Everybody has a favorite home remedy.  The cashier at your local health food store might suggest one. Most grandmothers and mothers have a few that they insist have been time tested and approved.  But do scientists say there is any validity to their claims about these magical ingredients? Actually, in some cases, they do!

Here are some of the best, scientifically proven alternative medicine products that you can use to make home remedies.

Baking soda is a powerful and effective stain and odor treatment. It can be used everywhere, from your kitchen sink to your mouth, and everywhere in between. Baking soda in your bath may help ease strained muscles. Baking soda as part of your toothpaste (or dissolved, as a mouth rinse) may help neutralize the damaging acids that cause decay.

Honey has certainly been time tested; this golden substance has been used medicinally for thousands of years. And modern scientists agree with great grandmas when they say that Honey can be used to kill germs in wounds and prevent scarring in the damaged tissue. Honey’s awesome healing potential comes from its antibacterial quality. Honey is also effective for coughs; one study proved it was as effective as a commercial cough syrup.

Green tea, which is full of antioxidants, is good for your body, inside and out. When topically applied, scientists have found that it can accelerate wound healing as well as treat acne. Like Olive Oil, it can prevent UV damage to the skin, and because it is an anti-inflammatory, it can relieve rosacea’s tell-tale redness. Purdue University researchers found that drinking green tea helped reduce the risk of esophageal (throat) cancer, and other research has found that it effectively lowers cholesterol.

Vitamin C has the ability to fight free radicals, minimize wrinkles, and stimulate the healing of wounds. Squeeze fresh lemon or grapefruit juice into your bath—and be sure to eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables (like red peppers) containing Vitamin C every day, because it will help heal countless ailments.

Aloe Vera, which can be plucked right off the plant and applied directly to your skin, has been used since at least 2200 BC. Aloe has been proven to help quicken the recovery time from burns by up to 72 hours. Aloe Vera is non-toxic and contains a wide spectrum of vitamins and other nutrients, so it bathes the skin in the very ingredients it needs to heal.

Source: Good Health with contributions from AltMeds.com editorial staff.