Making it better with home remedies

Ten that can help with minor maladies

“The over-the-counter neti pots are really helpful. The saline solution breaks up mucus and thins it out and lets it drain rather than being stuck in there,” Elizondo says. “Plus, it’s a safe thing to do. It’s better than using a decongestant spray, which can become addictive after a few days.”

When you buy a neti pot, it usually comes with a packet of sodium bicarbonate to mix with water to use as a rinse. However, Benke has her own recipe for a neti pot saline rinse. She recommends 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of pickling salt (not table salt, which contains additives); 1 teaspoon of baking soda; 1 quart of tap water. Shake it up and use it in the neti pot. It stores for about one week.

Chewing gum for heartburn symptoms or after abdominal surgery

Chewing gum for one hour, three times a day, after abdominal surgery can significantly hasten the resumption of normal bowel function and reduce the time patients spend in the hospital. Gum helps stimulate intestinal activity without putting anything in the stomach before it’s ready.

Chewing gum may also help relieve some heartburn symptoms, which result when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, a disorder called gastroesophageal reflux. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which helps neutralize acid in the esophagus. It’s recommended to chew gum for about 30 minutes after eating.

Dr. Raneth Heng, a physician at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, warns gum chewers about swallowing air, which can create abdominal pressure and discomfort. Also, she says mint gum should be avoided because peppermint is a known natural relaxer of the esophageal sphincter, which can contribute to heartburn.

Chicken soup to ease cold symptoms

While Grandma’s Jewish penicillin won’t prevent a cold, it can reduce symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.

“Chicken soup is the perfect combination of everything you need when you have a cold,” Benke says. “It’s warm and steamy when you breathe it in, which helps liquefy the mucus in your nose and helps it drain. The salt broth restores electrolytes, and the liquid prevents dehydration. The chicken is nice, lean protein and a good source of nutrients. And the noodles are made of dough, which is a carbohydrate to give you energy.”

Yogurt with live cultures to aid tummy aches and intestinal distress

Certain bacteria in the intestines prevent disease-causing bugs from settling in. These friendly bacteria are in live-culture yogurt and kefir, as well as in supplements. According to a report by the American Society of Microbiology, probiotics may help relieve diarrhea, improve digestive problems and help eczema in children and urinary tract and vaginal infections. They may also improve digestive problems and irritable bowel syndrome and offset side effects from antibiotics.

Heng recommends daily yogurt consumption for anyone with a sensitive stomach or with continual constipation or diarrhea problems. For people who are lactose intolerant, probiotic capsules can be taken.

Honey to ease coughs

Buckwheat honey, a dark type of honey, compared favorably with the drug dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough syrups, according to a Pennsylvania State University study. One to two teaspoons of honey was taken 30 minutes before bedtime.


