The 1960s and 70s were an era of experimentation, self-sufficiency, and back-to-nature lifestyles, leading many people to embrace home remedies over conventional medicine. While some treatments were questionable and based on myths, others stood the test of time and turned out to be surprisingly effective. These remedies passed down through generations, relied on natural ingredients and holistic practices that are still recognized for their health benefits today.
Though modern medicine has advanced, many of these old-school solutions remain useful, proving that natural healing can sometimes work wonders. Whether it’s soothing a sore throat with honey or using unusual ingredients to treat common ailments, these remedies combine simplicity with effectiveness. Here are 10 of the wildest home remedies from the 60s and 70s that worked.
1. Honey and Onion Syrup for Coughs
One of the strangest yet most effective cough remedies involved combining honey and onions to create a natural syrup. People would slice onions, layer them in a jar with raw honey, and let the mixture sit until it formed a thick syrup. This homemade remedy worked because both honey and onions have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The honey soothed sore throats and suppressed coughing, while onions acted as a natural expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the lungs.
Even today, studies confirm that honey is just as effective as over-the-counter cough syrups, particularly for children. Onions, rich in sulfur compounds, provide additional respiratory benefits, making this remedy a powerful natural treatment. Though the strong taste may not be for everyone, the combination remains a time-tested method for relieving coughs and congestion. If you can get past the onion smell, this old-school remedy is still worth trying. According to Tua Saúde, onion and honey syrups contain expectorant properties that help decongest the airways and reduce persistent coughing.
2. Vinegar for Sunburn Relief
Long before aloe vera became the go-to treatment for sunburn, people in the 60s and 70s used vinegar to ease the pain. Applying apple cider vinegar or white vinegar directly to the skin helped reduce inflammation, cool the burn, and prevent peeling. Vinegar’s acetic acid provides instant relief by restoring the skin’s pH balance and drawing out heat from the burn. Many people would soak a cloth in diluted vinegar and apply it as a compress or add it to a cool bath.
While it may sound strange, this remedy is still backed by science. However, recent studies indicate that using vinegar on sunburn may not be advisable due to its acidity potentially worsening the burn or causing skin irritation. According to Business Insider, applying vinegar can damage already compromised skin and lead to further discomfort.
3. Mustard Plaster for Chest Congestion
A common remedy in the 60s and 70s for chest colds and congestion was mustard plaster. People would mix a mustard powder with flour and water, spread it onto a cloth, and place it on the chest. The heat from the mustard would stimulate circulation, open up airways, and help break up mucus. The intense warmth and slight irritation increased blood flow, providing relief from respiratory issues.
Though this remedy may sound extreme, mustard contains compounds that act as natural decongestants. The mild irritation helped loosen phlegm and clear breathing passages. However, mustard plasters need to be used carefully, as they can burn the skin if left on too long. While we now have vapor rubs and modern decongestants, this old-school treatment still has its fans. According to the Homesteading Family, mustard plasters are effective for treating chest congestion by increasing blood circulation and helping to clear mucus from the lungs.
4. Baking Soda for Indigestion and Heartburn
Before antacids became a household staple, people relied on baking soda to settle upset stomachs and relieve heartburn. Mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with water created a fast-acting remedy for acid reflux. The sodium bicarbonate neutralizes stomach acid, providing almost instant relief. It was especially popular among those who had overindulged in rich foods or alcohol.
This remedy is still widely used today, as baking soda remains an effective and inexpensive antacid. However, it should be used in moderation, as too much can disrupt the body’s natural pH balance. While there are now safer long-term solutions for acid reflux, for occasional relief, this 70s trick still holds up. According to Donat, a mixture of baking soda and water can offer quick relief as it neutralizes stomach acid, but it is not recommended as a long-term treatment.
5. Whiskey and Honey for Sore Throats
A staple home remedy from the 60s and 70s was the whiskey and honey mix for sore throats and colds. People would combine a small amount of whiskey with honey and sometimes lemon to create a soothing throat elixir. The alcohol acted as a numbing agent, while the honey provided antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Lemon added vitamin C and helped break down mucus.
This remedy is still popular today, particularly in the form of a hot toddy, which combines whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water. While alcohol should be used in moderation, the combination of soothing and antimicrobial ingredients makes this an effective natural treatment. Even without whiskey, honey, and lemon alone remain a trusted sore throat remedy.
6. Potato Slices for Fever Reduction
One of the more bizarre yet surprisingly effective remedies involved using raw potato slices to reduce fever. People in the 60s and 70s would place thinly sliced potatoes on their foreheads or the soles of their feet to draw out heat. The idea was that potatoes had natural cooling properties and would absorb excess body heat, bringing the fever down.
While there’s limited scientific evidence on how well this works, many still swear by it. Potatoes contain moisture and mild anti-inflammatory compounds that may have a cooling effect. While modern medicine prefers fever reducers like ibuprofen, this natural remedy continues to be passed down in some households.
7. Garlic for Ear Infections
Long before antibiotic ear drops, garlic was a go-to remedy for ear infections. People would crush fresh garlic, mix it with olive oil, and apply a few drops to the ear to fight infection. Garlic’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal properties helped kill the bacteria causing the infection. Some even placed a whole clove in the ear (without inserting it too deep) to help with pain relief.
Even today, garlic oil is recommended as a natural alternative for mild ear infections. Scientific studies confirm that garlic contains allicin, a compound with strong antimicrobial properties. While serious infections still require medical treatment, this old remedy remains a powerful and natural option for minor ear issues.
8. Oatmeal Baths for Skin Irritations
In the 60s and 70s, people turned to oatmeal baths for relief from itchy skin, rashes, and eczema. They would grind oats into a fine powder, mix it into warm bath water, and soak in it for 15–20 minutes. The natural anti-inflammatory properties of oats help calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and relieve itching.
Today, colloidal oatmeal is a common ingredient in skincare products for eczema and dry skin. Dermatologists still recommend oatmeal baths for soothing rashes, sunburn, and allergic reactions. This simple yet effective remedy proves that sometimes the best treatments come straight from nature.
9. Onion in Socks for Cold and Flu Relief
A strange yet popular remedy involved placing sliced onions in socks while sleeping to draw out toxins and ease cold symptoms. People believed that onions could absorb bacteria and help the body detox while reducing fever and congestion. This folk remedy was widely used, especially among families who preferred natural healing.
Though there’s little scientific evidence supporting this method, onions do have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Whether through absorption or simply the power of belief, many still use this trick today when feeling under the weather. Even if it doesn’t cure a cold, the smell alone might keep people from spreading germs!
10. Castor Oil for Constipation
Castor oil was a well-known laxative in the 60s and 70s, used to relieve constipation quickly. A single spoonful would stimulate bowel movements by increasing muscle contractions in the intestines. While highly effective, it was known for its unpleasant taste, making it a last resort remedy for many.
Even today, castor oil remains a powerful natural laxative, though doctors advise using it sparingly. It’s also used for other benefits, such as promoting hair growth and reducing inflammation. Despite its strong effects, this 70s remedy continues to be a trusted solution for digestive relief.
While some home remedies from the 60s and 70s may seem odd, many worked and still hold value today. These natural treatments relied on simple ingredients and holistic healing practices, many of which have been backed by science. Though modern medicine has advanced, these remedies prove that sometimes, old-school solutions are worth keeping around.
