Remedies A–Z
All 55 prepared entries, alphabetically. Topics still being researched are not listed here.
A
A potato in oversalted soup
Evidence: Kitchen test: little effect on saltinessKitchen & foodA walnut on scratched wooden furniture
Evidence: DIY publication guidance; light scratches onlyCleaning & homeA wooden spoon to stop a pot boiling over
Evidence: Science explainer: can delay, not preventKitchen & foodApple cider vinegar as a hair rinse
Evidence: Anecdotal; lacking dataSkin, hair & beauty
B
Bay leaves in the pantry
Evidence: University extension: no evidencePests & insectsBicarbonate and vinegar in drains: does the fizz help?
Evidence: Plumbing trade view: rarely clears a real blockageImportant limitationCleaning & homeBicarbonate of soda for fridge odours
Evidence: Common household useCleaning & homeBicarbonate of soda for indigestion
Evidence: Used as an antacid medicine; dosing needs professional adviceImportant limitationHealth & comfortButter on burns: examining the tradition
Evidence: Contradicted by first-aid guidanceAvoid this useHealth & comfort
C
Cedar and herb sachets for clothes moths
Evidence: University extension says cedar does not repel clothes mothsPests & insectsCinnamon on seedlings
Evidence: No studies matching garden use foundGarden & plantsCoffee grounds in compost
Evidence: Practical extension guidanceGarden & plantsCold water for fresh blood stains
Evidence: Practical extension guidanceLaundry & stainsCool water and aftersun for sunburn
Evidence: Included in clinical self-care guidanceHealth & comfortCranberry for urinary infections
Evidence: Systematic review: may help prevent recurrence in some groupsHealth & comfortCucumber peel to deter ants
Evidence: Laboratory study found weak, short-lived effectsPests & insectsCucumber slices for puffy eyes
Evidence: Temporary cooling effectSkin, hair & beauty
D
Descaling a kettle with vinegar
Evidence: Tested by a consumer kitchen publicationCleaning & homeDishwashing liquid for aphids
Evidence: University extension: works on soft-bodied pests; plant injury possibleImportant limitationGarden & plants
E
Eggshell barriers against slugs
Evidence: Not supported in an RHS trialGarden & plantsEpsom salts for tomatoes
Evidence: University extension says it can make blossom end rot worseAvoid this useGarden & plants
G
Garlic for fleas: checking the claim
Evidence: Evidence against this useAvoid this usePets & animalsGinger for nausea
Evidence: Included in clinical self-care guidanceHealth & comfort
H
Honey and lemon for a cough
Evidence: Limited evidenceHealth & comfort
I
Ice for chewing gum on clothing
Evidence: Practical extension guidanceLaundry & stains
L
Lemon and salt on chopping boards
Evidence: Food-safety guidance does not list it as a sanitiserImportant limitationCleaning & homeLemon juice and cut-apple browning
Evidence: Practical extension guidanceKitchen & foodLemon juice on rust stains
Evidence: University extension stain guidanceImportant limitationLaundry & stains
M
Milk for cats: tradition and suitability
Evidence: Veterinary welfare guidance cautionsPets & animals
N
Newspaper and cardboard as a weed barrier
Evidence: University extension guidanceGarden & plantsNewspaper for streak-free glass
Evidence: Cleaning trade view: less reliable than it wasCleaning & home
O
Olive oil on a baby’s skin or scalp
Evidence: Advised against in NHS guidanceAvoid this useSkin, hair & beautyOnions in socks for a cold
Evidence: No supporting evidenceHealth & comfort
P
Peppermint oil for stomach cramps
Evidence: Licensed medicine for IBS symptomsImportant limitationHealth & comfortPetroleum jelly for chapped lips
Evidence: Included in dermatology guidanceSkin, hair & beautyPumpkin for a dog with an upset stomach
Evidence: Kennel-club guidance for mild casesPets & animals
R
Removing candle wax from fabric
Evidence: University extension stain guidanceLaundry & stainsRice in a salt shaker
Evidence: Food publication explanationKitchen & food
S
Salt on red wine stains
Evidence: University laboratory comparison found folklore methods weakLaundry & stainsSalt-water gargling for a sore throat
Evidence: Included in clinical self-care guidanceHealth & comfortSteam over a bowl for congestion
Evidence: NHS public safety warning againstAvoid this useHealth & comfortStoring cut herbs in water
Evidence: University extension food guidanceKitchen & foodSunshine for whitening laundry
Evidence: Home-publication trial; informalLaundry & stains
T
Tea tree oil for pet skin problems
Evidence: Animal poison-control warningAvoid this usePets & animalsThe egg float test: freshness versus safety
Evidence: Important limitationImportant limitationKitchen & foodToothpaste on spots
Evidence: Evidence against this useAvoid this useSkin, hair & beauty
V
Vinegar as a weedkiller
Evidence: University extension: strong vinegar is hazardousImportant limitationGarden & plantsVinegar for windows
Evidence: Practical extension guidanceCleaning & homeVinegar on marble: checking a cleaning myth
Evidence: Stone-care industry warningAvoid this useCleaning & homeVinegar traps for fruit flies
Evidence: Practical extension guidancePests & insects
W
Warm milk before bed
Evidence: Limited evidenceHealth & comfortWhite vinegar as a fabric rinse
Evidence: Appliance-maker guidance; limitedLaundry & stainsWhy traditional pickles need a tested recipe
Evidence: National food-preservation guidanceImportant limitationKitchen & foodWillow water for rooting cuttings
Evidence: Mostly anecdotal; one comparison favoured commercial rooting gelGarden & plantsWood ash in the garden
Evidence: University extension guidance; test soil firstGarden & plants