You might be surprised to know that these notable products can remedy minor health ailments. Here are 10 home remedies involving various items that you likely already own.

Antacid Tablets
While antacid tablets are designed to treat minor symptoms associated with heartburn, these potent indigestion relievers also have the capability of soothing insect bites — according to Dr. Howard Sobel, a clinical physician in both dermatology and dermatological surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

Tablets such as Alka-Seltzer can relieve unwanted bites courtesy of the aspirin ingredient which has the ability to reduce pain. Simply crush a few antacid tablets, add a pinch of oatmeal, and mix with water. The final product is a paste that can be applied liberally to the problem area.

Mouthwash
Although mouthwash, both alcohol and alcohol free, can reduce and eliminate bacteria from your mouth and give your breath a fresh and appealing smell, mouthwash containing alcohol can be used to prevent and eliminate athlete’s foot.

By simply applying alcohol mouthwash to a cotton ball and rubbing the liquid on your feet, toenails, and in between your toes after showering, bacterial agents will be kept at bay. According to Dr. Sobel, the high alcohol content of traditional mouthwash can help defend off fungal infections of most any variety.

Baking Soda
While many generations have used baking soda as a means to remove unwanted stains from their teeth thus making them appear whiter, baking soda can also be used to relieve irritated skin.

Essentially used as a topical cream, rubbing baking soda mixture on an itchy or general area of discomfort can help to neutralize the pH balance of your skin and promote a buffering effect. It also reduces any inflammation that can occur on the surface of your skin.

Nasal Spray
While the basic purpose of nasal spray is to improve breathing that has been temporarily impaired by a cold or minor sinus irritation, common nasal spray can also be used to combat nosebleeds according to Amy Sutton Peak who serves as the Director of Drug Information Services at Butler University.

Per Peak, roughly two-thirds of all individuals who visit the emergency room due to persistent nosebleeds are treated successfully with oxymetazoline, which is the decongestant found in common nasal sprays such as Afrin and Mucinex.

Witch Hazel
A plant extract known for its ability to help fight acne by drying out excess oil that is found in the skin, witch hazel has long since been used by many as a natural way to treat unwanted skin blemishes. However, witch hazel can also be used to shrink hemorrhoids.

Regarded as a natural astringent, according to Dr. Sobel, witch hazel is the main ingredient in many OTC hemorrhoid wipes and medicated pads such as Preparation H and Tucks.

Courtesy of witch hazel’s ability to reduce inflammation and return blood vessels to normal size, this potent plant extract, coupled with Vaseline, has the ability to potentially shrink hemorrhoids while keeping the area moist.

Aloe Vera
Quite a common topical application associated with the treatment of minor burns and scraps, aloe vera can also be used to eliminate canker sores.

Containing vitamins as well as amino acids that can repair damaged tissue, aloe vera, as noted by Irwin Smigel, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics, contains many compounds that work together in order to control pain as well as prevent inflammation.

Tea Tree Oil
Commonly used as a way to treat both acne as well as athlete’s foot, tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Interestingly, tea tree oil can also get rid of dandruff. Individuals who have used shampoo with 5 percent tea tree oil have been able to reduce their overall dandruff by 41 percent, while significantly treating both itchiness and grease on the scalp.

Yogurt
While yogurt is quite a yummy snack in addition to being a probiotic bacteria that can improve digestion and keep you regular, yogurt also has the ability to prevent gum disease according to scientists at Kyushu University in Japan.

Per research, adults who consume 55 grams of yogurt per day have far less indicators of periodontal disease than those who do not consume yogurt. It also discovered that lactic acid in yogurt can help shield gums from harmful bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Quite a hallmark of cooking, extra virgin olive oil is ideal for lowering cholesterol while serving as a healthy butter substitute. However, when it comes to the topic of home remedies, extra virgin olive oil also has the ability to improve vision. Studies have concluded that omega-3 fatty acids in olive oil can prevent macular degeneration.

Researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia have noted that individuals who consume roughly seven tablespoons of olive oil per week are half as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration compared to those who consume less then one milliliter per week.

~ Additional Research for Your Consideration ~
Your Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Is Fake

Dark Chocolate
Other than being delicious, dark chocolate is also heart healthy. Research has concluded that eating just a few ounces of dark chocolate per week can reduce your overall risk of cardiovascular disease.

Beside heart health, dark chocolate can also protect your skin from sun damage according to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Courtesy of potent antioxidants known as flavonoids, dark chocolate can shield your skin against the sun’s harmful rays.

Written by Eleanor Lewis for and published by Vitality News ~ February 26, 2016.

~ Author ~
Eleanor Lewis had spent 15 long years working for a bank before realizing that she had been living in a fool’s paradise. At 40 now, she is a stay home mom and freelance writer and editor. She loves writing about anything and everything, with favorite topics being parenting, home decorating, and also health and beauty topics.

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