Throughout history, people have used home remedies from different cultures. These remedies are passed down over time and show how smart and creative communities can be when solving health problems.

But sometimes, mixed in with the helpful stuff, there are stories that aren’t true. They get passed along too, like secrets from one group to another.

In this concise yet informative collection, we delve into the intriguing world of home remedy myths. From the belief in carrots to improve eyesight to the trust on olive oil to reduce stretch marks, these fifty myths are as diverse as they are captivating.

1. Chicken Soup Cures the Common Cold: While chicken soup may provide comfort and hydration, there’s limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in curing the common cold. It can, however, help alleviate symptoms temporarily.
2. Putting Butter on Burns: Applying butter or other greasy substances to burns can trap heat and worsen the injury. Instead, it’s recommended to cool the burn with cold water and cover it with a clean, dry cloth.
3. Eating Chocolate Causes Acne: While diet can play a role in acne development, there’s no direct evidence linking chocolate consumption to acne. Factors like genetics, hormones, and skincare habits have a more significant impact on acne.
4. Eating Carrots Improves Eyesight: Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, but eating excessive amounts won’t improve eyesight beyond normal levels. Vision is influenced by various factors, and a balanced diet is crucial for eye health.
5. Cracking Knuckles Causes Arthritis: There’s no scientific evidence linking knuckle cracking to arthritis. The sound is believed to result from the release of gas bubbles in the joint fluid. However, excessive knuckle cracking may cause joint irritation or hand swelling.
6. Holding Your Breath Stops Hiccups: While holding your breath might distract you from hiccups temporarily, it doesn’t address the underlying cause. Effective hiccup remedies include drinking water, breathing into a paper bag, or stimulating the throat with a spoon.
7. Applying Toothpaste to Pimples: Toothpaste contains ingredients like menthol and fluoride, which can irritate the skin and cause dryness or even chemical burns. Over-the-counter acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are more effective and safer.
8. Warm Milk Helps You Sleep: While warm milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid precursor to serotonin and melatonin, there’s limited evidence to suggest that it significantly improves sleep. Establishing a bedtime routine, reducing screen time, and creating a comfortable sleep environment are more effective strategies.
9. Placing Raw Steak on Black Eyes: While cold compresses can help reduce swelling and bruising, placing raw steak on a black eye is unsanitary and can increase the risk of bacterial contamination. Instead, use a clean, cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth.
10. Using Garlic to Cure Yeast Infections: While garlic has antimicrobial properties, there’s insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness in treating yeast infections. Over-the-counter antifungal medications are more reliable treatments for yeast infections.
11. Eating Bread Soaks Up Alcohol: While eating food, including bread, before or while drinking can slow down alcohol absorption, it doesn’t “soak up” alcohol or prevent intoxication. Drinking alcohol responsibly and in moderation is key to avoiding adverse effects.
12. Warm Saltwater Prevents Pregnancy: Some cultures believe that douching with warm saltwater after intercourse can prevent pregnancy. However, this method is not effective and can disrupt vaginal pH balance, leading to infections and other complications. Reliable contraception methods should be used for pregnancy prevention.
13. Drinking Olive Oil Dissolves Kidney Stones: There’s no evidence to support the notion that drinking olive oil can dissolve kidney stones. Kidney stones require medical evaluation and treatment, which may include medications, dietary changes, or procedures to remove the stones.
14. Rubbing Alcohol on Fever to Reduce Temperature: Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) should not be used to reduce fever. It can be toxic when absorbed through the skin and is not effective for lowering body temperature. Fever management should focus on hydration, rest, and appropriate medications under medical supervision.
15. Putting Raw Onions in Socks to Treat Fever: Some believe that placing slices of raw onions in socks overnight can draw out toxins and reduce fever. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim, and it’s unlikely to have any significant effect on body temperature.
16. Drinking Cranberry Juice to Pass Drug Tests: While cranberry juice is often touted as a detoxifying agent, there’s no evidence to suggest that it can help individuals pass drug tests. Drug metabolites are eliminated through metabolism and excretion processes, not by consuming specific foods or beverages.
