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Paging Dr. Mom: 8 Home Remedies For Little Patients

By Phebe Wahl August 6, 2013

With school starting back, ’tis the season for them to start sneezin’. Don’t dread the dozens of doctor visits just yet, as you may have the cure right there in your cupboard. We asked around and gathered up wisdom from women of generations past who raised their children (somehow!) without having their pediatrician on speed dial. From urban legends that prove true to family folklore, read up on these simple solutions that have stood the test of time.

Cigarettes

Your babe got stung by a bee? No problem. After swiftly removing the stinger (the edge of a credit card works great), grab a cigarette and wet a pinch of tobacco to apply the “juice” directly to the sting. (Just be sure not it is not a menthol which would burn.) The nicotine will act as an anesthetic. No hidden stashes of smokes in your house? Other common cures include putting toothpaste or taping a penny to the sting. Of course, always be alert to signs of an allergic reaction and seek immediate medical attention if needed.
Who Knew? No smokes on hand? Try toothpaste or taping a penny to the sting. Both contain alkaline substances which are believed to neutralize the acidic venom.

PLEASE NOTE: This information is gathered by a mom, not a MD, so you should always consult your child’s pediatrician before trying to treat something yourself—and especially seek medical attention if the issue seems serious or if there are any pre-existing conditions.

Do you have a home remedy that works? Share your secret and tell us below!

–Phebe Wahl

All photos courtesy of Amazon and Creative Commons via Flickr