9 Old Wives Tales That Are Actually True
January 31, 2023
source: News18
We’ve all heard any number of old wives tales over the course of our lives. Some sound super far-fetched, but some people swear by others. Well today, we’re here to set the record straight. Here are 9 old wives tales that are actually tried and true.
1. A Full Moon Can Make People Act Strangely
So, we’re not agreeing with the old wives tale that says a full moon causes people to go crazy, or turn into werewolves. However, during a full moon, there is an excess amount of light in a person’s environment. This can cause disrupted sleep patterns and feelings of restlessness and irritability. So, there is some manner of truth to this one!
2. Red Sky At Night, Sailor’s Delight
You have likely heard the saying (or a variation of the saying), “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky at morning, sailor take warning.” Well, the red sky tends to signify changes in air and pressure. A red sky at night generally means that good weather is on the horizon. But a red sky in the morning can signify that a storm is approaching.
3. You Should Never Wake A Sleepwalker
If you’ve ever experienced someone else sleepwalking before, you will know how deeply unsettling it can be. However, the old saying that you should never wake a sleepwalker is true. When people sleepwalk, they are in the deepest stage of sleep. Waking them abruptly can cause confusion and even violent reactions. Instead, try to gently guide the sleepwalker back to their bed in a calm and quiet manner.
4. A Wooden Spoon Saves An Overflowing Pot
Maybe you’ve heard your grandmother say that placing a wooden spoon across the top of a pot filled with boiling water will prevent the water from boiling over. This is true – the wooden spoon calms the bubbles down and prevents them from bubbling over the spoon.
5. Counting Sheep Helps You Fall Asleep
While this may not be a foolproof method each and every night you’re trying to fall asleep, counting sheep before bed can help distract you from stressors that might otherwise delay sleep, and calm your mind with the rhythmic, repetitive counting.
6. Fill Nail Holes With Soap
The old wives tale that says you can fill nail holes and small dents with soap is true! If you don’t have any drywall patching material, a bar of white soap rubbed over the hole will do a similar job.
7. Mayonnaise Can Remove Water Stains
Also true! If you have a wood table or piece of furniture stained with water rings, simply dab on some mayonnaise, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit for about 8 hours. When the time is up, remove the mayonnaise and wipe clean. Especially bad water stains may require you to repeat this process an additional time.
8. Plants Clean The Air
Keeping plants in your home is a super simple (and natural way) to purify the air in your home, as plants absorb toxins and filter the air. Plus, plants make any space feel more alive!
9. Garlic Helps Fight Sickness
While I don’t suggest you eat a bunch of raw garlic cloves, garlic does have proven anti-viral and immune system-boosting properties. Incorporating garlic into your recipes can help prevent those pesky seasonal coughs and colds.
While some old wives tales are just that, others offer plain old truth. Hopefully after reading through this list, you can now separate some of the fact from the fiction!