Disclaimer
General information only
Everything on Old Wives’ Remedies is published for general information and educational interest. It is not medical, veterinary, legal or other professional advice, and it is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, advice or treatment.
Speak to a professional about your situation
Your circumstances — age, pregnancy, medicines, allergies, existing conditions, and for animals the species, breed, size and health — change what is appropriate. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional, pharmacist or veterinarian about your own case. Never stop prescribed treatment, and never delay seeking care, because of something you have read here.
For a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services. If an animal is unwell or may have eaten something harmful, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary service immediately.
Traditional use is not evidence
A remedy being old, familiar or widely repeated says nothing about whether it works or whether it is safe. Some entries exist precisely to record that a tradition is unsupported or harmful. Read each entry’s evidence assessment and cautions; do not carry a conclusion from one entry across to another.
Materials, food and household safety
Cleaning and laundry methods can damage surfaces, finishes and fabrics. Always follow the manufacturer’s and care-label instructions, test an inconspicuous area first, and never mix cleaning products. Kitchen entries about freshness or appearance are not food-safety determinations; follow your local food-safety guidance.
No guarantees
We try to summarise our sources accurately and record when each was checked, but sources change and errors are possible. We do not guarantee that the information is complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose, and you act on it using your own judgement.
Nothing on this site asks you to give up rights you have under the law that applies to you, and nothing here is intended to exclude liability where the law does not permit it.
Review status
Human-health, skin-treatment and pet entries are marked professional review pending; no clinician or veterinarian has reviewed them, and these pages have not been reviewed by a lawyer. Acknowledging a notice on this site is not a waiver and does not mean any review has taken place.
Sources
Organisations we cite are not affiliated with this site and do not endorse it. Links to other websites are provided for reference; we are not responsible for their content.