10 Bizarre Home Remedies Our Grandparents Swear Actually Work

Long before instant relief and pharmacy aisles, families relied on what they already had: pantry staples, garden finds, and advice passed down from Grandma. Some remedies sounded odd. Others were downright gross. But many of them worked well enough to survive generations.

Here are ten unconventional home cures that may sound strange today—but earned their place in household lore.

1. Yogurt for Bad Breath

Before mint strips and mouthwash, plain yogurt pulled double duty. Its live probiotics help neutralize odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, making it a surprisingly effective natural breath freshener—one that science still supports today.

2. Olives for Motion Sickness

Feeling queasy on winding roads or choppy waters? Olives were once a go-to fix. Their tannins can help dry excess saliva, which may reduce nausea. It’s an old sailor’s trick that still sparks curiosity.

3. The Pencil Trick for Headaches

This quirky remedy involves gently holding a pencil between your teeth. It prevents jaw clenching, a common cause of tension headaches. Strange? Yes. Clever? Also yes.

4. Licorice and Petroleum Jelly for Corns

Ground licorice mixed with petroleum jelly was applied to painful corns and calluses. Licorice contains compounds that may soften hardened skin, making this sticky remedy oddly effective.

5. Gin-Soaked Raisins for Arthritis

Golden raisins soaked overnight in gin became a folk remedy for stiff, achy joints. Raisins offer antioxidants, while juniper berries in gin have anti-inflammatory properties. Whether science-backed or placebo-powered, many swore by it.

6. Lemon Juice for Earache Relief

A few drops of lemon juice applied carefully around the outer ear were believed to help balance pH and ease mild ear discomfort. While caution is essential, this remedy reflects how citrus was once viewed as nature’s disinfectant.

7. Apricots for Indigestion

Soft, sweet apricots provided fiber and potassium—two digestion-friendly nutrients. After a heavy meal, this gentle remedy helped soothe sluggish stomachs without harsh effects.

8. Celery as a Natural Breath Freshener

Before chewing gum existed, people chewed celery sticks. The fibrous crunch helped clean teeth, while increased saliva naturally reduced bad breath. Simple and surprisingly effective.

9. Duct Tape for Warts

Covering a wart with duct tape for several days can cut off air supply and trigger an immune response. Odd as it sounds, dermatologists still acknowledge this method today.

10. Raw Potato for Bug Bites

Rubbing a fresh slice of raw potato on insect bites was believed to calm inflammation and relieve itching. Cool, moist, and mildly anti-inflammatory, it offered quick comfort from an unlikely source.

Why These Remedies Still Matter

These cures weren’t just about healing—they were about self-reliance. Passed down through family stories and kitchen-table wisdom, they offered comfort, connection, and a sense of control when medical care wasn’t easily accessible.

Even now, their appeal lingers. Some have scientific merit. Others rely on the placebo effect. But all of them remind us that healing doesn’t always require complexity—sometimes it starts with what’s already in your home.

The Takeaway: Old, Weird, and Often Wise

These remedies reflect a time when creativity and practicality ruled. While modern medicine has transformed healthcare, there’s still something valuable in remembering how people once cared for themselves with curiosity, resilience, and a bit of ingenuity.