10/15/2026
Old Wives' Tales That Do Work (Backed by Science)
- Chicken Soup for Colds: Eating chicken soup actually helps reduce inflammation, increases mucus flow to clear congestion, and replaces lost electrolytes and fluids.
- Garlic for Immunity and Heart Health: Eating garlic can help boost immune function, shorten the duration of a cold, and assist in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Honey for Coughs: Honey coats and soothes the throat, and studies show it can calm a cough just as well as some over-the-counter cough syrups (though never give honey to infants under one year old).
- Saltwater Gargles for Sore Throats: Gargling with warm salt water draws excess fluid out of swollen throat tissues and eases pain temporarily.
- Warm Water / Cool Water for Burns: Running a minor burn under cool (not ice-cold) water stops the thermal damage, cleans the wound, and eases pain (unlike the old tale of putting butter or toothpaste on a burn, which traps heat and bacteria).
