7 Forgotten “Cures” Our Parents Gave Us When We Were Sick
Growing up meant enduring all sorts of odd home remedies that parents truly believed would send illnesses packing. Decades later, these so-called cures live on as funny and fascinating memories. While some had roots in old folk medicine, many were simply passed down through families and carried a certain charm.
Here are 15 unforgettable examples that show just how creative parents could get when a cold or fever struck.
Warm Ginger Ale for Upset Stomachs
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Many parents poured warm, flat ginger ale into a glass and swore it settled a queasy stomach. While ginger itself can help nausea, the soda version lost most of its fizz and potency after sitting open on the counter. Medical experts point out that sugary soft drinks provide little benefit, but as kids, sipping that syrupy concoction often felt like a real treat.
Vicks Vaporub on the Feet
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Instead of just rubbing it on chests for congestion, some parents covered the soles of their kids’ feet in Vicks VapoRub, then pulled on thick socks. The cooling menthol smell spread through the room, but no studies support any healing effect through the feet.
Onion Slices in Socks
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Families in different regions placed raw onion slices inside socks overnight, believing they could draw out toxins or break a fever. The tradition likely stems from centuries-old folk practices, yet science has never confirmed such powers. Children often woke up smelling like a sandwich topping rather than feeling better.
Castor Oil to Fix Everything
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A spoonful of castor oil was handed out as an all-purpose cure, especially for stomach troubles. The thick oil acts as a strong laxative, which is why many children dreaded it. Though once widely recommended, modern doctors warn against casual use because it can lead to dehydration or cramping. Still, parents insisted it would “clear out whatever’s making you sick.”
Warm Coca-Cola for Nausea
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In some households, parents served warm Coca-Cola to ease nausea. The logic came from cola syrup, which was once used in pharmacies, but the sugary beverage loses carbonation and offers minimal medicinal benefits. Kids often drank it reluctantly, wondering why their favorite soda suddenly felt like medicine.
Whiskey and Honey for Coughs
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Older generations sometimes turned to a mix of whiskey and honey for stubborn coughs, even for kids in small amounts. Honey does soothe throats, but alcohol is not safe for children. This remedy came from an era when people trusted whatever provided quick comfort.
Raw Garlic Cloves to Fight Germs
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Parents often handed out raw garlic cloves to chew while claiming the strong taste chased away colds. Garlic does contain compounds with antimicrobial effects, but chewing it raw can cause stomach upset or mouth irritation. Few children managed more than a bite or two before begging for water.
Mustard Plasters on the Chest
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A mix of mustard powder and flour, spread on cloth, was applied to chests to ease congestion. The paste creates a warming effect, but it can irritate skin if left too long. Many parents swore by this old-fashioned poultice, even though modern treatments work better. The smell alone made it one of the most dramatic sick-day experiences.
Pickle Juice for Hiccups and Colds
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Some kids were handed a shot glass of pickle juice, with claims it would stop hiccups or help fight a cold. The vinegar tang shocked their taste buds and sometimes distracted them from the symptoms for a moment. While hydration and rest are more effective, parents proudly shared this salty secret through generations.
Hot Butter and Sugar to Coat Throats
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Mixing hot butter with sugar created a thick syrup that parents spooned out to soothe sore throats. The sticky mixture slid down slowly and created the illusion of relief. Although it offered temporary comfort, it did nothing to cure illness. Many adults remember how oddly comforting it felt despite its questionable medical value.
Potato Slices on Foreheads
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Parents believed potatoes could cure fevers and placed raw slices on their children’s foreheads. This practice, which dates back to folklore and has no scientific support, often resulted in kids being left with a damp towel and potato bits sliding down their faces.
Eucalyptus Steam Baths
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Boiling water with eucalyptus leaves or oil was a common treatment for congestion. Children sat under towels, breathing in steamy air while the room filled with the sharp scent. Steam can help loosen mucus, but the addition of eucalyptus offered more aroma than proven healing.
Cod Liver Oil
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For immunity, parents often lined up siblings for a daily spoonful of cod liver oil, insisting it would keep everyone strong. Considering that it’s packed with vitamin D and omega-3s, it had some nutritional merit, but the taste lingered for hours.
Burnt Toast to Settle Stomachs
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When kids complained of stomach troubles, some parents served them burnt toast. The idea was that charred bread could absorb toxins, a concept with little scientific backing. The smoky flavor was hard to forget, and it rarely cured anything.
Salt and Vinegar Gargles
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Parents instructed kids to gargle warm water mixed with salt and vinegar to fight sore throats. The mixture stung and left a strong aftertaste, but it gave a temporary soothing sensation. While salt water alone can reduce swelling, adding vinegar never improved its effectiveness