Most people these days are opting for natural home treatments over medications from the local pharmacist. Perhaps it’s the expense or the fear of unpleasant side effects. Some home remedies sound quite reasonable like ginger for indigestion. There are others we’ve grown up doing and swear by even today (chicken soup for a cold perhaps?). These treatments are a little bit stranger than the usual run-of-the-mill home remedies but they really do work!
Strange Home Remedies That Actually Work
1. Vodka For Smelly Feet
The answer to smelly feet could just lie in your liquor cabinet. Vodka contains alcohol which, thanks to its antibacterial properties, can kill off the odor-causing bacteria on the foot.1 Simply take a cotton ball, soak it In vodka and rub it all over your foot, concentrating on the soles and in between the toes.
2. Clove Oil For Toothache
Clove oil is known for pain relieving properties.2 It’s still often used in dental settings and makes a quick fix at home when a toothache shows up. Of course, you should definitely see a dentist to find out the underlying cause, but until you can find an appointment, it can provide some relief. Simply apply some to the tooth but be careful not to ingest it as it can cause stomach upsets.
3. Lemon For Nausea And Morning Sickness
Lemon is a great way to beat nausea in any case.3This really makes a difference for women who experience morning sickness. Squeeze a fresh lemon into a glass of water and drink it every morning to prevent nausea. Also, you can simply take a bite of fresh-cut lemon or chew lemon-flavored candy. Even smelling fresh lemon peels can ease morning sickness symptoms.4
4. Teabags For Sunburn
The polyphenols in tea are what’s responsible for easing sunburns.5 It helps soothe the sting and helps it heal much faster. Not to mention the dark color of the tea may help convert it into a tan. Steep black tea in boiling water until it turns very dark. Let this tea cool completely. Dip a washcloth into the tea and apply to the sun burnt areas.
5. Yogurt For Yeast Infections
While some claim that ingesting yogurt can help prevent yeast infections in the long run. Others have a more direct approach. They apply yogurt directly to the vulva or insert it into the vagina for quick relief. Some studies show that it can actually help fight the fungus thanks to the cultures.6 These cultures produce an acidic environment in which the fungus cannot live. Fill a tampon applicator with yogurt and freeze. Insert this into your vagina and wear a pad to catch the melting yogurt. This remedy is cheap, is unlikely to cause side effects, and don’t cause resistance to antibiotics.
Note: Make sure that the yogurt is plain, unsweetened and contains live cultures.
6. Yogurt For Bad Breath
If you suffer from bad breath, you know that it can be an embarrassing problem. But this problem may have a simple solution. Yogurt containing live cultures can replace and kill the bad bacteria which cause bad breath.7
7. Baking Soda For Heartburn
Many people claim that this remedy almost feels like pouring water on a fire. That’s how effective and relieving it is! Baking soda with its alkaline nature may help neutralize any acidity that causes heartburn.8 Drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved into it to get instant relief.
8. Olive Oil For Eczema
Olive oil contains a lot of vitamin E which is an essential nutrient for skin health. It also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds which can soothe flare ups.9 Simply rub the olive oil into the affected skin and let it seep in.
9. Oatmeal For Eczema
Studies show that colloidal oatmeal is effective in reducing and relieving symptoms of eczema. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, colloidal oats can help significantly reduce itching, dryness, and flakiness.10 Put the oats in a relatively cool bath and soak for about 30 minutes.
10. Peppermint For Stress Relief
Studies showed that commuters who sniffed peppermint oil or chewed peppermint gum felt less stressed during their commute to work. Peppermint can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It’s also seen to reduce fatigue.11 Put a few drops of peppermint oil on a piece of cloth to smell throughout the day. Or use the oil in a diffuser.
11. Ginger For Indigestion
Ginger is another great remedy for nausea. It’s also great for indigestion. It helps your stomach empty faster and can improve movement of food down the digestive system.12 Chew on a few slices of fresh ginger or steep some slices of ginger in hot water before drinking. It will help soothe your stomach in no time.
12. Aspirin For Dandruff
The active ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid. This substance is commonly used in topical medications for different skin conditions including dandruff.13 Simply crush one or two tablets and mix it in with your usual shampoo. Let it sit for 5 minutes on your scalp before rinsing off.
13. Salt For Sore Throat
Salt is a powerful anti-bacterial agent.14 This is why salt is so effective as a preservative. It kills off any harmful microbes that cause decay. This also explains this old remedy for a sore throat. Gargle with warm salt water twice a day to experience relief.
14. Olives For Motion Sickness
Motion sickness causes you to produce excess saliva. This is the body’s way of protecting your teeth in case you do vomit. Olives contain tannins which make your mouth dry and therefore may reduce nausea. Eat a couple of olives as soon as you feel the first signs of motion sickness.
Although some of these remedies may seem strange, don’t knock them until you try them out for yourself. They can be safe, inexpensive alternatives to strong medication.
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