Don't Blow Your Nose

by Ashley Neglia

Your head is clogged. Your nose is stuffed. So what do you do? Pick up a tissue and blow? Not anymore. As good as it may feel, researchers have found that blowing your nose may do more harm than good.

Read the story below for more.

Readers

First we shared our favorite home remedies, then we asked for yours. We pored over all your responses and chose the best home cures for everything from cold sores to dry feet. Continue reading to find out readers' favorite home health tips.

*Body Editors' Note: These are tips from our readers. We always recommend calling a doctor before trying any of these cures at home.

For a Fever

Kristy said: When a child has a high fever, chop up onions, put them on the child's feet and then cover with socks. Kinda smelly, yes, but it works. My grandmother swore by it, and when my 9 year old daughter recently ran a fever of 103, I did this, and her fever broke in an hour, and did not return.

Dry Feet Remedy

Desiree said: Cover your feet with a lot of lotion, whichever kind you prefer, then cover with a pair of thick socks overnight. When you wake up your feet will be softer.

Ericka McConnell, Jupiter Images

Cold Sore Cure

Maggie said: Apply an ice cube at the first sign of a cold sore or fever blister. Stops it in its track! The outbreak is minimal and they seem to be less frequent over time. Apply off and on for about 15 minutes, for a few minutes each time. The trick is to get the ice to it quickly when you first notice it coming on.

Calm Constipation

Desiree said: When I was younger I suffered from severe constipation my pediatrician told my mom to put a teaspoon of Karo syrup (white not brown) in a bottle of warm milk. Relieved the constipation every time.

Alena Hrbkov, Getty Images

Curb Cramps

Ashlee said: For those monthly cramps, I've found that sucking on a ginger candy (the ones made with real ginger) can help reduce the pains. Safe, easy, and legal. Added plus if you like ginger candies.

Susan said: The best natural remedy I found that worked is to drink a glass of milk. You will get immediate results. The calcium in the milk is the cure all.

Desiree said: Take some ibuprofen, lay in bed on your side and pull your knees up to your chest as tight as you can. Makes the cramps go away.

Make Gas Go Away

estella2977 said: For indigestion or gas, a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of lukewarm water works better than any antacid I've ever tried. It's gross, but it's worth the wincing at the taste.

Help Hiccups

fallen5729 said: Try a spoonful of vinegar or lemon juice. It works for me every time!!

Jeanetta said: Simply swallow about a half teaspoon of sugar, It stops them every time.

For Bee Sting Pains

Cheryl said: Take the sting out of a bee sting with a dab of toothpaste on the area. Works instantly, but keep the tube of toothpaste handy, so you can apply another dab if it starts to hurt again.

Cut Coughing

Tracey said: I have no idea why this works, but everyone I know swears by this: Whenever you have a persistent cough, rub generous amount of Vick's VapoRub on your feet, then cover with socks. The cough is gone almost immediately. This works especially well at night. I just got over pneumonia about a week ago, and this worked for my cough better than the cough medicine I was taking.

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A new study suggests that blowing your nose to relieve stuffiness can reverse the flow of mucus into the sinuses and slow drainage. Researchers at the University of Virginia found that subjects who blew their noses generated enormous pressure, enough to drive mucus into the sinuses, which could lead to further bacterial or viral infection.

If you desperately need a respite from clogged sinuses, doctors suggest blowing one nostril at a time and taking a decongestant to prevent a buildup of excess pressure.