple, ingredients such as honey, fruits, herbs and natural oils. They, at times, can cure common ailments with no side effects, but they need to be used judiciously.
What is a natural remedy? ›Herbal remedies are plants used like a medicine. People use herbal remedies to help prevent or cure disease. They use them to get relief from symptoms, boost energy, relax, or lose weight. Herbal remedies are not regulated or tested like medicines.
What are all natural remedies called? ›Products made from botanicals, or plants, that are used to treat diseases or to maintain health are called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines. A product made from plants and used solely for internal use is called an herbal supplement.
What are the 3 main remedies? ›- Specific Performance. Specific performance is a judicial order to the promisor that he undertake the performance to which he obligated himself in a contract. ...
- Injunction. ...
- Restitution.
There are three type of remedies which the plaintiff (person who brings an action in a court) which are damages, specific performance and injunction. These remedies will be given to the plaintiff according to the losses that he or she had faced.
What are the 6 remedies? ›- Compensatory Damages. ...
- Specific Performance. ...
- Injunction. ...
- Rescission. ...
- Liquidated Damages. ...
- Nominal Damages.
What herbal remedies help anxiety? ›
- Kava. ...
- Passion flower. ...
- Valerian. ...
- Chamomile. ...
- Lavender. ...
- Lemon balm.
Although herbal medicines are generally considered to be safe and effective, but conventionally it is said that if a drug is effective, it would have side effects. Hence, herbal remedies as drugs either have adverse effects or are not effective (2-5).
What naturally heals skin? ›- Aloe vera. Perhaps you've used aloe vera in the past for a sunburn, yet the gel-like substance from the leaves of this subtropical plant may be used for other skin problems, too. ...
- Honey. ...
- Lavender oil. ...
- Marigold. ...
- Turmeric paste. ...
- Tea tree oil. ...
- Topical vitamin E.
- Omega-3: People can find omega-3 in fish oil supplements or algae oil supplements.
- Vitamin D: ...
- Magnesium: According to one 2020 article , magnesium is one of the most anti-inflammatory nutrients. ...
- Curcumin: Curcumin is a compound in turmeric.
Herbs are more effective at regulating digestion, reducing anxiety, clearing heat, etc. As herbs are natural and holistic upon the human body. The effects of the medicinal herbs takes time, usually around 2-3 weeks.
What is considered the best remedy for all diseases? ›A panacea /pænəˈsiːə/, named after the Greek goddess of universal remedy Panacea, is any supposed remedy that is claimed (for example) to cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely.
What is remedy for all diseases? ›Panacea: The word 'panacea' means a remedy for all the ills , an answer or a solution to all the difficulties. Therefore, this is the correct option.
What are examples of a remedy? ›Damages, injunctions, and specific performance are some examples of legal remedies. Some of the most common types of legal remedies or damages in contract law are compensatory remedies, punitive remedies, consequential remedies, and expectation remedies.
What is the most powerful herb? ›Turmeric is certainly the most powerful herb on the planet. It is from the ginger family that is primarily grown in India, China and Indonesia. It contains various compounds with medicinal properties. For example, turmeric contains Curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the body's own antioxidant enzymes.
What leaf can cure infection? ›Rosemary, Rosemary is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial plant, and therefore is used to treat various types of infections.
What is modern remedies? ›
1. Also known as Allopathic or western medicine, modern medicine is the most advanced, scientifically based, and statistically approved therapeutic system and diagnostic methodology. Learn more in: A Review of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used for Treatment of Leucorrhoea in India.
What drink kills heartburn? ›Drinking milk is a great way to coat the lining of the stomach and reduce the acidity of the stomach. Drinking milk can give fast relief. Drinking milk can quickly sooth the sensation of heartburn. Bananas are an amazing potassium source but it also has the added benefit of minimizing stomach acids.
What drink takes away heartburn? ›Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
What juice is good for acid reflux? ›carrot juice. aloe vera juice. cabbage juice. freshly juiced drinks made with less acidic foods, such as beets, watermelon, spinach, cucumber, or pear.
What are the five remedies? ›Five remedies for breach of contract include: “Award of Damages”, “Restitution”, “Rescission”, “Reformation”, and “Specific Performance”.
What are the four remedies? ›Remedies for Breach of Contract (termination, damages, injunctions, specific performance)
What is a primary remedy? ›These primary remedies consist of: (1) damages, by far the most important remedy in practical terms; (2) injunctions; and. (3) other equitable remedies such as specific performance, rectification and declarations.
