2-24-09

Home Remedies

Home remedies are often used by individuals to treat colds, the flu and other illnesses.  But do they work?

There are many home remedies that offer some relief of symptoms for common aliments, but whether they actually “cure” the illness is not known.  Chicken soup is one home remedy that has been shown to be successful in helping provide relief from the common cold, says Dr. Gary Rull, assistant professor of internal medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. 

SOUND BITE: “It has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect which may help speed healing from a common cold. It has also been shown to help stimulate the action of your airways to help clear mucus better.  So it may indeed have a beneficial effect.”

Dr. Rull says another home remedy, a hot drink such as hot toddy or hot lemonade, may help individuals because it helps stimulate mucus secretions so they feel better.  For urinary tract infection, a home remedy often suggested is cranberry juice, which has been shown to help prevent the development of that type of infection.

SOUND BITE: “There are studies that show that it does prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract.  The problem with cranberry juice is that it is not a very palatable drink.  Studies have shown that it probably requires fairly large quantities several times a day over an extended period of time to be successful.”

Dr. Rull says that although most home remedies are not harmful, very few of them have gone through scientific study, so they could cause problems with existing health conditions or cause drug interactions.  If an individual has a high fever, a persistent cough or severe sore throat, they should see their primary care physician and not try to handle an illness at home.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.