13 Weird Home Remedies from the 50s Your Grandma Swore By

Step back in time to the quirky world of 1950s home remedies, where grandmothers reached for onions, castor oil, and mustard plasters before heading to the doctor.

In an era before modern medicine took over, these home treatments—some oddly effective, others downright questionable—were trusted solutions for everything from colds to skin irritations.

Whether they actually worked or just offered peace of mind, these 13 bizarre yet beloved remedies will make you smile (or cringe).

1. Onions in Socks

Ever wonder why grandma smelled like a salad? One of the strangest 1950s remedies involved placing onions in socks overnight to fight colds. It was believed that onions could draw out toxins and purify the blood, reducing fever and congestion.

While science doesn’t exactly support this claim, some people still swear by it. Whether it was an effective cure or just a strong-smelling placebo, onion-scented feet were a memorable part of childhood for many.

2. Butter for Burns

Before aloe vera became the go-to for burns, a common kitchen fix was to slather a fresh burn with butter. The belief was that it soothed pain and prevented blisters—and it was always within arm’s reach in a 1950s kitchen.

Unfortunately, butter actually traps heat, making burns worse. Modern doctors strongly advise against it, preferring cool water and burn ointments. Still, many remember this odd remedy as a nostalgic relic of home care before medical advancements.

3. Castor Oil for Everything

If you grew up in the 1950s, you probably dreaded the taste of castor oil. This thick, unpleasant-tasting oil was seen as a miracle cure for just about anything—constipation, skin problems, and even boosting immunity.

While castor oil does have some legitimate medicinal uses, it was often overused. Today, it’s still found in some natural remedies, but thankfully, kids no longer have to suffer through forced spoonfuls of this dreaded elixir.

4. Vicks VapoRub for Coughs

A staple in every 1950s medicine cabinet, Vicks VapoRub was the ultimate cure for coughs, congestion, and stuffy noses. Grandmothers would rub it on chests, backs, and even feet, believing its menthol vapors could clear airways.

Though it doesn’t actually cure colds, Vicks does provide some relief by creating a cooling sensation. The nostalgic scent alone can transport people back to childhood nights bundled up under heavy quilts with grandma watching over them.

5. Baking Soda for Indigestion

Before antacids were widely available, people turned to baking soda mixed with water to ease heartburn and indigestion. The alkaline properties helped neutralize stomach acid, offering quick relief.

While it does work, overuse can lead to health risks. Today’s antacids are much safer, but many people still recall the kitchen chemistry experiments of their youth, where a teaspoon of baking soda could solve almost any digestive woe.

6. Mustard Plasters for Chest Pain

A 1950s household staple, mustard plasters were used to ease chest congestion and muscle pain. A paste made from mustard powder and flour was applied to the chest, where it was thought to increase circulation and promote healing.

While some claim it worked, mustard plasters could cause skin irritation and burns. Thankfully, today’s medicine has replaced this pungent treatment with less painful alternatives—but it remains a legendary home remedy of its time.

7. Honey and Lemon for Sore Throats

One of the few 1950s remedies still widely used today, a mixture of honey and lemon was the go-to treatment for sore throats. Honey was believed to coat the throat and reduce irritation, while lemon provided a dose of vitamin C.

Unlike many other remedies on this list, this one actually works! It’s still a favorite natural remedy today, proving that not all old-fashioned cures were just superstition.

8. Oatmeal Baths for Skin Irritations

For rashes, itchy skin, and irritation, 1950s grandmothers would toss oatmeal into the bathtub. Oatmeal was thought to soothe inflammation and moisturize the skin.

Unlike some of the more questionable remedies, this one holds up—oatmeal contains compounds that reduce itching and irritation, which is why dermatologists still recommend it today.

9. Garlic for Ear Infections

If you had an ear infection in the 1950s, you might have been treated with a clove of garlic stuffed in your ear. The belief was that garlic had antibacterial properties and could help fight the infection.

While garlic does contain natural antimicrobial compounds, placing it directly in the ear isn’t exactly doctor-approved. Today, we have safer treatments, but this smelly solution remains a funny memory for those who grew up with it.

10. Kerosene for Lice

One of the most shocking 1950s home remedies involved using kerosene to kill head lice. Parents would apply a small amount of the flammable liquid to the scalp, believing it would eradicate lice quickly.

While it may have worked, the risks far outweighed the benefits. Kerosene is toxic and highly flammable, making it a dangerous choice. Thankfully, today’s lice treatments are much safer—and don’t require dousing kids in household fuel.

11. Whiskey for Toothaches

In the 1950s, if you had a toothache, grandma might have handed you a shot of whiskey. Swishing whiskey around the mouth was thought to numb pain and kill bacteria.

While alcohol can provide temporary relief, it’s no substitute for actual dental care. Still, this remedy is remembered as a classic example of old-fashioned pain relief—especially among grandparents who kept a bottle handy for “medicinal purposes.”

12. Cod Liver Oil for Health

If you grew up in the 1950s, you probably remember the dreaded spoonful of cod liver oil. Packed with vitamins A and D, it was believed to boost immunity, strengthen bones, and improve overall health.

While cod liver oil does have legitimate nutritional benefits, its awful taste made it a childhood nightmare. Today, it’s available in easier-to-swallow capsules, but for many, the mere mention of it brings back grimacing memories.

13. Vinegar Soaks for Sore Feet

After a long day, soaking feet in vinegar was a common 1950s remedy for sore, tired feet. The acidity of vinegar was thought to reduce inflammation and soften skin.

While it may have offered some relief, modern foot care offers far more effective solutions. Still, for those who remember their grandmother’s insistence on a vinegar soak, this odd remedy remains a nostalgic symbol of old-fashioned self-care.