Eight Simple Home Remedies

MINOR WOUND
REMEDY: HONEY

Honey deprives bacteria of the water it needs to multiply. Thwart infection with a swipe of the sweet stuff, and cover the cut with a bandage.

SUNBURN, RAZOR BURN
REMEDY: MILK

Dip a clean washcloth into a bowl of cool milk and dab it on the burned areas. (The coolness can help reduce swelling, and milk’s lactic acid has anti-inflammatory properties.) Then rinse it off. Or try: Olive oil, which has natural compounds that protect against inflammation. That being said, a sunburn could be dangerous.

FLAKY HAND SKIN
REMEDY: SUGAR

Coat your wet hands with sugar—the coarser the better. The rough grains scrub away flakes and dead skin cells. If possible, use demerara, a dark sugar with large granules; it’s sold in specialty-food stores.

DRY SKIN AND LIPS
REMEDY: OLIVE OIL

Olive oil closely resembles your own natural oils, which can be stripped away by harsh soaps and dry heat. Smooth a few drops onto your palm and rub it into your skin to soften rough spots and form a protective moisture barrier.

INSECT BITES
REMEDY: APPLE-CIDER VINEGAR

Dab the vinegar onto each bite with a paper towel. The acidity can help reduce swelling and curb your urge to scratch.

ATHLETE’S FOOT
REMEDY: APPLE-CIDER VINEGAR

A mixture of one part vinegar and three parts water can kill the fungi that cause foot infections. For athlete’s foot relief, just soak your feet in it for a while. Of course, knowing what causes it in the fist place can also help prevent a reoccurrence. Start by reading “Athlete’s Foot Treatment and Prevention”.

STINKY SNEAKERS
REMEDY: BAKING SODA

A sprinkle between wearings can help neutralize funky odors. Just don’t forget to dump out the excess before you slide your shoes back on. Or try: Orange peels. Leave peels in your shoes overnight to replace bacterial odors with a fresh scent.

REEKING ARMPITS
REMEDY: APPLE-CIDER VINEGAR

It’s not sweat that makes your pits reek—it’s the bacteria that break down your sweat. (Gross, right?) So dip a cotton ball or a washcloth into cider vinegar and rub it under your arms. Vinegar’s astringent properties won’t allow microbes to thrive. And don’t worry about the sharp smell—it dissipates quickly. Or try: Baking soda, which absorbs stench.

Originally Posted by Rodale
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