Kitchen Cures Your Doctor Can’t Live Without

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