Rinsing with water for upper respiratory tract infections
Feel like you’re catching a cold? Try gargling with plain water. A study of regarding 400 healthy volunteers found that those who gargled with plain water were significantly less likely to develop upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) during the study period, a type of infection often associated with colds and flu. The researchers concluded that rinsing with plain water was effective in preventing URTIs among healthy people.
Ginger for nausea
If you’re having trouble sailing, try a couple of ginger candies. Comparing people taking a placebo with those taking ginger, researchers found that as little as one gram of the root reduced symptoms of motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy sickness. In general, ginger can also be helpful for reducing gas and indigestion.
Chicken broth for colds
Mom was right. It’s still not exactly known why chicken broth makes us feel better when we’re sick, but researchers are pretty sure it works. In one experiment, scientists tried to determine the effect the broth had on inflammation (a common component of the common cold). As a result, they found a slowdown in the movement of neutrophils, white blood cells that are the hallmark of an acute infection. In other words, the broth seems to help relieve the inflammation that causes many cold symptoms.
Vinegar and alcohol prevent ear infections in swimmers
As long as you have a whole eardrum, you can use this easy recipe from the Mayo Clinic to prevent ear infections. Simply mix one part white vinegar with one part alcohol, pour a teaspoon of the mixture into each ear and drain it back. The mixture is designed to stop the growth of bacteria and fungi that develop in swimmers’ ears.
Apples and Carrots for White Teeth
Not only are they good for the body, fresh crunchy fruits and vegetables will also help keep your teeth pearly white. While chewing apples and carrots, their fine particles clean the surface of the teeth, helping to remove stains. Apples and strawberries contain malic acid, which helps whiten enamel.
honey for cough
Hate the taste of cough syrup? The World Health Organization recommends honey as a cough medicine for children. A 2012 study of 300 children who were sick for a week or less found that those who were given 10 grams of honey before bed had fewer cough symptoms (compared to those who received a placebo) and, Oddly enough, they slept more soundly and peacefully.
ice for headaches
Applying ice to the head or back of the neck can help manage migraine pain. This cold sensation can also help to get rid of the throbbing in the temples. In 2013, a study was conducted among 50 people with migraine. During it, people who used ice to wrap their necks at the onset of a migraine for 30 minutes tended to report that their pain was significantly reduced.
Vodka for bad foot odor
Soak a towel in vodka and dry your feet well. The alcohol in vodka is an antiseptic that kills odor-causing bacteria and fungi.
tape for warts
Warts are harmless growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Since it is a contagious disease, they can be passed from person to person through physical contact. But there is good news too! A 2002 study found that taping up warts was better at removing warts than freezing them. However, the final verdict of scientists regarding this is not yet available.
Unfortunately, subsequent studies on the use of duct tape have not been as conclusive. Still want to try? Clean the affected area, cut out a piece of tape slightly larger than the wart you want to get rid of, and stick it in place. Change the tape every few days until the wart is gone.
