Mother Knows Best

Mother Knows Best: Old Health Practices with Modern Results

You know it. I know it. There’s some kind of mama magic in the chicken soup recipe on that old yellowing recipe card in your mom’s handwriting. There are things you likely still do when you’re feeling under the weather that come from something your grandmother used to do for you. 

Are you thankful for high-tech medicine and cutting-edge treatments when needed? Of course. But there’s still a whole lot of wisdom (and science!) when it comes to those time-tested mom remedies. Some old-school health practices are making a serious comeback, and for good reason: there’s good research and comfort in some of those mom-approved recipes and techniques. 

(As with any health information, consult with your medical provider for your situation. If you’re a Member of Altrua HealthShare on certain memberships, you also have the convenience of telehealth, virtual care available 24/7/365. If you’re not a Member of Altrua HealthShare and want to learn more, reach out to a Member Services Representative at 1.866.601.3522).

Check out the reasons why ‘Mom Medicine’ might just work for you.

1. Morning Warm Lemon Water 

The Mom Method: “Start your day by drinking a little warm lemon water — it wakes everything up.”

The Science Says: Yep. A dose of lemon water first thing in your day can: Drinking warm lemon water in the morning can:

• Give you a dose of natural vitamin C
• Get your digestion going
• Start you out better hydrated
• Detoxify your system
• Support your liver function ¹

Make It Modern: Sprinkle in a dash of ginger or turmeric to add extra-inflammatory goodness. 

2. Mom’s Chicken Soup for the Soul 

The Mom Method: “You’ve got a cold. Here’s some soup.” 

The Science Says: Confirmed. If you want to get technical about it, there are properties in chicken broth that inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis, which is a fancy way of saying that chicken soup can help reduce the inflammation and upper respiratory symptoms you experience. It can also help with congestion. ²

Mom’s chicken soup is hydrating, soothing, and easy to digest — exactly what your body needs when it’s under the weather.

Make It Modern: Use your favorite organic bone broth in your mom’s soup recipe to boost the nutrients and amino acids. This makes your soup an even better support of your immune function. 

3. Honey for the Honey

The Mom Method: “Sore throat? Have this spoonful of honey, Honey.” 

The Science Says: Raw honey contains natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, a good tonic when your throat is rough. ³ Studies also show that raw can be more effective than some over-the-counter cough suppressants. ⁴ (Talk with your medical provider about what age your children should be before consuming honey).

Made It Modern: Swirl your honey into a cup of herbal tea with fresh lemon juice for a comforting, throat-soothing drink.

4. Take a Bath and Put on Those Socks

The Mom Method: “You’re not sleeping well? Take a bath and soak in some epsom salts. And wear your socks to bed.” 

The Science Says: Rich in magnesium, epsom salts in your warm bath can help soothe your sore muscles and take down inflammation. That magnesium in epsom salt may also help you sleep more restfully. ⁵

And those socks? Okay, maybe not fashion-forward, but wearing socks to sleep in has been shown to help regulate your body temperature throughout the night, which, in turn, can help you sleep better. ⁶

Make It Modern twist: Make that bath even more of a spa and relaxation experience by adding a few drop of lavender essential oil to the water.

5. Airing It Out 

The Mom Method: “Get some fresh air in the house. Open the windows!” 

The Science Says: The mom wisdom wins again. The air inside our homes can often be more polluted than the air outside. That’s because of all the cleaners, sprays, and emissions that are found in our modern houses. An easy way to detox your house and your body is by getting fresh air and by airing out the house. It can also help lower the allergens and mold spores in your home.

Make It Modern: Take the fresh one step further by using natural HEPA air purifiers, and by using house plants, a green and healthy way to filter your inside air. 

What’s great about these mom-and-science-approved practices is that they blend the experience of generations past with the latest evidence-based wellness strategies of today.

This Mother’s Day season, celebrate the moms in your life and appreciate the ways they’ve helped you feel your best, to heal quickly, and, in sickness and in health, all the ways they have made you feel loved and comforted. 

Mother knows best.

• ¹ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-lemon-water
  ² Rennard, B. O., et al. (2000). Chicken soup inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro. Chest, 118(4), 1150-1157.
  ³ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3042689/#:~:text=Honey%20has%20a%20potent%20antibacterial,and%20decubitus%20ulcers%20(bedsores).
  ⁴ Paul, I. M., et al. (2007). Effect of honey on nocturnal cough and sleep quality: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 161(12), 1140–1146.
  ⁵ https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/epsom-salt-bath
  ⁶ https://www.onepeloton.com/blog/sleeping-with-socks