The Wonders of Home Remedies

Here are four doctor-recommended natural home remedies to cure everything from a nagging cough to bad breath.


1. First, for that cough: Try two squares of dark chocolate, or two teaspoons of honey. Researchers found compounds in chocolate that are more effective at suppressing coughs than codeine – a common ingredient in allergy relief medicine. Plus, the natural sweetness in chocolate won’t leave you feeling drowsy or constipated – like codeine can. Meanwhile, honey contains antioxidants which naturally boost your immune system and recent studies found that honey works better at suppressing coughs in children than any over-the-counter cough medicine.

2. Next, to stifle hiccups: Swallow a teaspoon of sugar. Experts say any substance with course, dry granules will soothe the irritated nerves that cause your diaphragm to spasm. However, a teaspoon of sugar tastes a lot better than a teaspoon of salt.

3. For Chapped Lips- Rub olive oil on your mouth two or three times a day. Olive oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that will soothe, soften and lubricate your lips – making them feel better immediately. You’ll need to apply it for several days before the chapping fully heals. There’s a bonus benefit: New research shows that applying extra virgin olive oil to your skin after being out in the sun may help prevent skin cancer.

4. Remedy for Bad Breath-Gargle a cup of lemon juice. Lemons contain a natural acid which kills the odor causing bacteria in your mouth. If you follow your gargling with a spoonful of plain yogurt, you’ll neutralize the odor completely! That’s because yogurt contains beneficial bacteria called probiotics and those have been found to neutralize stinky mouth microbes for up to 24 hours.