What Is the Science Behind Natural Remedies?

Over hundreds of years, generation after generation has passed down natural remedies for battling colds, toothaches, and stomach upsets. From chicken soup to rock salt, you’ve probably heard of (or witnessed it yourself) how natural remedies for colds are effective alternatives to modern medicine. Today we delve beyond the folklore to substantiate the science behind some popular home remedies.

Chicken Soup to Treat Common Cold and Flu

There have been grey areas around the use of chicken soup to cure a cold and flu, but doctors generally agree that it cushions the symptoms of either condition. Nasal congestion is a common problem with a cold, and the hot soup can clear blocked passageways for less problematic breathing. Alternatively, it can achieve that by restricting the navigation of specialized white blood cells called ‘neutrophils’ which have a hand in mucus accumulation. Moreover, the fluid helps with re-hydration, which is vital in any recovery process and can soothe an irritating throat.

Turmeric Milk for Aches and Pains

The “Golden milk” is a famous nickname for a turmeric-milk solution with it popping up across households as a remedy for nagging aches and pains. Science credits curcumin, an antioxidant within the plant, for its alleviation of inflammations and the discomforts that come with it. The use of milk also has its fair share of health upsides, including a better performing immune system, which can quickly get rid of aches and pains. The proteins within the milk further aid in cellular repair for damaged muscles.

Oil Massage to Promote Bone Development in Children

Have you ever come across a mother massaging the soles of her baby’s feet, and she said it’s good for bone development and immunity? Well, science says that it’s not just a myth. According to doctors, rubbing a baby’s skin with mustard oil can open up sweat glands and improve blood flow. This improved circulation ensures faster nutrient delivery to weaning cells. The characteristic smell of the compound also proves unappealing to pathogen-carriers such as mosquitoes thereby reducing the chances of infection by insects.

Ginger and Honey for Coughs

Another popular remedy dating back centuries, honey-laced ginger boiled in water can help you cope with a sore throat or cough. Doctors couldn’t agree more. Professionals credit ginger’s prowess as a cough suppressant, attributing that to its antioxidant properties which alleviate inflammations and related discomforts. Moreover, the honey and ginger combination results in a highly viscous liquid which relaxes the throat while providing symptomatic relief.

Rock Salt to Cure Stomach Aches

Regular table salt offers sodium and little else, but rock salt (or pink Himalayan salt) is brimming with several minerals. When paired with lemon juice, the resulting solution can eliminate gases in the gastrointestinal tract causing a stomach upset. It can also improve the relaxation and contraction of the target muscles and assist in the fight against invading bacteria.

So, it seems your grandma was right, after all. Some natural remedies do work and have the empirical backing to prove it.