Strange Home Remedies: 20 Things that Really Work

Everyone has heard of some strange home remedies at some point in their life.

Whether it’s an old wives’ tale or something a friend told you, home remedies seem to have been passed down through the ages.

But do they actually work?

Well, it turns out that some of them do!

In this article, we will be discussing 20 strange home remedies that are sure to surprise you.

1 Avocado for dandruff 

In recent years, avocado has become widely recognized as a healthy food.

It is packed with nutrients and has been shown to provide numerous health benefits.

However, few people are aware that avocado can also be used to treat dandruff.

The fatty acids in avocado help to moisturize the scalp, making it an effective treatment for dandruff while also improving the condition of your hair (1).

To use avocado for dandruff, simply massage a ripe avocado onto the scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes.

Rinse well with warm water, then shampoo as usual with a gentle shampoo that contains avocado oil (2).

Repeat once or twice a week for best results.

Avocado can be mixed with coconut oil, olive oil, yoghurt, honey, or lemon juice to boost the benefits to the scalp and hair (3).

2 Hops to prevent hair loss

Another strange home remedy is Hop extract.

It may be an effective treatment for hair loss.

This is because a chemical in hops interrupts the effects of hormones in men, which contribute to hair loss.

The good news is that this chemical not only prevents hair loss but also increases the growth of new hair (4).

3 Foods that prevent greying hair

While we are talking about hair it is worth mentioning that there are a few foods that can help slow down how fast it goes grey.

Lentils contain folic acid which helps stop hair going grey (5).

Another nutrient linked to premature greying of the hair is Vitamin D.

The best foods for this nutrient are oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, trout and salmon (6).

As we age our ability to absorb Vitamin B12 may be reduced.

Unfortunately, Vitamin B12 is also helpful to prevent hair from going grey (7).

The best foods to get this important B vitamin are organ meats such as liver and kidneys (8).

These meats are not very popular but there are some delicious recipes online to help you enjoy them and eat them more regularly to keep your hair it’s natural colour as long as possible.

4 Cure cuticle infections with white vinegar

One of the most common problems that can occur with your nails is a cuticle infection.

This usually happens when your cuticles are dry or damaged, which can allow bacteria or fungus to enter the skin.

Cuticle infections can cause redness, swelling, and pain, and if left untreated, they can lead to more serious problems.

One home remedy that can help treat a cuticle infection is white vinegar.

Vinegar has natural antiseptic properties that can help to kill bacteria and fungus, soothe inflammation, and reduce pain.

To use white vinegar as a treatment, simply soak a cotton ball in the vinegar and apply it to the affected area.

You can do this several times a day until the infection clears (9).

Despite its pungent smell, vinegar can also help prevent food odour and ease the symptoms of athlete’s foot (10).

Thenext on out list of strange home remedies is a bit different.

5 Remove warts with duct tape

Warts are small, fleshy growths that can occur on any part of the body.

They’re caused by a virus, and although they’re benign, they can be unsightly and cause discomfort.

There are several treatment options available for warts, but one of the most simple and effective is to use duct tape.

To treat warts with duct tape, start by cleaning the area around the wart with warm water and soap.

Then, cut a piece of duct tape that’s big enough to cover the wart completely.

Apply the duct tape to the wart and leave it in place for six days.

After six days, remove the duct tape and soak the area in warm water for five minutes.

Use a pumice stone or emery board to gently file down the surface of the wart.

Repeat this process until the wart disappears.

Unfortunately, this process is likely to take a few weeks, so you will need to be patient (11).

6 Parsley for bad breath

When it comes to parsley, many people think of it solely as a garnish.

But this humble herb can actually do a lot more than just make your plate look pretty.

Parsley is also an effective breath freshener.

This is because it contains chemical compounds that have natural deodorizing properties.

These compounds work by binding to molecules that cause bad breath, neutralizing their odour.

Parsley also contains compounds that help to kill the bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.

For best results, chew on a few sprigs of parsley after meals or whenever you need to freshen your breath.

Mushrooms, spinach, basil, and asparagus are other foods that also have the same deodorising effects (12).

