Before the age of modern medicine and pharmaceutical convenience, families relied on simple home remedies passed down through generations. These remedies were as common as salt and pepper in every household. But by 1980, many had all but disappeared. Here are 20 home remedies that were once everywhere, now mostly forgotten.
1. Sassafras Tea
Made from the root bark of the sassafras tree, this tea was used as a spring tonic to “cleanse the blood.” It was later found to contain safrole, a potential carcinogen, and was largely abandoned.
2. Turpentine and Sugar
A spoonful of sugar with a drop of turpentine was used as a remedy for intestinal worms. The turpentine was thought to kill the parasites, while the sugar made it palatable. This dangerous practice faded as safer deworming medications became available.
3. Asafetida Bag
A small bag of asafetida, a strong-smelling spice, was worn around the neck to ward off illness. The pungent odor was believed to protect against infection. It was common in many households until more effective preventatives emerged.
4. Salt Pork and Onion Poultice
A slice of salt pork with raw onion was placed on a wound or infected area to “draw out” the infection. The salt was believed to have antibacterial properties. This gave way to modern antiseptics and antibiotics.
5. Red Flannel for Sore Throat
A strip of red flannel cloth was wrapped around the neck to soothe a sore throat. The warmth and color were thought to have healing properties. This home remedy gradually disappeared with the availability of throat lozenges and medical treatments.
6. Mustard Plaster
A paste of mustard powder and flour was spread on a cloth and placed on the chest to relieve congestion. It worked by creating a warming sensation and drawing blood to the area. This was replaced by modern vapor rubs and decongestants.
7. Skunk Oil
Skunk oil, rendered from skunk fat, was used as a liniment for sore muscles and joint pain. It had a strong, unpleasant odor but was believed to be highly effective. It faded as commercial pain-relief creams became more popular.
8. Camphorated Oil
Camphor mixed with oil was used as a chest rub for colds and coughs. While camphor is still used in some products, the homemade versions have been largely replaced by commercial vapor rubs.
9. Coal Oil (Kerosene) for Cuts
A small amount of kerosene was applied to cuts and scrapes as an antiseptic. This dangerous practice was common before modern antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide and iodine became widely available.
10. Honey and Vinegar Tonic
A mixture of honey and apple cider vinegar was used as a daily tonic for energy, digestion, and general health. This remedy has actually seen a resurgence in recent years as a natural health trend.
11. Charcoal Poultice
A paste of activated charcoal was applied to wounds, insect bites, and infections to “draw out” toxins. This remedy has also made a comeback in recent years, but in the 1980s, it was largely replaced by modern antiseptics.
12. Beefsteak on a Black Eye
A raw beefsteak was placed over a black eye to reduce swelling and discoloration. The cold, raw meat was thought to draw out the bruise. This gave way to frozen peas and cold compresses.
13. Sugar and Iodine for Wounds
A mixture of sugar and iodine was used on wounds to promote healing. The sugar was believed to draw out moisture and bacteria. This practice faded with the development of modern wound dressings and antibiotics.
14. Sulphur and Molasses
A spoonful of sulphur mixed with molasses was taken each spring as a “blood purifier.” This was believed to cleanse the body of toxins accumulated over winter. It faded as modern nutritional science developed.
15. Cobwebs for Bleeding
A cobweb was placed on a small cut or scrape to stop bleeding. The web was believed to contain natural clotting agents. This gave way to sterile bandages and medical adhesives.
16. Onion Poultice for Earache
A warm onion was placed over the ear to soothe an earache. The heat and the onion’s natural antimicrobial properties were believed to help. This was replaced by modern ear drops and antibiotics.
17. Bread and Milk Poultice for Boils
A paste of bread and warm milk was applied to boils to help them come to a head. This gentle remedy was used for generations before modern treatments became available.
18. Ginger and Honey for Nausea
A mixture of grated ginger and honey was used to calm an upset stomach. Unlike many remedies on this list, ginger tea is still widely used today, though the exact 1950s preparation has evolved.
19. Epsom Salt Soak for Aches
A warm bath with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) was a common remedy for sore muscles, stress, and mild aches. This remedy has survived to the present day, though it was once even more widespread.
20. Lard and Turpentine for Cough
A mixture of lard and turpentine was rubbed on the chest for persistent coughs. The strong vapors were believed to open the airways and soothe coughing. This gave way to safer, more effective cough medications.
A Gentle Reminder
Many of these remedies were based on tradition and observation rather than scientific evidence. Some were effective, some were harmless, and some were dangerous. While we have access to far safer and more effective treatments today, it is fascinating to see how earlier generations cared for themselves with whatever they had on hand.
For more surprising health tips (or warnings!), check out how you can mix a little salt and olive oil and you won’t have any more pain for years 🤯💥, or perhaps heed the advice from an ex-McDonalds employee who WARNS us not to order this meat. You might also want to reconsider if you don’t eat at Subway again until you watch this.
