Kitchen Cures/Remedies

Kitchen Cures Your Doctor Can’t Live Without

Believe it or not, but some of your doctor’s favorite go-to cures are already in your house. From getting rid of a splinter to treating dandruff, try the kitchen cures your doctor can’t live without. As a bonus, Dr. Oz shares some of his personal household cures for your pesky health problems!

Added to Articles on Mon 04/09/2012

The kitchen can sometimes be your first line of defense when you’re in need of a fast and effective cure. Find out which of your kitchen staples you can use when you’ve got a problem that needs fixing.

A Ripe Banana Peel for Splinters
Instead of a tweezer or sterilized needle, put a piece of well-ripened banana peel pulp-side down on the affected area; cover with a bandage and leave it on overnight. As a banana peel ripens, it produces enzymes which help draw out the foreign matter. The splinter will rise to the top of the skin and may even stick itself to the banana peel. If the splinter is very deep, several applications may be necessary.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff
One cause of dandruff is excess yeast growth on the scalp. The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, so it’s not an ideal environment for yeast to grow. Mix a quarter-cup apple cider vinegar with a quarter-cup water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spritz it on to your hair and scalp, being careful to avoid the eye and ear area. Wrap your head in a towel. Leave on for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, then remove the towel and wash your hair. Try this treatment twice a week as a natural alternative to anti-dandruff shampoos that contain harsh chemicals.

Pickle Juice for Muscle Cramps
This treatment has been used forever by trainers. In one study, those who drank pickle juice felt cramp relief 37% faster than those who drank water. Results show pickle juice can relieve cramps in just under a minute and a half. Drink 2.5 ounces at the onset of cramp.

Licorice for Calluses
Licorice contains estrogen-like substances that soften the hard skin of calluses and corns. Make a paste by grinding three or four licorice sticks and mixing it with half a teaspoon of sesame oil. Rub the paste on the rough areas of your feet nightly until the calluses soften and decrease in size

Believe it or not, but some of your doctor’s favorite go-to cures are already in your house. From getting rid of a splinter to treating dandruff, try the kitchen cures your doctor can’t live without. As a bonus, Dr. Oz shares some of his personal household cures for your pesky health problems!

Sage to Prevent Bad Breath
Sage contains essential oils with antibacterial properties that eliminate the causes of bad breath. Most mints and other breath fresheners just mask the smell instead of eliminating the issue. Sage will treat the cause and is especially beneficial if you have gingivitis.

Lime Juice for Bug Bites
Apply equal parts lime juice and water. Dab the mixture on the bite with a cotton ball. This will neutralize the reaction and ease itching. Lime juice may also help keep the wound from becoming infected by the grit and grime under your fingernails if you’ve been scratching. 

Raspberry Tea for Canker Sores  
The flavonoids found in raspberry tea reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage. Tea is also full of tannic acid, so its astringent properties relieve pain and promote healing.