Thousands of years ago, before Tylenol and Robitussin, ancient civilizations and cultures used natural remedies to cure common ailments and sicknesses. Some of these old methods may not have worked very well, but it turns out that they were justified in their use of some of them. Here are some old (and not so old) natural remedy myths that are actually proven to work wonders.

1. Chicken Soup: parents and grandparents have been prescribing chicken soup for colds and flu symptoms for hundreds of years. Recent studies have shown that they were absolutely right to do this.
   

   More recently, science has found that there are reasons that chicken soup has stood the test of time: It really does help ease cold and flu symptoms. The chicken in the soup releases an anti-inflammatory amino acid during the cooking process. The liquid in the soup hydrates the body, and the heat from the soup helps to loosen congestion. And, common chicken soup spices like garlic and pepper, have been used since ancient times to help thin mucus to ease breathing.

   Even some canned, store bought, chicken soups can be effective. But if you want a healthier option, you can make it at home. Make a big batch, and freeze it in single-serving portions; the soup will keep for a few of months, and you can easily reheat it as needed.

2. Ginger: for thousands of years, ginger has been used to treat a number of ailments and to generally enhance health. Today, health care specialists recognize that ginger does indeed help some symptoms associated with upset stomach brought on by pregnancy, menstruation, motion sickness and nausea brought on by chemotherapy. Ginger can also reduce inflammation and help alleviate muscle pain and headaches.
3. Honey (and Lemon): many ancient cultures used honey in a variety of ways to sweeten food, soothe health concerns and help the dead on their journey. Today, studies show that honey may work even better than cough medicine. Combine one tablespoon of honey with one tablespoon lemon juice and microwave for 20 seconds or until warm. Honey mixed with tea can also soothe a sore throat.
4. Cayenne Pepper: various cultures have used cayenne pepper for its medicinal properties. Modern science has discovered that cayenne pepper, among other things, helps encourage blood clotting. This makes an ideal remedy for nose bleeds. After holding the nose closed for a few minutes, dab cayenne pepper up the nose with a q-tip to help stop the flow. Cayenne pepper has also been found to help reduce pain, fight some types of cancer and heart conditions.
5. Chamomile: Greeks, Romans and Egyptians all used this to great effect. Chamomile has a calming effect and can help with sleep problems and mild anxiety. Some of the chemicals in chamomile might also aid your digestive health.

Though these natural remedies may work well (and are most certainly cheaper than store-bought remedies), always check with your doctor or health care provider before you begin any form of treatment. Anything, even natural treatments, can be harmful in excess.

Head over to 5 Natural Health Remedies That Really Work for the full article.