How many kinds of remedies are there in? ›Categorized according to their purpose, the four basic types of judicial remedies are (1) damages; (2) restitution; (3) coercive remedies; and (4) declaratory remedies. The remedy of damages is generally intended to compensate the injured party for any harm he or she has suffered.
What are the types of contract remedy? ›There are several remedies for breach of contract, such as award of damages, specific performance, rescission, andrestitution. In courts of limited jurisdiction, the main remedy is an award of damages.
What are the list of tort remedies? ›...
Judicial remedies in tort law can be classified into:
- Damages.
- Injunction.
- Specific restitution of property.
What is the right to remedy? ›
What is the right to an effective remedy? Human rights law imposes an obligation on countries to provide remedies and reparation for the victims of human rights violations.
What plant numbs pain? ›The flowers of Spilanthes have earned it the name “toothache plant” for their numbing and pain-relieving effects. Spilanthes has also been noted to stimulate taste and improve saliva flow.
What herbs are God's medicine? ›Only five species are mentioned directly as medicinal plants in the Bible: Fig (Ficus carica), Nard (Nardostachys jatamansi), Hyssop (Origanum syriacum), balm of Gilead (Commiphora gileadensis) and Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum).
What herbs cures infections? ›Common kitchen herbs, such as basil, sage, and oregano, as well as lesser-known herbs like astragalus and sambucus, have powerful antiviral effects against numerous viruses that cause infections in humans.
What can I drink to calm my nerves? ›- Ginger.
- Maca.
- Matcha.
- Reishi.
- Apple cider vinegar.
- Turmeric.
- Ashwagandha.
Results from multiple studies indicate that valerian — a tall, flowering grassland plant — may reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and help you sleep better. Of the many valerian species, only the carefully processed roots of the Valeriana officinalis have been widely studied.
What is the strongest calming herb? ›Kava (Piper methysticum)
The root of a plant native to the South Pacific, kava is perhaps the best-researched herb for anxiety relief.
- Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and/or naproxen sodium (for pain relief and fever reduction)
- Chewable aspirin tablets (for symptoms of a heart attack)
- Antacids.
- Antihistamine tablets or syrup.
- Antidiarrheal medicine.
- Cough medicine.
- Decongestant tablets or liquid.
- Chamomile. (Flower) Considered by some to be a cure-all, chamomile is commonly used in the U.S. for anxiety and relaxation. ...
- Echinacea. (Leaf, stalk, root) ...
- Feverfew. (Leaf) ...
- Garlic. (Cloves, root) ...
- Ginger. (Root) ...
- Gingko. (Leaf) ...
- Ginseng. (Root) ...
- Goldenseal. (Root, rhizome)
Eating well during wound healing helps you heal faster and fight infection. During healing your body needs more calories, protein, fluid, vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc. The best source of these nutrients is food. If you are not eating enough healthy food, you may need to take a supplement.
What heals face fastest? ›
Use a warm or cold compress
Applying a warm compress to your wound may trigger skin regeneration and blood flow. These properties can speed up the healing process while also providing relief from itchiness. A warm compress can also help add moisture to the wound site.
Wounds heal faster if they are kept warm. Try to be quick when changing dressings. Exposing a wound to the open air can drop its temperature and may slow healing for a few hours. Don't use antiseptic creams, washes or sprays on a chronic wound.
What should I drink at night for good skin? ›- Carrot and Beetroot. There is nothing that can beat this beauty potion in terms of skin benefits. ...
- Green Apple & Pomegranate. What to drink for glowing skin? ...
- Papaya, Cucumber & Lemon. ...
- Aloe Vera & Cherry Juice.
Make over your morning glass of water
The benefits of drinking water (at least 2 cups) first thing in the morning are plenty. Besides flushing out toxins and providing some much-needed hydration, this amount of water can increase your metabolism .
- Turmeric Detox. Turmeric is best known for treating acne, healing wounds, and calming skin irritation. ...
- Vitamin C Detox. A detox juice made up of vitamin C help to purify skin and prevent skin issues. ...
- Pomegranate Juice. ...
- Watermelon Cucumber Basil Juice.
Mangoes are one of the best fruits for your skin if you're looking for a radiant glow. It comes packed with vitamins C, E, and A, which are amazing for healthy skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that effectively reduce acne marks and fine lines.
How do you trigger a glow up? ›- Eat Healthily.
- Drink Lots Of Water.
- Get A Good Night's Sleep.
- Exercise Regularly.
- Invest In Quality Skincare Products.
- Invest In Quality Makeup Products.
- Find Your Personal Style.