17. Using Toothpaste to Treat Burns: Applying toothpaste to burns can cause irritation and may increase the risk of infection. It’s recommended to cool the burn with cold water and seek medical attention for severe burns.
18. Sleeping with Wet Hair Causes Cold: While sleeping with wet hair may be uncomfortable, it doesn’t directly cause colds. Colds are caused by viruses transmitted through respiratory droplets, not by wet hair.
19. Eating Garlic Repels Mosquitoes: While garlic has been studied for its potential mosquito-repelling properties, eating garlic alone is unlikely to provide significant protection against mosquito bites. Mosquito repellents containing DEET or other approved ingredients are more effective for preventing mosquito bites.
20. Applying Butter or Oil to Sunburns: Applying butter, oil, or other greasy substances to sunburns can trap heat and worsen skin damage. Instead, cool compresses, aloe vera gel, and moisturizing creams specifically designed for sunburn relief are recommended.
21. Drinking Vinegar to Detoxify the Body: Drinking vinegar or vinegar-based detox drinks is often promoted as a way to cleanse the body. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of vinegar detox diets, and excessive vinegar consumption can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
22. Placing Tea Bags on Eyes to Reduce Dark Circles: While tea bags contain compounds like caffeine and tannins that may temporarily reduce puffiness, there’s limited evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing dark circles under the eyes. Proper sleep, hydration, and skincare routines are more effective for managing dark circles.
23. Rubbing Garlic on Cold Sores: Some people believe that rubbing garlic on cold sores can speed up healing due to its antimicrobial properties. However, garlic can cause skin irritation and may not be effective in treating cold sores. Over-the-counter cold sore treatments containing antiviral ingredients are more reliable options.
24. Applying Toothpaste to Bruises: While toothpaste may create a cooling sensation on the skin, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that it can speed up the healing of bruises. Time, rest, and proper wound care are key to bruise recovery.
25. Using Colloidal Silver for Immune Support: Colloidal silver is sometimes promoted as a natural immune booster, but there’s no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, and it can cause serious side effects such as argyria (skin discoloration). Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good hygiene practices are safer ways to support immune health.
26. Rubbing Alcohol on Teething Babies’ Gums: Some believe that applying rubbing alcohol to a baby’s gums can alleviate teething pain. However, alcohol should never be used on infants due to the risk of poisoning. Safe teething remedies include chilled teething rings or gentle gum massages.
27. Eating Bananas Prevents Leg Cramps: While bananas are a good source of potassium, there’s limited evidence to suggest that they prevent leg cramps. Dehydration, muscle fatigue, and electrolyte imbalances can contribute to leg cramps, so staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet is important.
28. Drinking Milk Worsens Mucus Production During Colds: There’s a common belief that consuming dairy products like milk increases mucus production during colds. However, scientific research suggests that milk consumption doesn’t significantly affect mucus production in individuals with colds.
29. Wearing Copper Bracelets for Arthritis Relief: Some people wear copper bracelets believing that they alleviate arthritis pain. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim, and any perceived benefits may be due to a placebo effect.
30. Putting Raw Potatoes on Burns: Placing raw potato slices or pulp on burns is believed to soothe the skin and promote healing. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this practice, and it may not provide effective treatment for burns.
31. Using Mayonnaise to Treat Head Lice: Some believe that applying mayonnaise to the scalp can suffocate and kill head lice. However, there’s little evidence to support the effectiveness of this method, and it can be messy and difficult to remove from the hair.
32. Drinking Water Upside Down to Cure Hiccups: This method involves drinking water while bending over or drinking from the opposite side of the glass to cure hiccups. While it may provide a distraction, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that it effectively stops hiccups.
33. Eating Pineapple Speeds Up Digestion: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is believed to aid digestion. While bromelain may have some digestive benefits, eating pineapple alone is unlikely to significantly speed up digestion.
34. Placing Garlic Cloves in the Ear for Earaches: Some believe that placing a garlic clove in the ear can alleviate earaches due to its antimicrobial properties. However, this practice is not recommended as it can cause irritation and may not effectively treat the underlying cause of the earache.
