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Back when we were kids moms had their own methodology for caring for sick kids at home. After a rigorous assessment to see if you were faking just to stay home from school, you then had to be quarantined from other children and taken care of properly. Each mother had her own way of doing things, but in decades past there were some commonly used home remedies and simpler over the counter medications that seemed to be in nearly every mom’s arsenal of weapons in the fight against illness. Have a look at these “mom cures” from the old days that many of us still swear by today.

Via/ Library of Congress

Ginger ale or Sprite for upset tummy

Moms thought the bubbles helped with tummy aches, but it was more of a morale booster in many cases. It was also a way to make sure that dehydration didn’t set in.

Via/ Flickr

Vick’s VapoRub

For any cough or cold Mom trotted this one out and spread it under your nightie or shirt. Who else grew up with the tradition of putting VapoRub on your feet or had it given via mouth?

Via/ Internet Archive

Hot soup

Usually it was chicken noodle, but other types of soup were sometimes also deployed. There does seem to be some universal comfort in soup that makes us feel better, even as adults.

Via/ Flickr

Orange sherbet

This was another magic cure for for sore throats and if that wasn’t possible then a spoonful of honey or whiskey was given.

Via/ Flickr

Saltines

Mom always gave these for the first forays into food after a stomach flu. The combination of saltines and Sprite together really let you know it was time to get mending.

Via/ Flickr

Hot water bottle

Or even a heating pad under the blankets or on the old tummy really did seem to help an awful lot.

Via/ Flickr

Plenty of gameshows on tv

When Mom turned the TV on and set you up on the couch it was enough to make whatever illness you had bearable.

Via/ Flickr

Mercurochrome for any scrapes

This was the go-to for cuts and gashes and it stung like nothing else.

Via/ Flickr

Baby aspirin

The weird orange/ apricot flavor of baby aspirin tasted so good!

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