Being that we’re generally a health-conscious bunch, we tend to trust in home remedies and homeopathic medicine more so than the general public. Still, it’s hard to believe in the idea of something working without seeing any facts.

I came across an article recently that was originally published on DrOz.com, listing the most popular home remedies, and stating which have been proven effective through a variety of tests, and which have been shown to be ineffective. I know you’ll like this information as much as I did!

Home Remedies Put to the Test

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!

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.

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.

A Warm Drink for PMS Symptoms

This homemade warm, spicy drink contains oregano, rosemary, anise seeds and cloves. Drink before bed to ease the bloating, cramps and back pain that accompany your monthly period.

Verdict: Dr. Oz delivers his first ‘maybe!’ All the ingredients in this warm drink reduce bloating and gastrointestinal cramps, but there’s no research that links those ingredients to PMS symptoms. Here is the recipe for this drink – try it at home!

Nuvia’s Cramps Remedy
1 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp rosemary
1 tbsp anise seeds
1 tbsp cloves

Directions
Add two cups of water. Let it simmer until there is only half cup left, drink while is still very warm preferably before bedtime.

Clove of Garlic for an Ear Infection

Method: Insert a glove of garlic into your ear. Make sure the garlic you use is not broken, because it can burn you.

Verdict: It works! Herbalists recommend garlic drops to shorten duration and reduce the pain of ear infections. Garlic has potential to prevent or destroy pathogens, so this is a successful treatment option.

Turmeric Powder for Cuts and Scrapes

Method: Take turmeric powder and cover the area that is bleeding. For a deep cut or gash, cover with turmeric and apply pressure to stop bleeding and prevent infection.

Verdict: It works! Turmeric contains a raw material called curcumin, which is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Curcumin prevents some extra chemicals from being released from injured cells, reducing damage.

White Rum with Lemon Juice and Water as a Fever Reducer

Method: Mix together rum, lemon juice and water and then use a wash rag to apply to your arms, back and forehead.

Verdict: It does not work! Alcohol works to cool the skin so quickly that you begin to shiver, which works to raise your core body temperature. A 5-10 minute sponge bath with lukewarm water is far more effective. This treatment prevents a sharp decline in temperature by bringing it down gradually.

Water and Baking Soda for Acid Reflux

Method: Mix 8 oz of water with 1/4 tsp of baking soda and drink 3 times a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks.

Verdict: It works! When you have acid reflux, acid is burning your stomach causing indigestion and discomfort. Chemically, the bicarbonate ion present in the baking soda will react to neutralize this acid, effectively treating acid reflux.

Glue for Removing Splinters

Method: Put glue over the splinter, let it dry, and peel it off to remove splinter.

Verdict: It works! Glue will stick to a variety of materials, so it can work for many types of splinters. The splinter will be pulled out at the same angle that it entered your body thereby alleviating the need for picking and scratching with needles. This procedure is safe and easy.

Mayonnaise for a Burn

Method: Apply mayonnaise to a burn immediately after it occurs and leave on for 10 minutes.

Verdict: It does not work! Applying mayonnaise or other types of food can actually breed bacteria and complicate the healing process. After a burn occurs, the most important thing is to cool it down. Direct ice can hurt the skin, but cold running water will work. Aloe is proven to help, and you should cover with sterile gauze to protect the wound.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Ear Infections

Method: Pour hydrogen peroxide directly into the ear.

Verdict: It works! Ear Infections are caused by bacteria in the wax that builds up inside your ear. The hydrogen peroxide causes a chemical reaction with the bacteria which results in visible bubbling. The hydrogen peroxide dissolves this bacteria and wax, making it an effective home remedy.