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Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda and More Home Remedies for Problem Areas

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Dec 10, 2019 10:59 am·

By Closer Staff

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Before you head to the drugstore, try these at-home tips.

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The Ultimate Home Remedies for Problem Areas

Bad Breath – Cinnamon Sticks

Kiss bad breath goodbye without reaching for alcohol-laden mouthwash. Rinsing the mouth with a saline solution (1/2 tsp salt in a cup of warm water) can help kill infectious bacteria in the mouth or throat that cause halitosis, says Dr. Steven Lin, a functional dentist and author of The Dental Diet. To help eliminate foul odors, Dr. Lin also suggests: 2 chewing on cinnamon sticks, 3 sipping green tea and 4 gargling with 1 to 2 drops of peppermint oil in water, as an alternative to store-bought oral rinse.

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Sunburn – Aloe Vera

Aloe is the ultimate substance to use for post-sun damage control at home. “Aloe is a very soothing remedy for burns,” says Tennessee-based dermatologist Purvisha Patel, M.D. “It’s a gel derived from the aloe vera plant that contains anti-inflammatory agents that can help with burns.” In addition, the plant boasts pain-reducing glycoproteins, minerals that help with itching and compounds that promote the skin’s growth and repair.

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Body Odor – Apple Cider Vinegar

Keep body odor under control on a sweaty day can be daunting. And with many products containing potentially cancer- and Alzheimer’s-causing ingredients such as aluminum-based compounds, it’s only natural to want something less harsh to deal with embarrassing scents. After showering with anti-bacterial soap, dry skin thoroughly — the bacteria that leads to B.O. thrives in warm, damp areas — then swipe a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar on armpits. “It makes a great natural deodorant since it absorbs and neutralizes stinky bacteria,” says Jillian Levy, a certified holistic health coach. “You can rub a bit of apple cider vinegar into your underarms or other body parts, and don’t worry — the vinegar smell will evaporate quickly.”

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Cold Sores – Licorice Root

According to the World Health Organization, around two-thirds of adults aged 50 and over have herpes simplex virus type 1, which causes most cold sores. Painful and unsightly, these sores can pop up anywhere on the skin but generally appear on the lips and mouth. While the sores typically go away on their own in about a week, help speed up recovery with licorice root. Simply steep a licorice tea bag in warm water for 30 to 60 seconds and apply to the sore for 3 to 5 minutes. The glycyrrhizic acid in the root enhances healing.

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Poison Ivy Rashes – Coffee

Skin that comes into contact with the urushiol oil found on poison ivy can become red, swollen, blistered and itchy, but there’s a helpful home remedy that many regular campers and other outdoor enthusiasts keep in mind — and it’s almost always handy. Coffee contains the anti-inflammatory chlorogenic acid. To take advantage of the beverage’s ability to soothe itchy poison ivy rashes, make a cup of joe and let it cool before combining it with a half cup of baking soda. Mix into a paste, apply to problem areas and allow it to dry. Rinse and repeat twice daily to maximize relief.

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Bruises – Frozen Veggies

Banging your head or shin is no fun — and neither is the black and blue mark left behind. While bruises (damage done to blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface) are unsightly, they generally go away on their own in about 10 days. Help speed things up by applying ice immediately after impact (a bag of frozen veggies will work just fine).

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Eye Styes – Black Tea

Styes are caused by a buildup of dead skin, dirt and oil around the eyelid, and the unsightly bumps can cause soreness, itchiness, pain and swelling. The antibacterial properties in black tea can bring relief. Steep a bag in freshly boiled water for 1 minute, let cool and apply to the affected eye for 5 to 10 minutes.

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Infections – Turmeric

Have a minor wound that seems like it could get infected? The common spice rack staple turmeric, lauded in India as “holy powder,” is an effective way to prevent minor scrapes and scratches from becoming more serious. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is well known in medical circles for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix a small amount of the colorful spice with water and dab on the wound to prevent infectious bacteria from multiplying.

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Burns – White Vinegar

After getting a minor burn (think: an oil splatter while cooking or accidentally touching the oven), the first thing to do is rinse the area with cool water, wash with mild soap and water and apply a cold compress. Diluted white vinegar also acts as an antiseptic that helps keep burns from becoming infected.

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Hives – Baking Soda

Often popping without warning, hives are itchy, swollen bumps (usually red or flesh-colored) that can be caused by anything from stress to an allergic reaction to food, drugs or pets. Hives can last just a few minutes or stick around for hours, days or even weeks. Try relaxing in a lukewarm oatmeal bath — tie 2 cups raw oats in cheesecloth and place under the faucet as the tub fills. The oats’ naturally high level of salicylic acid calms skin.