Feeding a cold, even
when you are overfeeding it vitamin C supplements, is not supported by
science. However there are many other home remedies that have been proven to
work.
In three separate studies since 2001, scientists have directly
measured a reduction in acid reflux in subjects who chewed
sugar-free gum after a meal, designed to give them heartburn,
versus those who did not. The saliva you secrete when chewing
gum has a calming effect on acid reflux.
Oats have anti-inflammatory compounds that are effective when
applied directly to the skin and can be applied as oatmeal or adding ground oats to a bath.
Good for treating poison ivy, irritated skin, or itching due to eczema.
One way to reduce
sunburn pain is cucumber. Use a food processor to turn it into paste,
apply it to sunburned skin and leave it on until it dries.
In a small study published in the American Journal of
Physiology, researchers induced nausea by spinning subjects in
a large drum after a heavy meal. Ginger helped ease the nausea of the
subjects. Try drinking ginger ale, eating a ginger candy,
or dissolving a teaspoon of ginger powder in a cup of
water or tea.
According to 2002 research in the Journal of Family Practice,
nasal irrigation with a saltwater solution relieved the
symptoms of sinus congestion and improved sinus-related
quality of life. Add
half a teaspoon of salt for every eight ounces of warm water. Use a
neti pot or a squeeze bottle to pour the solution into your
nostrils while leaning over a sink to catch the drainage.
Apple cider vinegar is an antibiotic and can be used to treat fungus. Soak toes or
fingers in apple cider vinegar for twenty minutes twice a day until
symptoms go away.
It is also good to
combat acne as it kills bacteria on your skin and shrinks
blood vessels around the acne. Soak a cotton ball with apple
cider vinegar, and apply it to affected skin after washing.
According to
a 2009 and 2011
studies, tart cherry juice that lists
montmorency cherries in the ingredients
increases melatonin levels in the body.
Melatonin is a hormone instrumental in sleep regulation. Subjects in the
studies reduced the amount of time it took to
fall asleep
and saw significant
increases in sleep time and quality