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5 grandmother's remedies that have been validated by science

undefined undefined 8 mars 2026 undefined 07h30

The Editor

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Eating fennel for stomach aches, soaking your feet in hot water for migraines, chewing parsley for bad breath, or using cloves for tooth pain. There are loads of grandma's remedies out there! While some are just myths, others have indeed proven their effectiveness time and again. So much so that some have even been validated by Science itself!

A few centuries ago, they would surely have been called witches and burned at the stake. Yet, since the dawn of time, grandmothers have more than a few tricks up their sleeves and, over the years, have managed to share their little tips and tricks that can sometimes work wonders. After all, some of them have medicinal properties recognized by the scientific community. So, of course, in some cases, they will never replace medical advice, but for those everyday nuisances, it's always good to know!


Ginger, the star against nausea

The reputation of ginger is well established, and many people are already regularly practicing shots of juice from this spicy root to prevent illness in winter. But what fewer people know is that the true strength of ginger lies in being extremely...

effective against nausea and stomach aches! Clinical trials have shown that consuming it in the form of herbal tea can reduce heartburn, for example for pregnant women or people undergoing chemotherapy. This effect is due to the presence of gingerol and shogaol, which act on the receptors involved in nausea. However, be careful with overconsumption, as it may cause stomach burns.


Cod Liver Oil: The Shield of Our Health

This is definitely the least appetizing remedy on this list, but arguably the most effective! We all have parents or grandparents who once told us they were forced to gulp down spoonfuls of cod liver oil when they were younger, and clearly, it was a necessary evil. Particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, this utterly disgusting substance has more than beneficial effects on cardiovascular, cognitive, and visual health. It’s also very high in vitamin A and vitamin D, which support bone health and, more generally, our immune system. But don’t worry, nowadays it comes in capsule form, and trust us, it's way easier to take!


Rosemary, the key to a soothing digestion

A winning combo with rosemary. Not only is it delicious, but it also seems to be very good for your health! Back in ancient Greece, it was already famous for its benefits on memory and concentration, partly confirmed today. But this plant is now being celebrated by science for another reason: its role in fighting bloating and difficult digestion. Indeed, its composition allows it to reduce cramps and spasms, but also tofight against the bacteria responsible for ulcers, which is quite significant! For better digestion, we consume it in the form of an infusion after meals, and that’s it, done!


Honey and Lemon, Goodbye Sore Throats

Well, we’re letting you know, with the last two points, there’s no big surprise, since it’s pretty common to make little infusions and other honey teas whenever we have the slightest tickle in our throat. But we’re all right to do so, because even the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming this natural sweetener, paired with lemon, for sore throats. And for good reason, because while the first has antimicrobial and soothing properties, the second is an important source of vitamin C and a natural anti-inflammatory. With that, you'll definitely find relief for your discomfort. Just be careful not to consume the infusion too hot (or too cold), as it might worsen your symptoms.


Thyme, nature's ventolin

You might not know this, but thyme is extremely rich in thymol and carvacrol, two antioxidants with proven antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Those are fancy words, but in simple terms, this herb with its Mediterranean flavors is particularly effective against coughs and respiratory issues in general. Whether in a tea or through inhalation, it helps clear the airways, especially by to put it bluntly. Perfect timing as the first pollen is already starting to tickle our throats! And if you add a bit of lemon, honey, rosemary, and ginger, let's just say you'll have a delightful remedy! it gives us an unmatched cocktail to fight against illness!