6 home remedies from the old days that we need to bring back

Just because something is old-fashioned doesn't mean you should ditch it. When trying to take care of your or your family's health, some of the best remedies are old-fashioned home remedies. They've been tested by time and sometimes, even by science.

By treating what you can at home, you end up saving time and money that may be spent at the doctor's. Be careful, though. Just because something is a home remedy doesn't mean it will automatically work. Here are 6 home remedies that have been tested by time and work.

1. Petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly has a number of different uses: healing wounds, moisturizing skin and providing a barrier against dirt. Health says to go back to using petroleum jelly to treat injuries that aren't infected. They will heal quicker.

2. Ice. When you get a headache, you probably don't go grab an ice pack. WebMD reminds you that ice helps shrink the blood vessels in the head and helps alleviate a headache. Next time, you may just want to reach for a bag of frozen vegetables.

3. Salt water rinse. The Reader's Digest shares that salt water is still one of the best ways to soothe a sore throat. Combine 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of water. Gargle as often as you need throughout the day.

4. Chicken soup. Nothing is as comforting as a bowl of chicken soup when you're sick. The reason why, says the Mayo Clinic, is that it is an anti-inflammatory, reduces mucous and relieves congestion.

5. Honey. If you're suffering from a cold, the Mayo Clinic recommends staying away from over-the-counter remedies and going back to honey. It soothes a cough and improves your sleep. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey into warm water or lemon tea.

6. Warm milk. For those who suffer from insomnia, the Mayo Clinic reminds you that warm milk does indeed work. It contains tryptophan, which makes you sleepy. You can add a little sugar and some cinnamon for something different.

Knowing which home remedies should be kept and which should be allowed to die will save you a lot of discomfort and wasted time. The next time you're feeling under the weather, see what remedy has been proven to work, and go for it.