The old wives tales that really work: from onions to oranges, This Morning busts some medical myths

WE all know about putting dock leaves on a nettle sting, but what other weird and wonderful home remedies can help with healing?

This Morning's health expert Dr Zoe tested out a few of these miracle cures live on air today...

Onions

Rubbing a piece of onion on a wasp sting can help reduce swelling, as the enzymes break down the toxins from the insect.

If the sting is far beneath the skin, however, the onion may not have the desired effect.

But Dr Zoe said that rubbing anything on a sting can help, because it forces the brain to focus on something besides the pain... although if you tend to well up chopping onions you'll probably already be distracted.

Whisky

Gargling a glass of whisky creates a numbing effect, which can help with relieving the pain of a sore throat.

Drinking it would probably give you the same - or an event better - result though.

Dandelions

The sap from inside a dandelion leaf is a good way to treat verrucas.

Simply rubbing the liquid on the affected area over time gradually works to remove the pesky ailments.

Using a pumice stone to gently rub the verruca will make this more effective but Dr Zoe warned that this method can take longer than over-the-counter treatments.

Placing duct tape over a wart will have a similar effect.

Oranges

A more unusual remedy was the use of sniffing oranges. This strange sounding solution is effective at treating symptoms of stress, anxiety and low mood.

Dr Zoe warned that this has been reported to only work  on women.

Bananas

The potassium in the fruits can help with bruising by promoting extra blood flow to the affected area.

Dr Zoe tested out the claim by securing a piece of banana peel to a bruise on her arm with clingfilm and leaving it overnight. She found the mark significantly reduced in the morning.

Porridge oats

Soaking oats in water allows them to use their soothing properties to full effect.

A small amount can be soaked and used as a face mask as they are anti-inflammatory.

For severe cases of sunburn, using loose oats in the tub as a bath bomb can treat the redness. This also works for eczema.

Bonus

This Morning presenters Ruth and Eamon give Dr Zoe's remedies a go

Its not a food item... but Dr Zoe also recommended using a torch when removing splinters.

Illuminating the area makes the skin go see-through, making the splinter easier to spot and less painful to remove.