7 Banana skin for poison ivy rash

Poison ivy is a pesky plant that can cause an itchy and uncomfortable rash.

While there are a number of over-the-counter treatments available, some people prefer to use home remedies.

One popular home remedy is to apply a banana peel to the affected area.

The reason it works is because of the anti-oxidant and anti-microbial enzymes within the skin. 

Additionally, the banana skin can help to soothe itching and inflammation, so it can be used for mosquito bites, bruises, warts, and even wrinkles (13).

If you decide to give it a try, be sure to wash the affected area first and then apply the peel for 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

8 Getting rid of the hiccups

Hiccups can be a real annoyance, and many people have their own tried-and-true methods for getting rid of them.

Drinking water from the wrong side of the glass is one common of these.

Another method is to drink a glass of water while holding your nose shut.

This forces you to swallow air, which can help get rid of the hiccups.

Gargling with salt water is also a popular home remedy for hiccups.

The salt helps to stimulate the nerves in your throat, which can help to stop the hiccups.

There are many other home remedies for hiccups, including eating a spoonful of sugar, drinking a cup of coffee, or biting on a lemon.

While some of these remedies may seem strange, they can really work (14).

9 Buttermilk to reduce age spots

Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which along with ascorbic acid from lemons or oranges, can help to exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of age spots.

To use buttermilk as a natural remedy for age spots, simply apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball or cloth.

Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with water.

For best results, repeat this process once or twice a week.

You should start to see a reduction in the appearance of your age spots within a few weeks.

However, it is important to continue using buttermilk even after the age spots have faded, as they will reappear when you stop treatment (15).

10 Reduce heartburn and acid reflux with store cupboard staples

Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat.

While there are many over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat acid reflux, there are also a number of home remedies that can help provide relief.

Mustard, garlic, buttermilk, and sea salt have all been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.

Mustard and buttermilk contain alkalizing compounds that can help neutralize stomach acid.

Garlic has both antacid and antibacterial properties, making it an effective natural remedy for acid reflux.

Finally, sea salt is a natural antacid that can help to soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation (16).

11 Yoghurt for healing painful mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can be extremely painful, so you want them to heal as soon as possible.

Natural yoghurt, in particular probiotic yoghurt, can help heal mouth ulcers in a number of ways.

First, the live bacteria in probiotic yoghurt can help fight off the infection that causes mouth ulcers.

Second, the yoghurt can help to soothe the inflammation and pain associated with mouth ulcers.

Finally, the probiotics in yoghurt can help promote healing by providing the digestive system with beneficial bacteria that boost the immune system.

Probiotic yoghurt is a safe and effective treatment for mouth ulcers, and it can also help to prevent future outbreaks (17).

Still need more strange home remedies?

We got you covered.

12 Porridge to heal eczema and dry skin

If you have got dry skin you are most likely to think of moisturising creams before porridge to treat it.

In fact, oatmeal rather than porridge itself, is often recommended as a treatment for eczema and dry skin.

The exact mechanism by which it works is not clear, although it does help the skin to hold onto moisture.

To be honest, who cares how it works as long as it relieves the painful and annoying irritation of eczema (18). 

13 Help reduce the symptoms of hay fever with oranges

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, and can be triggered by things like pollen, dust, and animal dander.

While there is no cure for hay fever, there are certain foods that can help to ease symptoms.

One such food is oranges, which are rich in ascorbic acid.

Ascorbic acid is a type of vitamin C that has been shown to reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms.

Additionally, ascorbic acid helps to block the production of histamine, which is the cause of most symptoms of allergic reactions (19).

Oranges are full of vitamins, minerals and fibre so are great to include in your diet all year round to keep you healthy, boost your immune system and protect you against the symptoms of hay fever.

14 Spice up your sex life with spices

While there is no magic pill that can boost your sexual drive, there are certain foods that can help.

You may have heard about traditional aphrodisiac foods such as oysters, strawberries, or chocolate, but there are some slightly stranger remedies for lack of libido hiding in the spice rack.

For example, saffron has been shown to improve sexual desire in women as well as increase lubrication (20).

Nutmeg is another food that has been traditionally used to increase libido.

This spice contains compounds that can promote blood flow and act as an aphrodisiac (21).

