14 Bizarre and Effective Home Remedies

We’ve all encountered bizarre home remedies before. Maybe your grandpa swears that eating a teaspoon of mustard gets rid of the ache in his knees or your aunt tells you that drinking pickle juice helps relieve her muscle cramps. And maybe they’re right, these things do provide relief and we just don’t yet understand why. Home remedies, by definition, are treatments or solutions discovered by regular people who notice a pattern between what they are eating, drinking, or doing and the unexpected results of those activities. Home remedies generally employ oils, spices, vegetables, and other common household items.

While you should absolutely hold onto your first aid kit, continue buying band-aids and over-the-counter pain relievers, also consider trying some of these surprising household items to treat or cure your aches, pains, and ailments.

Coconut oil for cholesterol and fat loss

Research has shown that coconut oil reduces levels of the bad cholesterol LDL. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that effect your metabolism. Several studies have shown that adding coconut oil to your diet can help you lose fat.

Tart cherry juice for a restful night’s sleep

Tart cherry juice has a high concentration of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles. Doctors recommend drinking a glass of tart cherry juice about an hour before bed to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Mint leaves for acne

There are many ways in which mint leaves can improve your complexion and treat acne. Mint has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce acne when crushed and applied to affected areas. It also has vitamin A which controls the excessive oil your skin produces which results in acne. It has antioxidant properties which keep your skin looking fresh and supple and its antibacterial qualities reduce acne caused by bacterial growth.

 

Lemon balm for cold sores

When applied to cold sores, lemon balm’s natural anti-viral qualities help soothe the discomfort and expedite healing.
Clove oil for toothaches

Modern dentistry acknowledges clove oil for its effectiveness as a topical analgesic. Clove oil contains a compound called “eugenol” which is known for its ability to numb the skin and provide relief. Place 1-2 drops of clove oil either directly on the affected area or use a cotton swab to apply. This is a handy trick for managing your symptoms until you can visit your dentist.

Ginger for nausea

Ginger helps sooth the stomach in several ways. It neutralizes stomach acid by promoting the secretion of digestive enzymes. Ginger also contains phenols which help relax stomach muscles, acting like a mild sedative on irritated internal tissues, and also induce efficient digestion which move toxins through your body faster.

Green tea for herpes

Green tea is, surprisingly, one of the most effective home treatments for genital herpes, a virus that has infected nearly 40% of the world’s population. Green tea can be consumed and applied topically to allow its primary compound, epigallocatechin gallate, to reduce outbreaks and stop the herpes virus from replicating. A study conducted in 2008 found that, in addition to reducing outbreak duration, green tea actually reduces the likelihood of transmission.

To apply topically, combine 5-10 drops of green tea extract with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil to create a salve. Apply this directly to lesions, as needed, until they disappear. You can also brew 2-4 cups of green tea to be consumed daily.

Peppermint and cinnamon for stress

Peppermint and cinnamon, in various forms, are known to relieve stress and improve mental clarity. Try adding cinnamon to your smoothies or even chewing peppermint gum on a long drive to increase alertness without inducing anxiety.

 

Evening primrose oil for eczema

Evening primrose oil soothes the pain, itching, and swelling of eczema by helping your skin retain moisture. Primrose oil contains a compound called “efamol,” which contains forms of linoleic acid. Studies have found that applying evening primrose oil to affected areas can dramatically improve symptoms.

 

Lemon juice with baking soda for body odor

Lemon juice is naturally antibacterial. By killing odor-causing bacteria, lemon juice effectively treats body odor. It can be rubbed or sprayed directly onto your skin or you can make a paste by mixing it with baking soda. It will replace those bad smells with lemony freshness.

 

Honey for minor cuts and burns

Honey is antibacterial. Dab a small amount on minor cuts and burns to reduce pain and fight infection.

 

Willow bark for headaches

Since the days of Hippocrates, willow bark has been lauded for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving qualities. Willow bark was one of the primary ingredients for aspirin when it was first developed. Salicin, the active compound in willow bark that provides almost instantaneous headache relief, is also found in naturally in almonds. To keep headaches at bay, brew a cup of willow bark tea by gently boiling 2 teaspoons of dried willow bark in 8 ounces of water for 10-15 minutes, then steeping for 30 minutes. If you are already feeling the pressure and pounding of a headache, you can take 60-240 milligrams of salicin as a supplement for faster relief.

Alternatively, try eating 10-20 almonds during the early stages of a headache. Eating almonds also serves as a preventative measure. Studies show that people who eat a handful of almonds each day have fewer headaches overall than those who do not.

 

Yogurt for bad breath

You’ve probably heard that yogurt is full of good bacteria. Research shows that the healthy, live bacteria in yogurt may actually crowd out the unhealthy bacteria that causes bad breath. Good bacteria takes over, creating an inhospitable environment for odor-causing bacteria.

Licorice for Calluses and corns

Licorice contains a substance that acts like estrogen in the body, softening the skin. Calluses and corns can be effectively softened with a mixture of pulverized or ground licorice sticks and a small dab of petroleum jelly. Simply apply this mixture to the rough areas on your hands and feet. Make sure the licorice sticks you use actually contain licorice and not just artificial flavoring.