Home Remedies Put to the Test

Here are some home remedies that are tested by Dr. Oz and might be  useful in case of emergencies.

Dr. Oz continues to put viewer home remedies to the test. See what works and what doesn't.






Often communicated by a trusted source, it's easy to believe in the healing powers of home remedies. However, it can be difficult to differentiate a successful home remedy from an old wives' tale. To clear up the confusion, Dr. Oz took some remedies YOU swear by and put them to the test!

Chopped Garlic and Honey/Turmeric Powder and Milk for Joint Pain

Method: For the first step, chop garlic and add to 1 tablespoon of honey. For the second step, add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder to a half a glass of warm milk. Swallow the honey-garlic mixture and chase it with the milk mixture.
Verdict: It works! Inflammation is a major cause of joint pain. Garlic, honey, turmeric and milk all have anti-inflammatory properties. Mixing turmeric into warm milk (instead of water) makes it easier to drink.

Tickle the Roof of Your Mouth to Stop Hiccups

Method: Use a cotton ball to tickle the roof of your mouth at the point where the hard and soft palate meets.
Verdict: It works! Hiccups are caused by a spasm of the diaphragm. Tickling the roof of your mouth stimulates the vagus nerve, which interrupts that spasm.

Play the Didgeridoo to Help Snoring

Method: The didgeridoo is a wind instrument that produces a droning sound. Play this instrument, or as an alternative, blow into a wrapping paper roll before bed to help with snoring and sleep apnea.
Verdict: It works! Snoring and sleep apnea are caused by collapse of upper airways. Playing the didgeridoo strengthens those muscles and prevents them from narrowing. It uses circular breathing – storing air in your cheeks for one continuous breath. This practice can also lessen daytime sleepiness, a complication of snoring and sleep apnea.

Lemon Slices for Constipation

Method: Cut a lemon into pieces and then eat it.
Verdict: It works! Raw lemon is high in vitamin C, and in high doses, vitamin C can cause diarrhea.

Headband to Cure a Headache

Method: Pour rubbing alcohol into a bowl, wet the bandana in the alcohol and then tie it tightly around your head
Verdict: It doesn't work. Although there might be some comfort in cooling your forehead, the fumes of the alcohol can actually worsen your headache. Additionally, high levels of alcohol absorbed through the skin and may cause nausea. Instead, soak the bandana in water that's been mixed with a little bit of rosemary or lavender.

Cabbage Juice to Cure Ulcers

Method: Take raw cabbage and blend in a juice extractor to remove the pulp. Drink the juice while fresh. You can sweeten the taste by adding carrot juice.
Verdict: It works! Fresh, uncooked cabbage has been proven to heal ulcers. In a study conducted in the 1950s, over 90% of participants were completely rid of their ulcers through this method.

Olive Oil Rinse to Prevent Gingivitis

Method: Take a bit of olive oil, and swish it around in your mouth. Swallow.
Verdict: It works! Because olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats (the good kind of fat) and antioxidants that reduce plaque buildup, it works to prevent gingivitis. It can also minimize the discomfort from other sores in your mouth. Additionally, the antioxidants in olive oil help to kill off H. pylori, the bacteria that infects stomach lining and causes ulcers.

Milk and Cabbage Gel for Back Pain

Method: Chop up 5-6 large leaves of cabbage into halves or quarters. Add them to 2 cups of milk. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat for around 20-35 minutes until it boils and starts to look and feel sticky. Spread the mixture onto your back and leave on for around 20 minutes.
Verdict: It does not work! Although the heat may help to loosen up the muscles and bring relief, there is no science behind milk or cabbage being useful for back pain.

Curry Rice Drink for an Upset Stomach

Method: Take boiled rice, add around 10 crushed curry leaves, 1 tsp cumin seeds and then fry together. Then add 1 glass of water and bring to a boil. Have the drink on an empty stomach.
Verdict: It works! Rice usually helps an upset stomach. Additionally, there is also some evidence that curry leaves contain a protein that slows down digestion, and could be helpful to treat diarrhea.

Onion Wrap for Fever Aches & Pains

Method: Peel and slice an onion. Then cut the tops of panty hose and place the slices inside. Wrap around you ankle like a bracelet. Put a sock on over the onion. Wear overnight to reduce your fever.
Verdict: It might work. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties which could reduce a fever, but only when eaten. There is no evidence that this would work through the skin.

Olive Oil and Garlic for Ear Infections

Method: Heat 1 tsp olive oil. Cool oil until it's tepid. Make sure you test first. Add less than 1/3 of a pressed garlic clove - make sure you use only tiny pieces that will dissolve and not chunks. Use a clear dropper and add a couple drops into the ear canal.
Verdict: It works! Garlic has anti-bacterial properties which relieves pain and cures infection.

Chicken Soup Cures a Cold

Method: We've all heard that chicken soup is good for a cold, and instinctively, this makes sense...but does it really work?
Verdict: It works! Chicken soup slows immune cells down, reducing the inflammation that causes cold symptoms. The steam also helps to clear stuff airways. Try this bonafide recipe from a Dr. Oz viewer.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Heartburn

Method: Swallow a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar rather than popping antacids to soothe heartburn.
Verdict: It does not work! Apple cider vinegar works for a lot things (like killing germs, weight loss and hair health) but unfortunately, there's no evidence that supports it can help heartburn. And if it tastes bad, skip it altogether.