While modern medicine has transformed healthcare, some traditional remedies involving ordinary herbs, spices and household ingredients still have a useful place.
They aren't substitutes for proper medical treatment, but for minor, short-lived problems, you may already have something useful in the cupboard.
Ginger. Nausea and digestion
Ginger is probably one of the better-known traditional remedies with modern evidence behind it. Ginger tea, made by steeping slices of fresh ginger in hot water, may help relieve nausea and settle an uncomfortable stomach.
Ginger is particularly well known for helping some people experiencing pregnancy-related nausea, although anyone who is pregnant should discuss supplements and medicinal quantities with their healthcare professional.
Peppermint. Digestive discomfort
Peppermint has traditionally been used for indigestion, wind and digestive discomfort. A cup of peppermint tea after a meal is an easy way to try it.
Peppermint oil preparations are also sometimes used for symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although concentrated essential oils shouldn't simply be swallowed from a household bottle.
Peppermint can aggravate heartburn or acid reflux in some people.
Honey. Coughs and sore throats
A spoonful of honey, or honey stirred into warm water with lemon, can soothe an irritated throat and may help reduce coughing.
However, honey must never be given to a child under 12 months old because of the risk of infant botulism.
Salt. Not just for seasoning
Too much salt in the diet can contribute to high blood pressure, so moderation is important. Used differently, however, ordinary salt has some useful applications.
Warm salty water can be used as a gargle for a sore throat. A salt-water mouth rinse can also sometimes soothe minor mouth irritation.
Saline solutions are widely used for nasal irrigation too, although this requires particular care. Don't simply mix tap water and salt and pour it into your nose. Properly prepared saline and suitably treated, sterile or previously boiled and cooled water should be used.
Turmeric. Interesting, but don't believe every claim
Turmeric and its component curcumin have attracted enormous attention for possible anti-inflammatory effects.
Adding turmeric to curries, soups, rice and other foods is perfectly reasonable, but claims that turmeric can "cure" serious diseases should be treated with considerable scepticism. Supplements can also interact with medicines and aren't automatically safe simply because they're natural.
Oats. Soothing itchy skin
Oats aren't only breakfast food. Colloidal oatmeal is used in skincare products because of its soothing and moisturising properties.
An oatmeal bath may provide temporary relief from dry, itchy or irritated skin. Persistent itching, unexplained rashes or signs of infection should, however, be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Baking soda. Useful, but use caution
Bicarbonate of soda has traditionally been used for several health-related purposes, including occasional indigestion because it can neutralise stomach acid.
However, regularly swallowing bicarbonate of soda isn't a good DIY treatment for persistent indigestion. It contains sodium and can interfere with medicines or cause problems when taken excessively.
Persistent heartburn deserves proper investigation rather than repeated treatment from the baking cupboard.
Chamomile. Relaxation and bedtime
Chamomile tea is a traditional bedtime drink and some people find its gentle aroma and warmth relaxing.
Don't expect it to act like a sleeping tablet, but incorporating a caffeine-free herbal drink into a regular bedtime routine may help you wind down.
People with certain plant allergies or those taking particular medicines should check whether chamomile is suitable for them.
Cloves. Toothache isn't something to ignore
Clove and clove oil have a long history of use for temporary relief of dental pain, and clove oil contains eugenol, which has local anaesthetic properties.
There is an important distinction between temporary relief and treatment, though. Toothache can indicate decay, infection or an abscess. Clove oil may also irritate or damage gums if used incorrectly.
Use appropriate pharmacy preparations according to their instructions. And arrange to see a dentist.
A bag of frozen peas. The surprisingly useful first-aid item
Not everything useful has to be eaten.
A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel makes a remarkably convenient cold pack for minor bumps, sprains and swelling because it moulds around the affected area.
Never place frozen items directly against bare skin, and significant injuries need appropriate medical assessment.
Olive oil. A simple moisturiser?
Olive oil is sometimes suggested as a natural skin moisturiser, although it doesn't suit everybody and may irritate or worsen certain skin conditions.
For very dry or eczema-prone skin, established emollient products are generally a better option. If you experiment with household products on your skin, stop if irritation develops.
Garlic. Healthy food rather than miracle medicine
Garlic is an excellent ingredient and research has explored possible effects on cardiovascular health.
That doesn't make garlic a replacement for prescribed blood-pressure or cholesterol medication. Eating it as part of a varied diet is one thing; consuming large quantities or concentrated supplements medicinally is quite another, particularly for people taking blood-thinning medicines.
The most useful household remedy may be water
We sometimes overlook the simplest things.
Drinking enough fluid helps the body function normally and can be particularly important when dealing with constipation, hot weather or minor illnesses.
But even water isn't a universal treatment. Severe dehydration caused by prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea, for example, may require oral rehydration solution containing carefully balanced amounts of salts and glucose, and sometimes professional medical treatment.
Natural doesn't automatically mean safe
Perhaps the most important rule of the household medicine cupboard is that "natural" and "safe" aren't synonyms.
Herbs and spices contain biologically active substances. Some can interact with prescription medicines, affect blood clotting or blood pressure, trigger allergies or be unsuitable during pregnancy. Essential oils can be particularly concentrated and potentially harmful if swallowed.
Home remedies are most appropriate for minor, familiar and short-lived complaints.
Seek advice from a pharmacist, GP, NHS 111 or another qualified healthcare professional when symptoms are persistent, worsening, unexplained or severe. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
Household remedies can sometimes make us feel a little better. They shouldn't prevent us seeking the medical care we need.
That’s Health note: This article is for general information and isn't intended to diagnose, treat or replace professional medical advice. If you take regular medication, are pregnant, have a long-term medical condition or are considering using herbal products medicinally, consult an appropriate healthcare professional first.
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