19 Popular Old Wives’ Tales: True Or False?

11. Putting ice cubes on dents in the carpet will remove them

True: Place an ice cube over the spot. Wait until it melts and the dent should be gone.

12. Count sheep to fall asleep

True: We don’t mean actual sheep, of course. But counting imaginary sheep when you’re in bed can help distract you from the stressful or anxious thoughts that keep you awake, so you’ll fall asleep sooner.

13. Chewing parsley gets rid of garlic breath

True: Parsley contains compounds that counteract the high sulfur content of garlic, which causes the unpleasant odour.

14. The swing of a ring will determine the sex of your baby

False: The tale is that you take off your wedding ring, tie it to a piece of string and hang it over your belly. If it swings in a circle, you’ll have a boy, if it moves back and forth, you’re expecting a girl. The only accurate way to find out your baby’s gender during pregnancy is by having an ultrasound scan.

15. Toothpaste can send spots packing

True: Toothpaste contains menthol, which cools and soothes inflammation, as well as antibacterial agents, which can fight infection, and detergents, which can dry out spots.