10 Folk Remedies Our Grandparents Swear By

These remedies stand the test of time (and science)!

Folk remedies have been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. These pieces of “medical” advice were handed down from generation to generation, and they cover everything from curing a common cold to sleeping better at night. A lot of these remedies have since been debunked thanks to modern medicine, but a few have stood the test of time and science! Keep reading to see which folk remedies made the cut!

Ginger Ale Soothes Upset Stomach

Ginger root and extracts have long been used to help calm acidic stomachs and even heartburn. The natural chemicals found in ginger help relieve nausea by inhibiting the signals in the nervous system which induce vomiting. Ginger also stimulates the muscles responsible for moving materials through the gastrointestinal tract, which prevents them from coming up the esophagus. However, most kinds of readily available brands of ginger ale no longer contain real ginger root extract. While grandma might have been onto something with ginger ale, make sure you’re reaching for a variety that lists real ginger in the ingredients! You can also try drinking ginger tea, or chewing on a slice of ginger if you’re in a real pinch.