Turns Out Mom Was Right — 9 Home Remedies That Actually Work (10 photos)

Yes, chicken soup really does help with a cold. And as scientists recently discovered, it isn't the only old-fashioned remedy that actually works.

Here are 9 home remedies that aren't just old wives' tales—they genuinely help relieve pain, ease cold symptoms, cure headaches, and brighten your smile.







Gargling with water for upper respiratory infections

Feeling a cold coming on? Try gargling with plain water. A study of nearly 400 healthy volunteers found that those who gargled with plain water were significantly less likely to catch upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs)—the kind often associated with colds and flu—during the study period. Researchers concluded that simple water gargling was effective at preventing URTIs in healthy people.





Ginger for nausea

If you tend to get seasick, try popping a couple of ginger candies. Comparing people taking a placebo to those taking ginger, researchers found that just one gram of the root helps relieve symptoms of motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Overall, ginger can also help reduce bloating and ease an upset stomach.



Chicken soup for colds

Mom was right. Scientists still aren't entirely sure why chicken soup makes us feel better when we're sick, but they are almost certain it works. In one experiment, researchers set out to test the soup's effect on inflammation (a key component of the common cold). They found that it slowed the movement of neutrophils—white blood cells that spike during an acute infection. In other words, chicken soup seems to help soothe the inflammation responsible for many cold symptoms.



Vinegar and rubbing alcohol to prevent swimmer's ear

As long as your eardrum is intact, you can use this simple Mayo Clinic recipe to prevent ear infections. Just mix equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol, pour a teaspoon of the mixture into each ear, and let it drain back out. The mixture helps stop the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause swimmer’s ear.



Apples and carrots for whiter teeth

They aren't just good for your body—crisp, fresh fruits and vegetables can also keep your pearly whites shining. As you crunch on apples and carrots, their abrasive particles scrub the surface of your teeth, helping lift stains. Plus, apples and strawberries contain malic acid, which helps whiten tooth enamel.



Honey for coughs

Hate the taste of cough syrup? The World Health Organization recommends honey as a cough remedy for children. A 2012 study of 300 children who had been sick for a week or less found that those given 10 grams of honey before bed had fewer cough symptoms than those given a placebo—and, not surprisingly, got a much better night's sleep.



Ice for headaches

Applying ice to your head or the back of your neck can help dull migraine pain. The cold sensation also helps soothe throbbing temples. In a 2013 study of 50 migraine sufferers, participants who wrapped an ice pack around their neck for 30 minutes at the onset of a migraine reported a significant drop in pain.



Vodka for foot odor

Soak a cloth in vodka and give your feet a good wipe-down. The alcohol in vodka acts as an antiseptic, destroying odor-causing bacteria and fungi.



Duct tape for warts

Warts are harmless skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Because they are contagious, they can spread from person to person through physical contact. But there's good news! A 2002 study showed that covering warts with duct tape was actually more effective at eliminating them than freezing them off.

However, the jury is still out. Unfortunately, follow-up studies on using duct tape haven't been quite as convincing. Still want to give it a try? Clean the affected area, cut a piece of duct tape slightly larger than the wart, and stick it on. Replace the tape every few days until the wart disappears.