50 Old-Time Doctor Remedies That Really Work

Your grandma probably swore by these treatments, and now science is catching up.

- Jen Mccaffery And Tina Donvito

Honey to heal a wound. Cherries for gout. Cod-liver oil—blech!—to keep your eyes healthy. Your grandmother and her doctors probably swore by these fixes, and now science is catching up with them. Researchers have produced hundreds of studies in the past five years about the effectiveness of home remedies. But not all the old-time solutions really help. That’s why this list focuses on treatments with evidence to back them up.

Remember that even natural cures can interact with medications. If you take pills regularly or have a chronic health condition, check with your doctor before trying these.

A

Age Spots

TRY:

Buttermilk

You can skip the expensive skin creams. This rich by-product of butter contains lactic acid and ascorbic acid. One study showed that this combination lightened age spots more effectively than lactic acid alone. Apply to the spots with a cotton ball, then rinse with water after 20 minutes.

Allergies

TRY:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C isn’t just good for the common cold; it turns out to be an effective natural antihistamine. In one study, 74 percent of the subjects who received a vitamin C nasal spray reported that their noses were less stuffy, compared with 24 percent of the patients who took a placebo. The study’s authors recommend getting two grams per day from food and/ or supplements.

B

Back Pain

TRY:

Comfrey

This medicinal plant has been used for centuries to treat joint and muscle pain. A study of 215 patients found that applying concentrated comfrey cream to the lower and upper back reduced muscle pain. You can buy it in health food stores and online.

Blisters

TRY: