23 Remedies Delaware Great-Grandparents Used Before “Wellness” Was a Hashtag

In Delaware’s small towns and farmhouses, great-grandparents often treated illnesses with whatever they had on hand.

They brewed teas, mixed poultices, and came up with simple cures that were shared by neighbors and family alike.

These remedies might seem old-fashioned now, but they shaped the way people cared for themselves.

A Spoonful of Honey for a Sore Throat

When someone had a scratchy throat, a spoonful of honey was often the first line of defense.

It soothed the irritation and helped coat the throat to ease coughing.

Some great-grandparents even mixed it with a bit of lemon juice or warm water for extra relief.

Honey was always in the pantry, making it a go-to solution before cough drops were common.

Mustard Plasters for Chest Congestion

This home remedy was used to break up mucus and calm a cough.

Great-grandparents would mix dry mustard with flour and water, spread it on cloth, and place it on the chest.

The warmth and slight sting were believed to pull out toxins and improve circulation.

It wasn’t comfortable, but many swore it worked after just one use.

Vinegar Soaks for Aching Feet

After a long day of work or walking, a vinegar soak was the remedy of choice for tired, swollen feet.

They would mix apple cider vinegar with warm water and soak their feet for 15 to 20 minutes.

Some believed it helped draw out inflammation and kill bacteria.

Even today, some people turn to this old-school fix after a rough day.

Saltwater Gargles for Sore Mouths

Whether it was a sore throat, canker sore, or gum irritation, saltwater was a common cure-all.

Great-grandparents knew that warm saltwater helped reduce swelling and cleaned out minor infections.

They’d swish it a few times a day and often saw improvement quickly.

It was simple, cheap, and surprisingly effective.

Potato Slices on a Feverish Forehead

If someone came down with a fever, potato slices were sometimes used to help cool them down.

Raw potato rounds were placed on the forehead or even in socks to “draw out” the fever.

There’s little scientific backing for this one, but many families swore by it.

It was a gentle, natural way to try to comfort someone while the illness ran its course.

Onion Syrup for a Cough

To calm a nagging cough, some great-grandparents turned to onions.

They would slice one up, sprinkle it with sugar, and let it sit until it released a syrupy liquid.

A spoonful of this sweet onion juice was given to soothe the throat and break up mucus.

It might not have tasted great, but it was a trusted fix in many households.

Baking Soda Paste for Bug Bites

When kids came in from playing outside with itchy bug bites, baking soda was often the remedy of choice.

Mixed with a bit of water, it formed a thick paste that was dabbed onto the bites.

It dried quickly and helped reduce swelling and itching.

This simple treatment was usually kept in a jar by the kitchen sink or bathroom.

Garlic Cloves for Earaches

Garlic wasn’t just for cooking, it was used as a home remedy for ear pain.

A clove would be gently warmed and wrapped in cloth before being placed near the ear.

Some great-grandparents believed its natural oils helped fight infection and reduce discomfort.

It was a common trick passed down in families where doctor visits were rare.

Chamomile Tea for Sleep Troubles

Chamomile was a go-to plant for calming nerves and helping with sleep.

Great-grandparents would dry the flowers and steep them in hot water for a mild tea.

It was often given before bed to fussy kids or restless adults.

Even now, many people keep chamomile tea on hand for nights when they need help winding down.

Cabbage Leaves for Swelling

Cabbage leaves were more than a dinner ingredient, they were used to ease swelling and inflammation.

Great-grandparents would chill a few leaves, then wrap them around sore joints or bruises.

The coolness and natural compounds in the cabbage were thought to help draw out discomfort.

This remedy was especially popular for sore knees, sprains, or even nursing mothers.

Peppermint Oil for Headaches

When a headache hit, many great-grandparents reached for peppermint oil.

They would dab a small amount on the temples or behind the ears.

The cooling effect helped distract from the pain and sometimes eased tension.

It was one of the few remedies that felt both soothing and refreshing.

Clove for Toothaches

A whole clove or a bit of clove oil was often pressed against an aching tooth.

It had a numbing effect that could offer temporary relief until a dentist visit was possible.

Great-grandparents kept a jar of cloves in the spice cabinet for this exact reason.

Even today, clove is still used in some over-the-counter toothache treatments.

Oatmeal Baths for Skin Rashes

If someone had a rash, itch, or irritation, a soak in oatmeal was the go-to remedy.

Ground oats were tied up in cloth or poured directly into warm bathwater.

It helped soothe everything from chickenpox to poison ivy.

Many kids grew up remembering the odd feeling of sitting in a milky, oat-filled tub.

Molasses and Sulfur for “Cleansing”

Some great-grandparents gave their kids a spoonful of blackstrap molasses mixed with sulfur in the spring.

It was believed to “clean the blood” and boost overall health after a long winter.

The taste wasn’t pleasant, but it was a seasonal ritual in many households.

Though it sounds strange now, it was treated like a homemade multivitamin.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Just About Everything

This pantry staple was used for sore throats, upset stomachs, and even skin problems.

Great-grandparents would dilute it in water and drink it or apply it directly to the skin.

It was believed to help balance the body and fight infection.

Many considered it a cure-all and kept a bottle within arm’s reach.

Goose Grease for Chest Rubs

Before store-bought vapor rubs were common, some families used goose grease.

They would warm it slightly and rub it on the chest to ease coughs and congestion.

Sometimes it was mixed with herbs or onions to increase its effects.

It was greasy, strong-smelling, and not exactly pleasant, but it was a trusted remedy in many homes.

Cornmeal Poultices for Infections

To draw out splinters or soothe infections, great-grandparents often used a cornmeal poultice.

They mixed cornmeal with hot water into a thick paste and spread it on cloth.

The poultice was placed over the affected area and left to sit for a while.

It was a common method to “pull out” irritation or reduce swelling.

Whiskey or Brandy on Gums for Teething Babies

In the past, a drop of whiskey or brandy was sometimes rubbed on a teething baby’s gums.

It was thought to numb the area and help the child calm down.

Of course, this method is not recommended today, but it was a widely used trick in many households.

It reflects how people used what they had on hand for comfort.

Turpentine and Sugar for Colds

One of the more unusual remedies involved adding a drop or two of turpentine to a spoonful of sugar.

It was taken as a treatment for colds or chest troubles.

Though it sounds shocking now, many great-grandparents swore by it.

Home remedies weren’t always gentle, but they were memorable.

Kerosene for Lice

If a child came home with lice, kerosene was sometimes used to treat it.

A little was rubbed into the scalp and then washed out carefully.

It was harsh and potentially dangerous, but in the absence of modern products, it was seen as effective.

This is one of many old remedies that’s no longer advised, but still remembered.

Pine Tar Soap for Skin Troubles

Great-grandparents often turned to pine tar soap for rashes, eczema, or stubborn skin conditions.

It had a strong, earthy smell but was believed to cleanse deeply and reduce inflammation.

Many people kept a bar in the bathroom for everyday use or flare-ups.

It’s still sold today, though it’s no longer as common in households.

Charcoal for Upset Stomachs

Before modern antacids, activated charcoal, or even burnt toast, was sometimes used to calm a sour stomach.

The idea was that it could absorb toxins or gas and settle digestion.

Though not everyone liked the taste, it was a remedy passed down by word of mouth.

In some cases, it was even used after mild food poisoning.

Black Pepper in Socks to Stop a Cold

Some great-grandparents believed putting black pepper in socks or under the tongue could stop a cold in its tracks.

It was said to stimulate circulation and open up the sinuses.