13 Forgotten Home Remedies That People Swore By
Before pharmacies were on every corner, healing often started right in the kitchen.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Past generations didn’t always rely on doctors for common illnesses. Instead, they turned to trusted home remedies passed down through family. These 13 old-school cures might sound strange today, but many people swore by their effectiveness.
1. Onion for a Cough
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Sliced onions placed by the bed were believed to draw out illness overnight. Some even made onion syrup with honey for chest colds.
2. Baking Soda for Heartburn
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A spoonful mixed with water created a fizzy drink to calm indigestion. It was quick, cheap, and easy to whip up.
3. Mustard Plasters for Chest Congestion
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Made from dry mustard and flour, these warm compresses were applied to the chest. They were thought to break up mucus and boost circulation.
4. Vinegar Socks for Fevers
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Soaking socks in vinegar and putting them on was believed to pull heat from the body. It was a strange concept, but some families used it regularly.
5. Saltwater Gargle for Sore Throats
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Simple, salty, and effective—this one’s still around, though less common. Swishing salt water soothed irritation and killed germs.
6. Whiskey for Toothaches
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A swig—or a cotton ball soaked in it—was applied to aching gums. It numbed the pain and gave temporary relief.
7. Turpentine and Sugar Cubes
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Used for coughs and colds, people would put a drop of turpentine on sugar. It sounds alarming now, but it was a rural staple in some areas.
8. Lard for Splinters
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A dab of lard under a bandage supposedly helped splinters slide out on their own. It was messy but trusted by many.
9. Potato Poultices for Infections
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A grated raw potato wrapped in cloth was placed on wounds to “draw out” infection. People believed that starch and moisture helped heal infections.
10. Ginger for Nausea
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Grated ginger or steeped ginger tea was a go-to for upset stomachs. It is still widely accepted today, but it was originally part of folk medicine.
11. Castor Oil for Everything
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Used as a laxative, skin salve, and even to induce labor. Parents often swore by a spoonful a day to “keep things moving.”
12. Soap Under the Sheets for Leg Cramps
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A bar of soap under the fitted sheet near your legs was said to ease nighttime cramps. The science is shaky, but many believed in the magic
13. Honey and Lemon for a Cold
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Mixed together and taken by the spoonful or in warm water, this combination soothed sore throats and coughs. Natural and tasty, it was often the first line of defense.