Most of us grew up with home remedies being passed down by wise relatives, but a lot of the time, those “tips and tricks” are just old wives’ tales. That said, there are a slew of home remedies that have been proven by science to work, from using fenugreek to boost breastmilk supply to grinding oatmeal for a skin-soothing bath additive.
Looking for a guide to the home remedies that actually work? Flip through the slideshow below for easy DIYs that can help soothe burns, relieve sore muscles, and more.
Use common cooking oils to moisturize cuticles, hair, and skin![]()
Olive oil, coconut oil, and safflower oil are versatile moisturizers for dry skin and chapped lips. Decant your favorite oils into small bottles, and rub a few drops into patches of dry skin for instant relief.
Brew ginger tea to settle upset stomachs
Ginger has well-established anti-nausea properties, and it’s especially comforting when brewed into a tea. Peel and slice a 1″ knob of ginger, then steep in boiling water for five minutes or so. Add honey for an extra boost of antibacterial power.
Use Epsom salts to soothe sore muscles![]()
If you’ve wrenched your back at work or gone too hard at the gym, a cheap bag of Epsom salts can bring relief. Pour a cup or two into a steaming hot bath, then soak for 20-30 minutes to soothe tired, achy muscles.
Buy an aloe vera plant for an instant burn remedy
Both a hardy plant and versatile for home remedies, aloe is a must for handling minor burns, scrapes, and bug bites. Cut off a leaf, slice it open, and scoop out the gel-like pulp inside for instant cooling relief.
Eat local honey or bee pollen to combat allergies![]()
Consuming local honey (or bee pollen) has been shown to combat seasonal allergies. That’s especially true for raw, organic, and hyper-local varieties that are packed with the pollen in your area. Add a spoonful to your tea or oatmeal in the morning for a little reprieve from sneezing.
Use colloidal oatmeal to soothe itchy, inflamed skin
Oatmeal has long been used in products (and home remedies) to soothe skin conditions like eczema and poison ivy, along with run-of-the-mill dry skin. Grab some rolled oats out of the pantry, then grind to a fine powder in a blender to create colloidal oatmeal. Add the powder to a warm bath to soothe the itch.
Make a DIY capsaicin cream for aches and pains![]()
Found in spicy peppers, capsaicin is a compound that’s often found in pain relief creams targeted at sore muscles and joints. Make your own with coconut oil, cayenne, and other easy-to-find ingredients using this recipe. Make sure to wear gloves, though — prepping spicy peppers can burn eyes and skin.
Use tea tree oil to combat bacterial and fungal infections
Known for its antifungal and germ-fighting properties, tea tree oil can be used to add an antibacterial boost to household cleaners, DIY nail fungus treatments, and (when diluted) homemade acne creams.
Make a DIY elderberry syrup for an immune boost![]()
This folk remedy has been around for years, thanks to the antioxidants and vitamins that dark purple elderberries contain. Using fresh or dried berries, spices like anise and cinnamon, and lemon juice, it’s easy to make a DIY syrup that can provide an immune boost during cold and flu season.
Make your own yogurt for a DIY probiotic supplement
Probiotics are an important way to regulate gut health, but supplements can be pricey. Making your own yogurt, which only requires some milk and a starter, can be an easy way to get those beneficial bacteria into your digestive system on the cheap.
Mix honey and black pepper to quiet a cough![]()
Thanks to its thick texture and antibacterial properties, honey is a great remedy for soothing a cough. Add a few cracks of black pepper to really ramp up the healing effects.
Use a tennis ball as a DIY acupressure tool
If you sit at a desk all day or engage in tough physical labor, sore muscles are a given. Fortunately, a tennis ball is an easy way to help work out the aches and pains. While laying on the floor, place the tennis ball under your back and roll around to knead out stubborn knots.
Freeze a water bottle to relieve plantar fasciitis pain![]()
If you’ve got foot arch pain, walking is tough. Plantar fasciitis often results in tightness in the foot, which can be relieved by rolling around the foot on a frozen water bottle for 10 minutes per day. It might be a little chilly, but the relief is undeniable.
Use baking soda to scrub and whiten teeth
Though you shouldn’t use it every day, baking soda’s gritty texture makes it a solid option for removing surface stains from the teeth. Wet your toothbrush, apply a little baking soda, then scrub in circular motions for whiter, shinier teeth.
Diffuse essential oils to reduce anxiety![]()
Essential oils like lavender and peppermint have been shown in studies to reduce anxiety and nausea. Purchase an inexpensive essential oil diffuser and keep a bottle of peppermint oil around to ward off morning sickness, or diffuse lavender at night as a way to wind down before bed.
Drink cranberry juice to stave off urinary tract infections
Thanks to compounds that prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder, cranberry juice can be a formidable weapon in the fight against urinary tract infections. Consider cranberry supplements, like AZO, or consume 100% cranberry juice for a little relief.
Use a cube of sugar to beat hiccups![]()
Take zinc supplements to reduce the duration of a cold
Many supplements lack scientific backing, but zinc has been shown to reduce the length of a cold. Start taking the supplement as soon as you feel symptomatic, and continue through a few days after you’re feeling better for maximum benefit.
Sip chamomile tea to unwind and induce sleep![]()
In addition to its light, floral flavor and pretty petals, chamomile tea can also be a relaxing way to wind down and actually get some sleep. Brew the tea, then step into a dimly lit space to sip while meditating or journaling before bed.
Use fenugreek to boost breastfeeding
