Five Old-Fashioned Remedies That Are Still Relevant

Physicians are increasingly calling on the practices of age-old medicine now more than ever to treat ailments like constipation or congestion as research continues to support the benefits. Some home remedies can save you a trip to the doctor and extra health care costs. Read on for a few methods that doctors swear by.

1. Ginger

Feeling ill? Ginger has been used for thousands of years to combat nausea. Studies have shown that ginger can help alleviate nausea related to motion sickness, chemotherapy and pregnancy. The next time you’re feeling woozy try ginger tea, ginger cookies, candied ginger or fresh grated ginger.

2. Prunes

If you’re irregular, prunes (aka dried plums) may be the answer to your bathroom troubles. Eating 12 prunes per day can relieve constipation better than fiber supplements, according to a 2011 study.

3. Salt-Water Gargle

Have a headache or sore throat? Before popping a pill, try gargling salt (such as sea salt or pink Himalayan salt) mixed with warm water.

4. Adhesive Bandages

Some believe if you expose a cut to the air without a bandage, it will heal faster. However, adhesive bandages help provide a moist environment to promote faster healing. So the next time you have a cut, clean it and slap on a bandage.

5. Ice

A recent study suggests that migraine sufferers received the best relief from ice-pack usage – especially when the ice pack was placed on the front of their neck over the carotid arteries (rather than on their head) for 15 minutes.

Sources

“9 Old-Time Cures Doctors Swear by (And 3 to Skip),” Nancy Rones, time.com, accessed May 3, 2017.