Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that surprise you. Take a potato for example, I had no idea that it could be used for something other than become french fries.
It turns out, there are plenty of secondary uses for the foods we find in our refrigerator and cupboards. There are plenty of old home remedies that work, but these ones get the grandma gold seal of approval. They’ve been tried and tested by many people over the years and families everywhere swear by them.
The next time you’ve got an earache, reach for the fruit bowl instead of the medicine cabinet.
1. Celery Fights Bad Breath
Like many crunchy fruits and veggies, celery works as an effective weapon against bad breath. It increases the production of saliva and keeps your mouth rinsed and scrubbed!
2. Raisins Ease Arthritis
Ease the pain of arthritis or swollen joints with raisins and gin. Soak some golden raisins overnight in a couple of spoonfuls of gin. The vitamins from the raisins mixed with the anti-inflammatory effects of juniper berries actually help to reduce swelling and ease joint pain.
3. Lemons Cure Sore Ears
Got sore ears? Squeeze some lemon juice into an ear plug and stick it in your ear for a minute or so. The idea is that the acid in a lemon will stabilize the pH levels in your ear.
If you’re suffering from the symptoms of menopause, you’ll want to grab a pound of these the next time you shop for groceries!
5. Yams Will Ease Menopause
If you’re going through menopause, stock on up some sweet potatoes!
Not only do they taste delicious with a maple glaze (see the recipe here), but they also work wonders for your raging hormones!
They’re high in vitamin C and contain vitamin A, which help balance out your hormones. They’re also high in dietary fiber, which will keep your cholesterol low.
6. Olives Fight Nausea
If you’re feeling nauseous, suck an olive. These delicious snacks are high in tannins, which reduce the production of saliva in your mouth. Sometimes, when we’re feeling queasy, it’s that extra saliva that tips you over the edge. Chew a couple of olives and see if that helps.
7. Baking Soda Kills Bacteria
Not only is it great for your cakes, it can pretty much be used for everything else in your life. If you suffer from a urinary tract infection, mix about 1/2 tsp of baking soda to a glass of water and drink up!
The baking soda makes your bladder more alkaline, which prevents the harmful bacteria from growing. If symptoms continue, you’ll want to pay a visit to your doctor.
8. Dried Apricots Alleviate Indigestion
If you suffer from indigestion, eat some apricots. Dried apricots are high in dietary fiber, which helps you to digest and prevents bloating.
Are mosquitos and spiders drawn to you like a moth to flame? If you’ve got itchy bug bites, turn to see how one grandmother cures them…
9. Potatoes Soothe Itchy Bites
If you wake up with itchy spider bites change the sheets and vacuum your mattress. Then, cut up a raw potato and gently rub the itchy spots with the slices. After you get them all, strap the slices onto the bite spots and wait a few minutes.
It’s a strange one, but it works! Raw potatoes have anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties. Also good for mosquito bites!
10. Listerine For Blisters
You think it’s for bad breath, but it also cures blisters! It is a powerful antiseptic that will dry the area right out! Just pour some on a cotton ball and dab it on the blister until it no longer hurts.
11. Licorice Smoothes Calluses
Grind up some licorice sticks and mix them with Vasoline. Rub the mixture onto the rough areas of your feet to cure calluses and corns.
12. Olive Oil Clears Eczema
This cooking staple can help to clear up eczema. It’s full of antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and repair damaged skin. Rub in 1 tsp per square inch of skin.
13. Duct Tape Kills Warts
Ok, so this isn’t a food, but you’ve still got it handy. Cover warts with duct tape. Every 3 days, remove the tape and file down the dead skin with a pumice stone or nail file. Repeat until it disappears!
