Everyone has a “foolproof” home remedy for that cold, fever, or sore throat. Skip the experiments and listen to a nurse!
Suzanne Carlile, MSN, CEN, CMSN, separates the good advice from the old wives tales.
COMMON COLD
DO:
Eat, eat, eat
Get plenty of rest
DON’T:
-Gargle garlic and cayenne pepper
-Mustard Plaster on Chest
COUGH
DO:
Vicks VapoRub on feet to suppress coughing
DON’T:
Rubbing alcohol on cloth or bandana, tied around neck at nighttime
FEVER
DO:
Tylenol
Ibuprophen
Luke warm bath; wet head
DON’T:
Ice bath
Wrap feet in vinegar-soaked sock
SINUS CONGESTION
DO:
Neti Pot/Saline Wash
Saline nasal spray
Carmex/VapoRub under the nose
DON’T:
Use over the counter nasal sprays for more than a few days
EARACHE (MINOR)
DO:
VapoRub on the cotton ball
DON’T
VapoRub with black pepper on a cotton ball
Drops of onion juice in your ear
Onion in washcloth held against ear
SORE THROAT
DO:
Warm Jello
Spoonful of Molasses/Honey
Marshmallows
DON’T
Garlic pills as a natural antibiotic
Citric juices
UPSET STOMACH
DO:
Eat light
Clear liquids
DON’T:
Lime with salt
Fresh ginger boiled as tea
CANKER
DO:
Baking Soda
Alum powder
DON’T
Maalox on Q-tip
Chewable vitamin C
Don’t garlic? I eat raw garlic and it clears my cough up the next day. I can see where this information came from. Let’s Go Brandon!!