Clinical Contributor to this story:
Jessica Yao, M.D.
Community First Chief Medical Officer
What do Vicks VapoRub, onions, potatoes, and honey have in common? People use them as home remedies for illnesses like the common cold, stomach bug, headaches, and more. Nearly all cultures have passed down home remedies, often using a mixture of herbs, foods, or something else with a hint of “magic.”
Myth or Fact?
So, what does science have to say about your favorite home remedies? Are our great grandparents handing down folk remedies practiced for generations that are just plain false, or does science support some of these “cures”? Let’s explore a few popular ones and what we know about them today.
Folk Remedies for the common cold, flu, sore throat, and headaches.
Do they work?
Eating Garlic
Many cultures believe that garlic can cure some illnesses, but the truth is that for garlic to be most effective against a cold or flu, it should be a regular part of your diet. It is more of a preventive treatment than a cure.
Chicken Noodle Soup/Caldo de Pollo
The science says no, Mom’s chicken noodle soup cannot cure your common cold. But thanks to the vitamins and minerals found in chicken and vegetables, it can relieve symptoms like inflammation and dehydration. Either way, it is comforting and delicious, and it may make you feel better, at least for a little while.
Onions in your Socks
Most doctors would call this one a myth. While research has shown that regularly eating onions can have some positive health benefits, there is no scientific evidence that putting onions in your socks helps cure your cold. You may be surprised to learn that this remedy has been around for at least 500 years. If you want to try it, go for it. It won’t hurt (except for the smell), but it probably won’t heal you, either.
Extra Vitamin C
Much like garlic, regularly eating fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C can help prevent colds, flu, and other sicknesses. Most evidence shows that adults who regularly take vitamin supplements (at least 200mg/day) may experience a reduction in the duration and severity of cold symptoms, although it might not have the same effect on children. But it is good to eat your fruit and veggies year-round, even when you’re sick. Citrus fruit, cherries, kale, broccoli, and strawberries are all packed with Vitamin C and are good for your health.
Vicks Vaporub
One of the more popular remedies for a cold or the flu is to rub Vicks VapoRub on the chest and bottom of your feet. In some families, it’s treated like a cure-all. But does it really work? Vicks VapoRub has active ingredients of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus, which help clear congestion and open a stuffy nose. Vicks can provide temporary relief when rubbed on the neck and chest. Of course, feet are far away from the face. There is no evidence that rubbing Vicks on the feet is good for any cold and flu symptoms, however, it can help relax aching muscles.
Gargling Salt Water
Doctors recommend gargling warm salt water to help relieve the pain of a sore throat. Gargle with water as warm as you can handle it and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. The salt can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Eating Honey
Hot tea or water with honey, or even a teaspoon of honey by itself, can soothe a sore throat and reduce cough frequency and severity. Honey has natural antibiotic properties that can reduce inflammation and sweetness that can feel good to a sore throat for adults or children. Never give honey to a baby younger than 1 year old.
Ginger or Mint
Ginger and mint can help with feelings of nausea, although they don’t always work. The positive effects are mild, but worth trying if you feel nauseous.
Heating Pads and Ice Packs
Both heat and ice can play an important role in relieving muscle or joint pain, and even headaches. If you have swelling, icing the area can reduce your pain. If you have stiffness or tension, applying heat can help relax tight muscles. And if you have a headache or migraine, rotating hot and cold compresses have been shown to bring some relief.
It’s fun to hear about and even try folk remedies and cures, but remember, it is important to call your doctor if you or your child get sick and don’t improve. Nothing beats the expert medical care of a trained medical professional. That said, things like hot tea, honey, or chicken soup are never a bad idea!