Just how do Southerners keep themselves healthy without running to the pharmacy every five minutes? It comes from their home remedies—they’re natural solutions that come straight from the garden or kitchen cupboard. Rather than being old wives’ tales, many of these remedies have a scientific basis behind them. Here are ten homegrown tricks that people in the South swear by.
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Honey and Lemon for Sore Throats
If you have a sore throat that just won’t quit, down South, honey & lemon is a popular fix. Mix them into some warm water and you have a natural cough suppressant. Honey has antibacterial properties while the lemon helps cut through the gunk—it’s a one-two punch for throat pain & irritation! It tastes a whole lot better than most over-the-counter stuff.
Ginger Tea for Digestive Issues
Nobody likes a tummy ache and ginger tea is a popular remedy in the South for sorting out those digestive problems. It’s quite a good idea since ginger helps with nausea and speeds up digestion. A hot cup of ginger tea can settle your stomach faster than you can say “biscuits and gravy.”
Aloe Vera for Burns and Skin Irritations
Aloe vera is great for anyone who’s spent a little too long in the sun or brushed up against something they shouldn’t have. Southern people keep this plant around because the gel inside the leaves is magic on burns, cuts—and practically any other kind of skin issue. Why? Because it’s cooling & soothing, which helps your skin heal relatively quickly.
Peppermint Oil for Headaches
For those moments when your head’s pounding like a bass drum, peppermint oil can sort it out. Dab a bit on your temples and the back of your neck—then that cooling sensation will start to work its magic. It’s all thanks to the menthol in peppermint oil, which helps to relax your muscles. Your headache will be over before you know it!
Apple Cider Vinegar for Sore Throats and Digestion
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular remedies in the South since you can use it for almost anything. Got a sore throat? Gargle with it. Digestive issues? Sip a little before meals. The acetic acid is almost like magic since it helps balance your body’s pH and makes you feel a whole lot better.
Blackstrap Molasses for Arthritis
While this one might sound a bit out there, blackstrap molasses is a sweet solution for arthritis pain. It includes plenty of vitamins & minerals like magnesium, which helps with bone health. They can also reduce inflammation. Just taking a spoonful of this stuff will make those achy joints more bearable.
White Willow Bark for Pain Relief
Before we had aspirin, we had white willow bark—and some Southerners still swear by it! Whether you chew on this bark or brew it into a tea, you’ll have a natural pain reliever. White willow bark contains salicin and this turns into salicylic acid in your body—that’s the stuff in aspirin. This pain relief trick has been around long before the pharmacy aisle and it still works!
Collard Greens for Lowering Cholesterol
Time for a tasty remedy—collard greens. Everyone knows they make a delicious side dish yet many Southerners know they’re also great for your heart since they’re high in fiber & antioxidants. This keeps your cholesterol in check. As such, it’s a great excuse to have some more Southern cooking.
Hot Pepper for Nasal Congestion
If you’re feeling stuffed up, follow the Southern advice and eat some hot peppers. The capsaicin in peppers gets your nose running, clearing out that congestion so you can breathe more easily. You can even try boiling some water with hot peppers and then inhaling the steam to stop feeling so clogged up.
Sweet Potato for Stomach Ulcers
Sweet potatoes are delicious vegetables, and many Southerners use them to soothe stomach ulcers. The high vitamin A content helps heal the lining of your stomach. Of course, you should still see a doctor if you’re suffering from any stomach issues but sweet potatoes are still a good temporary solution.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.