You don’t have to run to the drug story to fix your most embarrassing problems. Find effective relief without supplements or medications. Try these Oz-approved cures for bloating, body odor, dandruff and more.
Baking Soda and Strawberries for Yellow, Stained Teeth
Combine 1 tablespoon baking soda and two crushed strawberries and brush the mixture onto your teeth and then let is sit for a few minutes. Baking soda is a natural abrasive that has been used for ages to clean teeth, while strawberries contain malic acid, a tooth-whitening agent. While effective, this is not a long-term solution. Rinse or brush your teeth following the treatment.
Fennel Seeds for Gas and Bloating
Fennel seeds are a natural carminative, which means they help eliminate gas. Chew on a spoonful of seeds after you’ve eaten a big meal. Keep a small bowl at home and take some with you in a pill case or baggie for when you’re on the go.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Body Odor
On its own, sweat doesn’t smell bad, but once it hits the air and is exposed to bacteria, it begins to break down and emit odor. Apple cider (or white) vinegar is said to lower the pH level of the skin, creating an environment where bacteria cannot thrive. Splash this vinegar under your arms when you get out of the shower.
Fenugreek Seeds for Dandruff
More chronic cases of dandruff are caused by conditions like psoriasis, eczema or a fungus called malassezia that runs rampant in the scalp. This causes scalp skin turnover to happen too fast, making the skin flake off faster, resulting in dandruff.
The key to treating dandruff is to keep the scalp very clean and to avoid irritating shampoos and hair products. You can also create a scalp-conditioning mask using fenugreek seeds. Soak two tablespoons overnight and then grind them into a paste. Massage the mixture into your scalp and let sit for an hour. Shampoo your hair and rinse with 1 fresh tablespoon of lime juice mixed with water.
Lemon Balm for Cold Sores
Known to reduce healing time and, in some cases, prevent cold sores from coming back, lemon balm is a calming herb with antimicrobial properties. Look for lemon balm cream, ointment or supplements. You can also buy the herb itself, brew it as a tea and apply it with a cotton ball to a sore.