Old wives' tales are a mixed bag. Some are pure folklore, and others hold kernels of real wisdom that research has later confirmed. Let’s debunk a few and find out which ones might actually be useful.
1. Going out with wet hair will give you a cold
My Dad would say this to me all the time! It may be false, but the premise is not ridiculous. Wet hair will not give you a cold, but having a chilly scalp and damp clothing does send your body’s energy inward to maintain core temperature.
That means less energy for your immune system to patrol. If you catch a chill, your immunity dips slightly, and that dip might let a lurking virus take hold. So if you can dry your hair, or wear a hat.
2. Garlic in your socks
Weird but not entirely nonsense. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with genuine antimicrobial activity. Putting it in your socks won't cure anything, but if you eat garlic, it can help support your immune system. Better yet, make a proper warming broth.
3. Aching joints mean rain is coming
There is something here. Barometric pressure changes do affect fluid in your joints, and people with arthritis or joint inflammation often report more pain before weather shifts. If your joints ache when the weather changes, then our Anti-Flam can help support your body's natural inflammatory response, keeping your joints more comfortable year-round.
4. Lemon honey drinks for colds
This is a genuinely helpful wives' tale. Honey has antimicrobial properties and soothes an inflamed throat, and lemon provides some much-needed vitamin C. Hot liquid is soothing and can help shift mucus, so this is not folklore; it is traditional herbal wisdom that research backs up. Make it warm (not boiling, as heat destroys honey's enzymes) and you have a great simple remedy that can help.
5. Hair of the dog
Nope. This old wives' tale is not true. Having another drink won't fix a hangover; it just delays the reckoning. What you do need is water, electrolytes, and support for your liver to process and clear what you already drank. This is where our Digestive and Liver Bitters come in. Bitter herbs signal your liver to get to work, and they support your body's natural processing. Pair it with plenty of water, a salty broth, and maybe some ginger for nausea, and your hangover might feel less intense.
6. Chicken soup for colds
This one's a winner. The warm broth hydrates and delivers minerals, and the slow-cooked protein from bone or meat supports immune-cell production. The vegetables add phytochemicals and vitamins. It's not magic; it's just good nutrition. Studies confirm that warm broth genuinely eases congestion and supports recovery.
7. Saltwater gargle for a sore throat
This one is solid. Saltwater reduces inflammation and draws fluid out of swollen tissue, easing pain; it also creates an environment where bacteria can’t thrive. An even better choice, though, is our Throat Spray, which combines this principle with herbal support (so you get the saltwater benefit plus soothing herbs), and it's great for oral health too.
8. Ginger for nausea and digestion
This one is research-backed. Ginger's active compounds (gingerols and shogaols) calm nausea, reduce inflammation, and support healthy digestion. It works for travel sickness, morning queasiness, and post-meal bloating. Fresh ginger tea, a slice of candied ginger or using ginger in cooking are all legitimate tools. This is folk wisdom that science has fully validated.
9. Warm milk makes you sleepy
Partly true, but not for the reason most people think. Milk contains tryptophan and calcium, both of which are involved in sleep chemistry. A warm drink signals your body to settle, so it is comfort and biochemistry together. Even better: you could try our Rest and Calm to help support more restful sleep.
10. Spicy food clears your sinuses
This is also true, although temporarily. Capsaicin (the heat in chilli) triggers mucus production and can temporarily open airways, so it feels like relief. You can use spicy food to feel better in the moment, or even our Fire Cider.
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