1. Mustard Plasters for Chest Colds
When a chest cold struck, many moms mixed dry mustard with flour and spread it on cloth for a “mustard plaster.” The warming effect was believed to draw out congestion. Kids lay bundled with the pungent compress until the coughing eased.
It smelled strong and could sting if left too long, but families swore by it. The strange ritual actually provided warmth that soothed tight lungs. It was one of those quirky remedies that lingered for years.
2. Vicks VapoRub on the Feet
In the ’60s, Vicks wasn’t just rubbed on the chest—it was often smeared on the bottoms of feet. Socks went on over it, trapping the menthol smell for the night. Parents believed it eased coughs while children slept.
Doctors never really endorsed the method, but families swore it worked. The scent of Vicks became a childhood memory tied to feeling cared for. Strange or not, it got the job done.
3. Gargling with Warm Salt Water
For sore throats, a glass of warm salt water was the first line of defense. Kids lined up at the bathroom sink, grimacing through the routine. The salty rinse was believed to kill germs and reduce swelling.
It tasted terrible, but many found relief afterward. Even today, some still fall back on this old trick. It’s proof that sometimes simple remedies worked as well as medicine.
4. Whiskey and Honey for Coughs
A spoonful of whiskey mixed with honey was a common cough remedy parents swore by. The honey soothed, while the whiskey was thought to calm irritation. Many kids got a watered-down version when coughs kept the household awake.
It may sound questionable now, but families insisted it helped everyone rest. It was passed down from older generations and carried into the ’60s. The unusual mix remains a nostalgic memory for many.
5. Baking Soda for Bee Stings
If a bee sting ruined a summer afternoon, a quick paste of baking soda and water came to the rescue. Dabbed directly on the sting, it was believed to neutralize the venom. Relief came more from the cool paste than anything else.
Still, it was simple, cheap, and handy in any household pantry. Parents often reached for it before considering a doctor’s visit. It’s one remedy that felt odd but made sense.
6. Coca-Cola for Upset Stomachs
A flat glass of Coca-Cola was often prescribed for queasy stomachs. Parents would stir out the bubbles and hand it over like medicine. The sweetness was thought to calm nausea.
Whether it truly helped or just distracted kids, it became a common household fix. The idea of soda as stomach medicine sounds strange now. But back then, it was a trusted standby.
7. Butter on Burns
For minor kitchen burns, many mothers instinctively reached for a stick of butter. A pat spread on the skin was believed to soothe the sting. Families thought the cooling effect would help heal.
Today, doctors advise against it, but in the ’60s, it was a first response. Plenty of kids remember sitting at the kitchen table with butter on their fingers. Odd or not, it was part of everyday life.
8. Kerosene on Cuts and Scrapes
It sounds shocking now, but some families dabbed a little kerosene on cuts or scrapes as a disinfectant. The practice was passed down from rural households where options were limited. It burned fiercely, but it was believed to prevent infection.
By the ’60s, many doctors discouraged it, but old habits died hard. Plenty of kids can still recall the sting of that treatment. Strange as it was, people trusted it.
9. Potato Slices for Fever
A raw potato, sliced and placed on the forehead or tucked into socks, was said to draw out fever. Families often tried it before calling the doctor. The coolness of the potato brought comfort, if not actual healing.
It sounds more like folklore, but parents swore by it. Sometimes the strangest methods are the most memorable. The potato remedy was part of home care for many households.
10. Onion Syrup for Coughs
Chopped onions layered with sugar made a sticky syrup that was spooned out for cough relief. The strong flavor was hard to stomach, but it was said to break up congestion. Parents kept jars of it in the kitchen during cold season.
The idea of onion as medicine seemed normal back then. Kids gagged but often felt better afterward. It was a remedy born of frugality and resourcefulness.
11. Castor Oil for “Cleansing”
A spoonful of castor oil was a dreaded part of childhood for many. Parents believed it “cleansed the system” and kept kids healthy. It was taken for everything from constipation to vague complaints of “not feeling right.”
The thick, oily taste was unforgettable. Kids often ran at the sight of the bottle. Strange as it was, castor oil was considered an all-purpose cure.
12. Garlic Poultices for Earaches
For earaches, many parents wrapped crushed garlic in cloth and placed it against the ear. The belief was that garlic’s natural oils would fight infection. The smell filled the room, making the treatment memorable for everyone involved.
While not exactly pleasant, families insisted it brought relief. It was one of those remedies that sounded old-fashioned even then. Still, plenty of kids swore their ears felt better afterward.
13. Prune Juice for “Regularity”
Prune juice was the go-to answer for kids who weren’t “regular.” Parents poured a glass with no questions asked. The results were almost always effective.
It wasn’t glamorous, but it was reliable. Kids dreaded it, but parents trusted it without hesitation. Strange or not, prune juice held its place in the home remedy lineup.
14. Soap Under the Sheets for Leg Cramps
Some households swore by slipping a bar of soap under the bed sheets to ease nighttime leg cramps. It sounded more like superstition than science, but parents insisted it worked. Kids often giggled at the idea but went along anyway.
The scent of Ivory or Dial tucked under the covers became part of the memory. Whether it was the placebo effect or not, many claimed their legs felt better. It was one of those quirky ’60s remedies that people still talk about with a smile.