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Calling your doctor or hightailing it to the drugstore isn’t always an option when you’re facing a malady. And realistically, not every issue requires an appointment or a visit. That’s where your pantry and medicine cabinet come to the rescue.
If you skipped on the SPF (major no-no) and spent a little too much time in the sun, take an oatmeal bath. Photo credit: Shutterstock
From athlete’s foot, to a muscle cramp, and even a sore throat, the do-it-yourself option is often the easiest and most convenient. That’s why we’ve collected the best home health remedies from Men’s Health Big Book of Uncommon Knowledge to help save you money and a trip to the pharmacy.
Check out these 13 best home heath remedies to find out how you can do heal some of the top everyday ailments.
1. Athlete’s Foot
Burning feet? Sprinkle baking soda on your feet and between your toes, or apply a paste made with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and lukewarm water. Wait 15 minutes, then rinse and dry your feet thoroughly.
2. Burns on the Roof of Your Mouth
If hot pizza (or an extra-spicy pepper) scorched the roof of your mouth, use an over-the-counter cough lozenge with benzocaine to cut the pain. If you don’t have any, try using sugar.
They’re not cancerous or contagious, but they’re definitely annoying. These frustrating sores, which form on the inside of the mouth, can be treated with a common pantry item. Hold a wet tea bag on these sores—the tannin from the tea acts as an astringent.
4. Charley Horse
The leg muscle spasm—that can occur after a long run or a squat session—leads to some seriously unbearable pain. Here’s what you do: Arch your toes back toward your body while gently rubbing your calf. Start behind the knee and slide your hand down the muscle to the heel, then repeat. Rub along the length of the muscle, not across it.
5. Heartburn
It can be triggered by certain foods or drinks, but acid reflux can sometimes lead to heartburn. Solve it: Chew a stick of sugarless gum. The increased saliva will help your stomach acid flow, and it will also coat and protect the esophagus.
6. Hoarseness
Your vocal cords need rest, so don’t speak. To get rid of the frog in your throat, take a 5-minute hot shower, drink warm herbal tea with a slice of lemon, and avoid caffeine, smoke, alcohol, and large, fatty meals.
7. Indigestion
Holiday meal gone wrong? Mix one of the following items in a glass of water for an emergency antacid: 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (to increase stomach acidity) or 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (to ease bloating). Then take a walk. A postmeal stroll can help you digest your food up to 50 percent faster.