The residents of Le Petit-Courty did not enjoy a forced air heated environment, nor did they bathe every day, or even every month for that matter. As a result, they probably did not suffer with dry skin.

The combination of heated dry air plus the drying effects of bathing wreaks havoc on our skin. But there are many ways to help with these dry skin issues.

Homemade Cold Remedies: Old Wisdom for Modern Coughs

When the sniffles strike or a scratchy throat starts to tickle, many of us still turn to the remedies our mothers—or their mothers—swore by. Long before pharmacy shelves were lined with cough syrups and decongestants, families relied on what they had: herbs from the garden, steam from the kettle, broth from the pot. These simple, time-tested remedies are not only comforting—they’re often surprisingly effective.

A Spoonful of Honey (and Maybe a Bit of Onion)

Honey is a classic cold remedy, and for good reason. It coats the throat, calms a cough, and has mild antibacterial properties. A spoonful before bed can soothe nighttime coughing—especially for children over the age of one. For something stronger, try this traditional trick: onion-honey syrup. Slice a raw onion, layer it with honey in a jar, and let it sit for a few hours. The resulting syrup is pungent but powerful, known to ease chest congestion and quiet coughs.

Steam and Salt

For sinus pressure or a stuffy nose, the old method of steaming still works wonders. Simply boil water, pour it into a bowl, and add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil. Drape a towel over your head and breathe deeply for several minutes. The warmth and moisture help loosen mucus and soothe irritated nasal passages. A saline rinse (like a neti pot) can offer extra relief, especially when used with clean, distilled water and non-iodized salt.

Garlic Tea and Bone Broth

Garlic is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. If you feel a cold coming on, chop a clove of garlic and steep it in hot water with lemon and honey. The taste might be strong, but many people swear it shortens the duration of illness.

And then there’s broth—especially homemade bone broth. Rich in minerals, gelatin, and amino acids, it supports the immune system, hydrates the body, and offers nourishment when you’re too tired to cook. Sip it slowly, or ladle it into a mug like tea.

Herbal Helpers

Thyme tea is a lesser-known but excellent expectorant. Just steep fresh or dried thyme in boiling water and drink it warm with honey. Elderberry syrup is another favorite, known for boosting immunity and potentially reducing cold symptoms if taken early.

For sore throats, marshmallow root tea or slippery elm lozenges can coat and soothe, while ginger tea—with a dash of lemon and cayenne—can help reduce inflammation and warm you from the inside out.

Rest, Hydration, and Comfort

At the heart of every cold remedy is this universal advice: rest and hydrate. No herb or tonic can replace what your body needs most when fighting a virus—sleep, warmth, fluids, and time. A cozy blanket, a hot cup of tea, and a quiet afternoon can do as much as any tincture.

Turn down the heat. Heat makes your blood vessels dilate, so keeping your house cooler has an anesthetic effect. For the same reason, when you bathe, use warm, not hot water, and follow each bath with moisture to hold the water, not the oil, into your skin. To maximize the effects, apply the moisturizer while your skin is still damp.

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Disclaimer: These remedies are not substitutes for medical treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Home Remedy for Dry Skin

 

In the mountain villages around Salm, these home remedies were passed from mother to daughter, whispered between neighbors, and written in the margins of almanacs. Today, you can recreate some of these gentle treatments at home. A simple balm of honey and olive oil can soften chapped hands; a warm oat infusion calms irritated skin. These are not just cures—they are echoes of how people once lived, close to the earth, attentive to its quiet, healing wisdom.

Expensive moisturizers and creams are not necessary to keep skin supple. Petroleum jelly, baby oil, or even lard is just as effective. Likewise, any kitchen oil, sunflower, peanut, or canola oil will help with dry skin. Keep it in the shower and apply before drying. Add a little lavender oil or other scented essential oil if you like.

Likewise, any kitchen oil, sunflower, peanut, or canola oil will help with dry skin. Keep it in the shower and apply before drying. Add a little lavender oil or other scented essential oil if you like.

If your skin is overly sensitive, get rid of that soap, go to your pantry, and get the oatmeal. Tie some steel-cut oats in a cloth, dunk it in water, and use like a scrunchy.

On rare occasions, dry skin may result from a vitamin deficiency, and boosting intake of Vitamin A and C, the group B vitamins, and Zinc may help. Severely dry skin may be a signal of thyroid disorder or lymphoma, however, and a doctor should evaluate any scaling, or wrinkling.

See how Francisca used Home Remedies in the 16th century. Purchase From the Drop of Heaven.

Sources:
Tkac, Debora. The Doctors Book of Home Remedies: Thousands of Tips and Techniques Anyone Can Use to Heal Everyday Health Problems. Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 1990. Print.

Reader’s Digest Foods That Harm Foods That Heal. Surry Hills, NSW Reader’s Digest, 1997 Print.