Cloves are also sometimes used to boost sexual desire.

These spices contain a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to increase blood flow and stimulate the nervous system (22).

15 Bring on labour with liquorice.

If the previous remedy worked well, and you got pregnant, first of all, I would like to offer my congratulations.

Pregnancy brings with it morning sickness, which can be eased by drinking ginger tea.

That is quite a well-known remedy, but did you know that liquorice can help you bring on the labour, if you feel that is what you want to do if your pregnancy goes over forty weeks.

An ingredient in liquorice can cause prostaglandins in the body to induce labour.

However, don’t have too much as it is a laxative and can also cause diarrhoea.

Other foods that are said to kick-start labour are spicy foods, pineapple, castor oil, and dates (23).

Although I would make the most of the baby being in your tummy, as the hard work starts once he or she is born!

16 Whiten your teeth with turmeric

While we are on the subject of spices, there is another spice that is a slightly strange remedy for stained teeth.

That spice is turmeric, a yellow spice that is commonly used in Indian cuisine.

It is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

Strangely, turmeric can also help whiten teeth and protect gums against gingivitis.

The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant effects.

These properties make it effective in fighting the bacteria that cause gingivitis.

In addition, curcumin can help to remove stains from teeth and make them appear brighter.

For best results, mix a small amount of turmeric with water or coconut oil to form a paste and brush your teeth with it two or three times per week.

You could also add a pinch of turmeric to your toothpaste when brushing.

Make sure you rinse well though, as turmeric can stain your teeth if left on too long (24).

17 Putting on the pressure to cure your headache

Many people suffer from headaches, and there are a variety of ways to find relief.

One option is to massage pressure points on the head and neck.

These points are located in areas where muscles, tendons, and ligaments come together.

When these points are pressed, it can help to release tension and improve blood flow.

There are a few different pressure points that can be used to treat headaches.

For example, the webbing between the thumb and index finger is a pressure point known as LI-4.

This point is located in the fleshy part of the hand between the thumb and forefinger.

Applying pressure to this point for a minute or two can help relieve a headache.

Another pressure point is located at the base of the skull, in the indentation between the large muscles on either side of the spine.

Pressing on this point can also help to ease tension headaches.

Massaging these pressure points can provide relief from headaches (25).

 

18 Remove splinters with baking powder

If you’ve ever had a splinter, you know how annoying they can be.

Even the smallest sliver of wood or metal can cause pain and irritation.

Fortunately, there is a simple and effective way to remove them using nothing more than baking powder and water.

To start, mix together equal parts baking powder and water to form a paste.

Then, apply the paste to the area around the splinter.

Next, cover the area with a bandage or piece of tape.

Finally, wait for at least 30 minutes before removing the bandage.

Doing so will give the paste time to work its magic.

Once you’ve removed the bandage, the splinter should be raised enough that you can easily and painlessly remove it with tweezers.

If not, simply repeat the process until it can be easily removed.

You can also use banana skins, duct tape, potato peelings, or an essential oil if you don’t have any baking powder handy (26).

19 Home remedies to reduce bruising

We have all seen the cartoons where they have a fight and then slap a prime steak on their black eye.

Sadly, this is a fairy tale, just like the cartoon.

A steak cannot help reduce bruising.

Pineapple, aloe vera, a bag of frozen peas (wrapped in a cloth), or a warm flannel will be much more effective.

Aloe Vera

If the bruise is on an arm or leg, it is also a good idea to raise it above the level of the heart to reduce blood flow (27).

Now onto one more of our strange home remedies.

20 Burnt toast to ease an upset stomach

I’m sure when you have had a sickness bug you have been told to ‘starve it out’ or to eat only dry crackers.

Both actually work, but burnt toast works even better.

This is because the charcoal absorbs the toxins produced by the bacteria causing the bug. (28)

A real strange home remedy if ever there was one.

Before You Go

I hope you have enjoyed reading about these wonderful, yet strange home remedies, and that if you ever try them, they will work for you.

Do you know of any other strange home remedies?

Let us know and if we think they fit, we will add them to this post.

Originally posted 2023-01-14 17:29:52.