When cuts, minor burns, nose bleeds or whatever boo-boos decide to pay a visit, the first thing you probably do is to go straight to your medicine cabinet and find something that will fix the condition. That’s okay. It only means Girl Scouts trained you well, so you know what to do.
Although your medicine cabinet is full of effective tools to address emergencies, did you know that some of the items you have at home could be used as treatments?
In fact, there are a lot of household items that serves a double purpose, thereby saving you a trip to the pharmacy and cash at the same time.
The next time you burn yourself flipping a pan because you tried too hard to be like famous chef, Jaime Oliver, or you want to get rid of dandruff or even foot odor, try these 10 surprising home remedies that really do work wonders:
1. Antacid Tablets For Soothing Insect Bites
[adsanity id=”66647″ align=”alignnone” /]
Antacid tablets help neutralize the acid that causes heartburn symptoms. Surprisingly, there is more to it than that.
Suppose you’re out on a camping trip, and you forgot to pack insect repellant. The following day, you realized mosquitoes and other insects had a feast on your arms and legs.
Instead of reaching for the tube of calamine lotion, which can dry your skin, why not try antacid tablets?
Antacid formulations contain aspirin. This component is an anesthetic that helps ease the sting and itch that comes from insect bites. Simply crush an antacid tablet, add a pinch of oatmeal, also known to sooth the skin, and mix the mixture with water. Apply the mixture on your skin to provide a quick relief from itching and pain.
2. Nasal Spray To Nix Nosebleeds
When you hear the term nasal spray, the first thing that comes to your mind is easier congestion.
Nasal sprays have decongestants that shrink blood vessels and swollen mucus membranes to make it easier for you to breathe.
However, nasal sprays have other uses too, and that includes stopping nosebleeds.
Pinching your nose for 10 to 20 minutes does work. Still, there are instances when pinching your nose is not enough. In this case, nasal sprays can do wonders, thanks to its oxymetazoline component.
In case you experience nosebleeds, tilt your head forward and blow out any clots in your nose. Spray oxymetazoline on the affected nostril as you inhale through your nose. Then pinch the soft part of your nose closed and maintain the pressure for 10 minutes. This will make things better. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, then go to the nearest hospital for further treatment.
3. Tea Tree Oil To Get Rid Of Dandruff
Is it always Christmas season on your head and shoulder areas? Do you often wear light-colored clothes, so people won’t notice it’s snowing up there?
Save yourself from the embarrassment and get rid of your anti-dandruff shampoo, since it’s clearly not working anyway.
If you are trapped in a flaky situation, the best thing you can do is be friends with tea tree oil. Based on a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
those who used a shampoo with five percent tea tree oil recorded a 41 percent decrease in dandruff. At the same time, there is a significant reduction in greasiness and itchiness of the scalp.
If your shampoo doesn’t have tea tree oil in its ingredients, just add a few teaspoons of tea tree oil in your shampoo to get the same effect. Make sure not to overdo it to prevent over-drying of the scalp, though.
4. Dark Chocolate To Protect Your Skin Against Sun Damage
Good news, chocolate lovers. Now, you have more reasons to satisfy your sweet tooth.
According to studies, a few ounces of dark chocolate every week can reduce your risk against cardiovascular disease.
Did you know that dark chocolate can do much more than protect your heart?
If you are planning a beach trip with friends, or you suddenly find yourself under the sun and you just can’t say no, then make sure to pack some dark chocolate with you.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology revealed that dark chocolate might help protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Experts say that the minimally processed dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that can prevent skin wrinkles and reduce the risk of skin cancer. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and grab that dark chocolate and enjoy.
5. Yogurt To Prevent Gum Disease
What do you do every time you feel the need to give it a go, but your body is making it difficult for you? Eat more fiber? Drink lots of water? What about eating yogurt?
Yogurt is a probiotic bacteria that helps foster healthy digestion and make sure your bowel movements arrive on schedule. However, did you know it could be effective in preventing gum disease, too?
According to scientists at Kyushu University in Japan, those who eat 55 grams of yogurt everyday are at a lower risk of getting periodontal disease. This is because yogurt has lactic acid, which protects the gums from harmful bacteria, which can lead to this chronic gum disease.
6. Vodka For Foot Odor
Yes, you read that right. Vodka will always have a special place in the table every time you’re out and about with friends.
It can make you dizzy, wobbly and helps you forget things even for a few hours. However, it works the other way around on your feet.
Surprisingly, vodka can be effective if you want to get rid of the dizzying smell of your feet. Soak a washcloth in vodka and use it to wipe your feet to remove the stench.
This is because the alcohol in vodka, which is actually drying and antiseptic, can destroy the odor-causing fungus and bacteria that causes your feet to stink. It also dries out the moisture that allows these organisms to grow.
So, if you can’t stand the smell of your feet after taking off your shoes, you know what to do. Don’t forget to grab a glass for yourself, too.
7. Pencils For Headaches
Okay, this one might sound a little crazy, right? Since when does a pencil, that thing you use when you write, work for headaches?
Well, before you laugh your brain out, you should know that it’s true. A pencil does work every time you feel stressed or anxious.
Here’s Why
Unconsciously, you tend to clench your jaw and teeth every time you are stressed or feeling anxious. As a result, the muscles that connect your jaw to your temple are strained and can trigger tension headaches.
To prevent this from happening, put a pencil between your teeth without biting it. This helps relax your jaw muscles, and eventually prevents the strain. Just make sure you do this privately, since anyone who sees you doing this might think you are crazy.
8. Olive Oil For Eczema
One of the reasons for eczema, or atopic dermatitis is dryness of the skin. Your creams and lotions may do the trick in the case of flare-ups.
However, it contains certain ingredients, which might be too much for your skin to handle. In this case, olive oil can do the trick.
Yes, this kitchen ingredient is actually an excellent treatment for eczema. It has antioxidants that help reduce the inflammation that comes with this skin condition.
In fact, olive oil is the basis of many moisturizers, making it an excellent one, especially when used alone.
If this doesn’t convince you yet, you should know that olive oil could also prevent and repair damages on your skin, which leads to brown spots and wrinkles. Simply rub olive oil on your skin to prevent it from drying out. In worse cases, use plastic wrap and leave it on overnight to lock in the moisture.
9. Sugar For Hiccups
Another good news, sweet lovers. Despite the worries and concerns surrounding sugar, you now have another reason to add sugar in your diet. How, you ask?
Did you know that a teaspoon of sugar could get rid of your stubborn hiccups in just a few minutes?
According to experts, sugar can help modify the nerve muscles by sending a message to the muscles in your diaphragm to stop contracting spasmodically. In return, this can end those annoying hiccups.
However, make sure not to overdo it. Sugar can still mess up your body. Eat a spoonful of this only when absolutely necessary. And be sure to brush afterwards to ward off cavities, too.
10. Apples For Whiter Teeth
Here’s another fast fact: Crunchy fruits and vegetables can act as tiny toothbrushes every time you chew them.
At the same time, they have a natural cleansing action that can get rid of stains on your tooth enamel.
One of the effective crunchy fruits that can help whiten your teeth is apples. It has malic acid to help dissolve any stains, and at the same time, makes your teeth whiter eventually. Fluoride, say what?
In other words, your kitchen pantry holds magic, aside from making sure you are well-fed. You don’t need expensive treatments and creams just to treat minor injuries, or address any skin and body conditions. Home remedies do work, saving you time and money in the end.