I can remember getting sick, or scrapping my knee and mama always had the right remedies to fix the situation. Most times it was right in the cabinets at home.
It’s no secret that our parents and grandparents grew up in an age of just making things work. Just look at the fact that, among Baby Boomers, it’s fairly common knowledge that castor oil can induce labor. But the fact is, traditional home remedies are more than just old wives’ tales—many of those concoctions are surprisingly effective at soothing all manner of aches, pains and ailments.
I did a poll on my social media facebook.com/thumplv asking “What are some old school remedies mama would use?” and some of the answers was very interesting to say the least. From using raw honey for scars, to curing a common cold using lemon, onions and honey boiled in a pot of water, and drink it as hot as you can stand it.
I have definitely witnessed some crazy concoctions in my lifetime, such as spreading Vicks Vapor Rub on your feet then put socks on before going to bed. I never knew what that did for me, but between the breath taking smell and momma rubbing my feet, it seemed to always work. (Nothing like a nurturing touch.)
From using vanilla extract to soothe an agonizing toothache, to removing a wart with just a piece of trusty duct tape (which fixed most things around my house.) most of these genius solutions only require a bit of rummaging through your kitchen cupboard.
A lot of people believe that when it comes to medicine, “natural” is better, healthier, and safer than “unnatural” or synthetic drugs. And “natural” medicines, contrary to what many may think, are not without side effects. Some can even have serious safety concerns. So please consult with a physician before and or after trying any of the suggested remedies below.
For Swelling Or A Sprain
Yes, Red Clay and Vinegar. Some young kids are particularly adamant that they can’t handle ice on their skin for many minutes at a time, so in the event of a sprain, it’s helpful to know an alternative way to soothe the swelling. That’s where the red clay and vinegar compress comes in. Mix the two substance into a paste and apply it to the sprain for 20 minutes at a time.
Curing A Coughing Fit
Specifically, dark chocolate (that’s anything with a cacao rating of 70 percent or higher). Research published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease jtd.amegroups.com revealed that a compound in dark chocolate can actually be even more effective than codeine at soothing a hacking cough, so break yourself a piece of that good stuff.
Bug Bites
Did you know that potatoes are good for more than being mashed and baked and French-fried? They actually also have anti-inflammatory properties; a sliced, raw potato, according to a study in the journal Food and Agriculture Immunology, is one of the best compresses to place against an itchy bug bite.
Bad Breath
If you find that, no matter how long you swill mouthwash in the morning, your breath is already stale a couple hours into your workday, you might want to opt for one of the most effective oral home remedies: lemon juice. First, gargle with a small cup of acidic lemon juice. (This will kill the bacteria that is causing your breath to stink.) Then, take a few bites of unsweetened yogurt to replace the bad bacteria with beneficial bacteria. This should keep your breath fresh for at least 12 hours.
Soar Throat
Whether you’re battling a sore throat or congestion, taking a few minutes to gargle with saltwater—a few shakes of salt into an eight-ounce glass—is sure to help subdue the worst of your symptoms. Be sure not to swallow the water, though. Drinking a substance with such a concentrated level of sodium could dehydrate you.
Muscle Cramps
Do you suffer from nighttime leg cramps?
If so, have you found anything that helps relieve the pain? Taking over the counter medication is a common way of dealing with nighttime leg cramps; unfortunately, you will continue to toss and turn in your bed for 30-45 minutes as you wait for the medication to take effect. While all along you more that likely have one of the best leg cramp remedies sitting in your kitchen: MUSTARD!
Sun burn
Forgot to reapply sunscreen at the beach and ended up with a nasty burn? Grabbed a cookie sheet out of the oven and blistered your fingers? According to research in the Journal of the International Society academic.oup.com for Burn Injuries, aloe vera from an actual plant is one of the most natural home remedies out there, and it’s certain to soothe all your burns, whether it’s a sun burn or a burn burn. Simply break off a leaf off, snap it apart, and rub the inside of the leaf against the burnt area for some organic relief.
