Inexpensive Products That Are Home Remedies
People who grew up in families who lived a long way from a hospital or a doctor's office know that there are some home remedies that work just as well as a prescription from a physician.
This article contains a list of products that should be on hand in every household for home remedies. They can be used in some less serious cases. For more serious illnesses and diseases, a doctor should be consulted.
Home Remedy: Definition
A home remedy is sometimes referred to as a granny cure because it is what older people used to cure less serious ailments. The treatment often included using something that was already at home. That's why it is called a "home remedy."
The remedy could be an item found in the pantry, the kitchen cupboard or the medicine cabinet. Some common products usually include spices, vegetables, or other items.
Some of the home remedies are more popular than others. Most people have heard of Grandma's chicken soup to treat a cold or the flu. Some people stand by the soup and claim it helps them get well quickly.
Alcohol (Also Known as Witch Hazel)
Alcohol, also known as witch hazel, is good for a lot of things. It is very useful in the treatment of inflammatory-related issues, such as acne, eczema or psoriasis.
A little known fact about witch hazel is that it is good for hemorrhoids. Simply rub alcohol on the area that is affected. The astringent or cream will provide relief after just a few uses. It works just as effectively as store-bought medicine. Besides, it is very inexpensive and can be bought from any dollar store.
Baking Soda
If you ever run out of deodorant, use baking soda under your arms. If you ever run out of toothpaste, use baking soda as a substitute. Baking soda is good to use for whitening teeth and for eliminating bad breath. To use baking soda as a mouth wash, simply combine a cup of water with one teaspoonful of baking soda. Swish the solution around in your mouth before spitting it out. Baking soda helps to fight bacteria and stop people from having a dry mouth.
Baking soda is not only good to be used on the body, but it also can eliminate foul odors in the refrigerator. Open a box and leave it on the bottom shelf. Replace after a few months.
Pour a box of baking soda down your garbage disposal to eliminate any odors that are lingering there.
Epsom Salt
Most people know that Epsom salt is very good for tired muscle. Simply add Epsom salt to your bathwater and soak in it. You will be able to get from the tub feeling refreshed without the aches you had when you first got in the tub.
You can also use Epsom for dry and crack skin on your elbows, heels, and knees. This is a very inexpensive remedy. Make a paste by mixing 1/2 cup Epsom salt with 1/2 cup of water. Gently massage the paste onto the rough areas to exfoliate. Then rinse the areas with water and pat dry.
Hydrogen Peroxide
No household should be without hydrogen peroxide because it has so many uses. However, people are warned not to swallow the substance even though it is effective to gargle with when someone has a sore throat.
- Sanitize beauty and manicure tools with peroxide.
- Use peroxide to disinfect toothbrushes and mouth guards
- Get sweet-smelling and smooth feet by soaking them in peroxide.
- Whiten discolored nails by making a paste by mixing one part peroxide with two parts baking soda in a bowl. Put the paste on the nails, leave on for three minutes and rinse with plain water.
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Use peroxide to freshen kitchen sponges and keep cutting boards free of bacteria.
- After you clean your refrigerator, spray it with peroxide before you add a new box of baking soda.
- Clean tile grout from your kitchen and bathroom with peroxide.
- Shine your bathroom mirror with hydrogen peroxide.
- Whiten dingy and sweat-stained clothes with peroxide in your wash.
- Kill dust mites by spraying hydrogen peroxide on your mattress. Allow the mattress to dry completely before remaking the bed with clean bedding.
- Disinfect toys by spraying them with hydrogen peroxide. Then rinse with plain water.
- Protect indoor and outdoor plants by spraying them with peroxide mixed with water.
- Clean your garden tools and containers after each use with peroxide.
Petroleum Jelly
While Vaseline is the most familiar petroleum jelly, it is just one brand of the product. There are other brands of the substance. Any type of petroleum jelly can help the skin keep its moisture and prevent chafing that commonly occurs on the inside of a person's thighs when he runs.
It is even more important to keep a petroleum jelly in your medicine cabinet if a baby is in the house. It is one of the best products to use to protect a baby’s skin from diaper rash that often occurs.
Suggestions
Keep the above checklist handy. The next time you are in a dollar store, grab a basket and pick up the items that you don't already have. All the items are inexpensive and will be worthwhile to have on hand.
You probably noticed that some of the products are used for some of the same ailments and discomforts. In other words, you can select the remedy that you want to use for a certain ailment. Then, if that particular remedy doesn't work, you can try another one.
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This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
