You’re going to be spending more and more time outdoors, at summer BBQs and picnics, roadtrips and more. You may not need to swing by the local pharmacy for an expensive Rx, look no further than your own pantry! After the jump, the best DIY home remedies I’ve ever come across – they work!
BANANA PEEL: Relieves itchy bug bites.
An old Chinese remedy for bug bites involves rubbing the wound with the inside of a banana peel! It’s been shown to reduce inflammation and irritation.
First treat the area with hand sanitizer or wash with soap and water. Then hold the inside of the banana peel on the bite for 5 minutes. Rub occasionally and do not rinse. Leave that bit of residue on to allow it to dry out the skin and keep the itch at bay.
VINEGAR: Soothes sunburns.
Vinegar contains acetic acid—one of the components of medications such as Aspirin, and its been shown to help ease sunburn pain, itching, and inflammation. Vinegar helps to balance the pH of sunburned skin, promoting healing – dermatologists even recommend it post-laser procedures. Its antiseptic properties helps kill germs, too, which is certainly helpful in the case of blisters as well.
Just soak a few sheets of paper towels or a thin washcloth in white or apple cider vinegar, and apply them to the sunburned areas. Leave them on until the towels are dry. Repeat as needed.
Alternatively fill a spray bottle with white or apple cider vinegar and lightly mist the sunburned areas of your body. Spray the sunburn every few hours or whenever the pain returns.
ALOE VERA GEL: Keeps your makeup going strong.
Aloe vera gel not only has anti-microbial properties making it ideal to treat acne and pimples, it also reduces oily sebum – a heaven sent for those with run-away makeup during the summer.
Use it as an under makeup primer. Aloe vera gel will offer you moisture and has a tightening effect as it dries. Opt for a clear version that’s 100% pure – or as close as you can get it, the green gels may leave a green-tinted residue on your face.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen!
PAPAYA: Smoothes cracked heels.
Papaya contains enzymes that digest proteins, making it helpful in treating cracked heels and soles. Just mash a papaya into a mask and spread it onto cracked heels for 15 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat twice per week.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE: Whitens yellow nails.
Whether from your fancy of fuchsia nail polish or just plain neglect, your nails can take on a yellowish cast during the summer. You can “bleach” them back to their pearly luster with just two simple ingredients: hydrogen peroxide and baking soda!
First, dip your fingers in warm water for 10 minutes. Dry them thoroughly. Mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and three tablespoons of baking soda to create a paste. With the help of a cotton swab press the mixture around and underneath your nails. Leave it on for 2-4 minutes and wash with warm water. You can repeat up to twice weekly.
OLIVES: Cures motion sickness.
If you can prevent your body from producing excess saliva you can avert motion sickness all together. That’s what happens, kids, as your body prepares to yack – technically it serves to protect your teeth from stomach acid! Olives contains tannins which when released in your mouth naturally reduces saliva.
It’s only effective during the early stages of nausea, so be sure pop two or three of the green of black variety early on!
BAKING SODA: De-funks underarms.
Deodorant not cutting it during the summer months? Antiperspirant ingredient listing making you sweat? Good news! Plain ol’ baking soda will not only evaporate sweat, but it also kills bacteria that is the root of BO.
The science: Baking soda is an alkaline and your body’s sweat is an acid and when the two combine, gas is formed, causing the instant evaporation of the sweat. So, technically it’s not that baking soda blocks the sweat from escaping your pores. Instead, it conditions your skin to quickly dry up as soon as the sweating begins.
The treatments work way better if you apply them consecutively for days on end so consistency is key.
GREEN TEA BAGS: Calms swollen skin from hives.
Hives are a common reaction to many different allergens, including insect bites, pollen, or foods and they oftentimes pop up when you’re stressed, exposed to extreme cold or sun, or sweating profusely. Summer heat has been shown to makes it worse.
This is where your favorite afternoon pick-me-up can come to the rescue – in more ways than one! Caffeinated teas help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Opt for the green or black variety which contain tannins, a natural astringent which constricts blood vessels and pulls the skin taut.
Steep a few bags of your choice green tea in hot water for three to five minutes. During the summer, place the cooked tea bags in the refrigerator and apply to hives when needed for 5 – 15 minutes to puff out your boo-boos.
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