35. Using Vicks VapoRub to Cure Nail Fungus: While Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients like menthol and camphor with antifungal properties, there’s limited evidence to support its effectiveness in treating nail fungus. Prescription antifungal medications are typically more effective for this condition.
36. Applying Egg Whites to Tighten Skin: Egg whites are sometimes used in DIY facial masks to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, any temporary tightening effect is likely due to the drying properties of the egg whites, and it may not provide long-term benefits for skin health.
37. Drinking Alcohol to Cure a Hangover: Some believe that consuming more alcohol, known as “hair of the dog,” can alleviate hangover symptoms. However, this approach only temporarily masks symptoms and can lead to further dehydration and discomfort. Hydration, rest, and time are the best remedies for hangovers.
38. Using Cucumber Slices to Reduce Dark Circles: While placing cucumber slices on the eyes may provide a cooling sensation and temporary reduction in puffiness, there’s little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing dark circles. Adequate sleep and skincare practices are more reliable for managing dark circles.
39. Applying Lemon Juice to Lighten Hair: Lemon juice is sometimes used as a natural hair lightener due to its acidic properties. However, frequent application of lemon juice can dry out the hair and scalp and may cause damage or discoloration, especially when exposed to sunlight.
40. Drinking Hot Milk with Turmeric for Cough Relief: While turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, there’s limited evidence to suggest that drinking hot milk with turmeric effectively relieves cough. Warm beverages like herbal teas or broths may provide more soothing effects for cough relief.
41. Wearing Garlic or Onions Around the Neck to Ward Off Illness: Some believe that wearing a string of garlic or onions around the neck can protect against illness. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this practice, and it may simply be a cultural belief rather than an effective remedy.
42. Placing Tea Bags in Shoes to Remove Foot Odor: Tea bags are sometimes placed in shoes to absorb moisture and neutralize foot odor. While this may temporarily mask odors, it’s not a long-term solution for addressing foot odor, which is often caused by bacteria and sweat buildup.
43. Drinking Coffee to Sober Up Quickly: Some believe that drinking coffee can sober someone up quickly after consuming alcohol. While caffeine may help temporarily alleviate drowsiness, it does not reduce blood alcohol concentration or impair intoxication. Time is the only way to sober up safely.
44. Rubbing Olive Oil on Stretch Marks to Reduce Appearance: While olive oil is often used as a moisturizer, there’s limited evidence to suggest that it effectively reduces the appearance of stretch marks. Other treatments such as topical retinoids or laser therapy may be more effective for stretch mark reduction.
45. Placing a Spoon on a Sore Throat to Cure It: This folk remedy involves placing a metal spoon under the pillow or around the neck to cure a sore throat. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this practice, and it’s unlikely to provide relief from sore throat symptoms.
46. Using Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) to Promote Eyelash Growth: Some believe that applying Vaseline to the eyelashes can promote growth and thickness. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim, and Vaseline may cause irritation or clog the hair follicles around the eyes.
47. Drinking Herbal Teas to Detoxify the Body: Herbal teas are often promoted as detoxifying agents, but there’s little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in detoxifying the body. The liver and kidneys naturally detoxify the body, and maintaining a balanced diet and hydration are essential for supporting their function.
48. Biting a Pencil to Prevent Sneezing: Some people believe that biting a pencil between the teeth can prevent sneezing. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this practice, and it’s unlikely to have any significant effect on sneezing.
49. Applying Toothpaste to Bee Stings: Toothpaste is sometimes applied to bee stings to alleviate pain and swelling. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, and it may cause skin irritation. Removing the stinger, washing the area with soap and water, and applying a cold compress are recommended first aid measures for bee stings.
50. Drinking Green Tea to Lose Weight: While green tea contains compounds like catechins that may boost metabolism and promote fat burning, there’s limited evidence to suggest that drinking green tea alone leads to significant weight loss. Healthy dietary habits and regular physical activity are more effective for weight management.