- Get A New Hairstyle.
Orange, tomato, pineapple and carrot juices are all high in the antioxidant, vitamin C, which can neutralize free radicals that lead to inflammation. Tart cherry juice has been shown to protect against gout flares and reduce OA symptoms.
What is the strongest natural anti-inflammatory? ›1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.
What brings down inflammation fast? ›To reduce inflammation fast, limit your intake of sugar and processed foods. Perhaps, more importantly, though, pursue exercise, stress-reducing behaviors, a good night's sleep, and a diet full of colorful, anti-inflammatory foods.
What are 2 natural remedies? ›
- Take Care. 1/15. No matter what you've heard or how badly you want relief, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before trying any home remedy. ...
- Peppermint. 2/15. Mint has been used for hundreds of years as a health remedy. ...
- Honey. 3/15. ...
- Turmeric. 4/15. ...
- Ginger. 5/15. ...
- Sex. 6/15. ...
- Green Tea. 7/15. ...
- Garlic. 8/15.
The Eight Natural Remedies Questionnaire (Q8RN) comprises eight dimensions: nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, pure air, rest, and trust in God. It is used to assess adherence to the healthy habits of the Adventist lifestyle.
What is the hardest disease to cure? ›Cancer. Cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. This can affect almost any organ or tissue including lungs, breast, colon, skin and ovaries. Due to the complexity of the disease and the variety of forms it can take, developing a cure has proven difficult.
What illness is hard to cure? ›cancer. dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. advanced lung, heart, kidney and liver disease. stroke and other neurological diseases, including motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis.
What diseases has humanity cured? ›Two infectious diseases have successfully been eradicated: smallpox in humans, and rinderpest in ruminants. There are four ongoing programs, targeting the human diseases poliomyelitis (polio), yaws, dracunculiasis (Guinea worm), and malaria.
What home remedy gets rid of gas trouble? ›- Ginger, cardamom and fennel. ...
- Garlic with black pepper and cumin seeds. ...
- Ajwain or Carom Seeds. ...
- Buttermilk. ...
- Steamed pumpkin. ...
- Apple cider vinegar and water. ...
- Warm lemon water.
rem·e·dy ˈrem-əd-ē plural remedies. : a medicine or treatment that cures or relieves. : something that corrects an evil, rights a wrong, or makes up for a loss.
What home remedy gets rid of ants fast? ›Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it directly on the ants to kill them, then wipe up the ants using a damp paper towel and discard them. You can also use vinegar and water as a deterrent; spray it around your windowsills, doorways and other places where you see ants coming inside.
What helps flush out inflammation? ›Load up on anti-inflammatory foods
Some of the best sources of omega-3s are cold water fish, such as salmon and tuna, and tofu, walnuts, flax seeds and soybeans. Other anti-inflammatory foods include grapes, celery, blueberries, garlic, olive oil, tea and some spices (ginger, rosemary and turmeric).
- tomatoes.
- olive oil.
- green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards.
- nuts like almonds and walnuts.
- fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
- fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
What is the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory? ›
1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.
What gets gas out of your stomach? ›- Move. Walk around. ...
- Massage. Try gently massaging the painful spot.
- Yoga poses. Specific yoga poses can help your body relax to aid the passing of gas. ...
- Liquids. Drink noncarbonated liquids. ...
- Herbs. ...
- Bicarbonate of soda.
- Apple cider vinegar.
drinking water with a squeeze of lemon or lime, rather than fruit juice or beverages with flavorings or artificial sweeteners. drinking teas that can help ease digestion and reduce gas, such as those that contain chamomile, fennel, peppermint, or turmeric.
How do you get rid of gas in your stomach ASAP? ›- Let it out. Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. ...
- Pass stool. A bowel movement can relieve gas. ...
- Eat slowly. ...
- Avoid chewing gum. ...
- Say no to straws. ...
- Quit smoking. ...
- Choose non-carbonated drinks. ...
- Eliminate problematic foods.
- Compensatory Damages. ...
- Specific Performance. ...
- Injunction. ...
- Rescission. ...
- Liquidated Damages. ...
- Nominal Damages.
White vinegar
White vinegar, available at all grocery stores, is a cheap and effective way to kill and repel ants. It is also a natural cleaning agent. Try using a 1-to-1 vinegar/water mixture to clean hard surfaces, including floors and countertops, wherever ants are likely to travel.
Ants hate the smell of strong citrus fruits. Save your orange, lemon and grapefruit peels and scatter them around entry points. It's a natural way to deter ants without harming them.
What smell do ants hate the most? ›