Methodology & Testing — Home Remedy Center

Q: Do you personally test every remedy/product?

Not every one. We test when feasible and state “Not hands-on tested” when we rely purely on clinical guidance.

Q: How often do you re-evaluate top picks?

Every 6–12 months or sooner if a model changes or a safety update appears.

Why this page exists
Repeatable methods help readers replicate what works, avoid risks, and understand the limits of home care. Below is how we grade evidence, test remedies, and select products.

1) Risk classification (what we cover)

Low-risk self-care: hydration, humidifiers, steam, saline rinses, throat soothers, sleep positioning, environmental tweaks & home remedies.
Higher-risk topics: pregnancy/infants, prescription interactions, complex conditions—handled cautiously or referred to clinical guidance only.

2) Evidence grading (in every article)

Likely helpful: multiple high-quality sources (clinic guidance, systematic reviews).
Mixed: some support but limited/heterogeneous studies.
Limited/insufficient: weak or conflicting evidence.
Avoid/see clinician: non-trivial risks or poor safety profile.

3) Experience notes (how we test remedies)

When feasible, we run simple, real-world protocols and report them briefly:

Setup: environment (e.g., 12 m² bedroom), baseline metric (e.g., humidity 30–32%).
Tools/settings: models, settings, ingredients.
Protocol & duration: targets (e.g., 40–50% RH), steps, frequency, nights/days.
Observations: comfort changes, cough episodes/night, sleep quality (1–5).
Caveats: confounders (season, concurrent cold), what we did not test.

Example protocols

Humidifier for nighttime cough: Target 40–50% RH; door closed; medium setting; clean tank every 1–3 days; use distilled water if mineral dust appears.
Warm salt-water gargle (adults only): ½ tsp salt in 8 oz (240 ml) warm water; gargle 15–30 seconds; spit; repeat 2–3× daily. Not for children.
Saline nasal rinse safety: Use distilled/sterile or previously boiled water; clean device after each use; stop and seek care if pain, nosebleeds, or worsening symptoms.

4) Product reviews & “Best” guides (how we choose)

Use-case first: small bedroom, side-sleeper, easy-clean, travel, etc.
Specs that matter: capacity, maintenance, noise, dimensions, safety features, warranty.
Hands-on where possible: setup time, cleaning effort, measurable outputs (e.g., time to reach 45% RH).
Multiple retailers: provide at least two buying options when available; affiliate status doesn’t affect picks.
Updates: re-test or re-evaluate top picks at least every 6–12 months or when models change.

FAQ

What does “Likely helpful” mean?

Multiple high-quality sources support the benefit and safety for typical use.

Do you personally test every remedy/product?

Not every one. We test when feasible and state “Not hands-on tested” when we rely purely on clinical guidance.

How do you measure results at home?

Simple metrics only (e.g., humidity %, cough episodes/night, sleep quality 1–5), plus clear caveats.

How do you pick products for “Best” lists?

By use-case and measurable specs (capacity, maintenance, noise), not by commissions. We link multiple retailers.

How often do you re-evaluate top picks?

Every 6–12 months or sooner if a model changes or a safety update appears.

Last Updated:

August 19, 2025