Strange At-Home Remedies That May Actually Ease People's Lives

What if we told you that your pantry was filled with secrets? No, we're not talking about the hidden calories or deceptive expiration dates of your favorite foods. Think bigger than that! As it turns out, your pantry, medicine cabinet, and refrigerator could house weirdly effective remedies to life's most common annoyances. So if you're looking for anti-aging tricks, hair loss remedies, beauty secrets, and even pet-specific hacks that you can whip up from your kitchen, then look no further.

1. Apply aloe vera gel

While aloe vera plants might not be to everyone’s taste aesthetically speaking, their thick green leaves contain a very helpful gel. This substance can soothe skin redness and eliminate dandruff, but its uses don’t end there. In fact, VCare claimed that it might boost the blood flow to your locks if you’re struggling with hair loss.

Keep at it

As per the YouTube video, you need to trim a leaf from the flower before pulling away its skin. At that point, scoop up a little gel and then rub it into your head. After letting the substance sit for a couple of hours, you should wash your hair normally. VCare suggested that you’d only notice a difference if you stuck with this regime for at least half a year.

2. Egg whites

Got any eggs in your fridge? Well, if you do, you might be in luck! You see, egg whites are said to be very helpful in fighting the effects of aging. The contents include things such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. And when used correctly, these whites have the potential to strengthen and iron out your skin.

Brush on egg whites

So what do you need to do? First things first, grab an egg, some lemon juice, and a bit of milk cream. Measure out half a teaspoon of the cream and a whole teaspoon of lemon before separating the egg white. After that, stir those items together and rub the results over your face. Give it 15 minutes, then wash it off. Simple!

3. Do headstands

Let’s be honest: if you’ve never done yoga before, it can seem quite daunting at first. After all, some of the moves are simply jaw-dropping. The headstand is certainly up there, but this practice doesn’t just look cool. In fact, should you master it, you might be able to stop your hair from falling out.

Boosting those follicles

According to Healthline, this is referred to as the “inversion method.” Now when you’re in an inverted position, your blood naturally rushes to your brain. And naturally, the law of gravity ensures that it also reaches the follicles in your scalp. Your locks could be strengthened as a result of this unusual boost. Just make sure you've mastered the pose before you try it without help!

4. Ice rub

If your freezer is teeming with unused ice cubes, keep hold of them. You see, they could play a surprising role in your battle against wrinkles. Don’t believe us? Well, celebrity skincare specialist Ole Henriksen swears by ice remedies. He told Vogue’s website, “They dramatically improve circulation in the skin for that healthy glow we all want.”

Calm and cooling

Renée Rouleau concurred with that point, as the beautician shared a simple tip to the website. She said, “If you apply a serum to the skin and put ice on it afterwards, the capillaries restrict and it creates a pulling effect that helps ingredients penetrate deeper.” Pretty cool right? Literally!

5. Eat more protein

We all get protein through the food we eat every day. But if you don’t consume adequate quantities, there’s a chance that you could become deficient. When that happens, you might notice that your stomach or feet have started to puff up. Meanwhile, it can cause you to lose your hair as well. Startling all around, wouldn’t you say?

Combatting deficiency

So how can you fix it? Well, according to Medical News Today, it’s pretty simple — just eat more! Food such as beans, seeds, nuts, eggs, and fish should tide you over. Hopefully, that’ll put a halt to the unfortunate shedding and any other side effects that come from the deficiency. Of course, always check with your doctor before making any big dietary changes.

6. Tiny dog sweaters

Dressing your pet is a great way to prevent them from catching fleas or ticks while outside. But if your poor pet does manage to pick up some unwanted guests, you won't need to rely on expensive, chemical-filled treatment to get rid of them.

The power of citrus

Fleas hate the scent of citrus oils, especially those found in the juice and rinds of lemons and limes. Rubbing a small amount of citrus on your pet's skin and fur should send a good chunk of those pests packing. Plus, you can never go wrong by washing them with a little soap and water.

7. Mashed strawberries

Who doesn’t love a bowl of strawberries every now and again? They’re incredibly tasty! Mind you, this mouth-watering fruit can do more than just satiate your hunger: it can also battle wrinkles. A single strawberry houses several helpful properties, including vitamin C. That alone can add some flexibility to your skin.

Smooth strawberry paste

To give yourself the best chance of seeing some results, grab up to four strawberries from your kitchen. Then drop them into a bowl and squash the contents together, creating a smooth paste. Once it’s ready, rub the fruity mixture on your skin and leave it for no more than 12 minutes. Wash it off after that.

8. Massage your head

After a long day at work, a nice head massage can be pretty relaxing. Say goodbye to any lingering stress! But did you know that this simple act could also help you in your hair-loss battle? To go into more detail, the VCare YouTube channel produced a video on the subject in May 2019.

Increased blood flow

As per the video, a tentative rub might make all the difference for your scalp. The minimal force that you apply will apparently boost the amount of blood that reaches your locks. As a result of that, the hair should begin to grow back. VCare claims that two massages each day could heighten the chances of it working, so give it a try!

9. Potato juice

From chips to fries, potatoes can be eaten in several different ways — and they’re all delicious. But it’s sometimes easy to forget just how healthy a spud really is. For instance, the vegetable is loaded with vitamin C. By itself, that can aid your skin in retaining its stretchiness, which is bad news for wrinkles.

Shred those spuds

Potato juice is just as effective in that regard – as bizarre as it might sound. After shredding a spud in your kitchen, apply enough pressure so the moisture begins to leak out. Once that’s done, grab a cotton ball and dip it into the liquid, before rubbing it on your skin. When 15 minutes have passed, you can finally wash it off.

10. Use garlic paste

Ah, garlic. This seasoning is as divisive as they come in the kitchen, with its strong taste and scent proving too much for some. And we’re not just talking about vampires! But would you brave the smell if it meant that your hair loss could be reversed? On that note, VCare shared some intriguing findings.

Backed by research

Should you suffer from Alopecia areata, garlic might be just what you need. The video’s narrator said, “A 2007 research study found that applying garlic paste, along with betamethasone valerate cream, on bald spots produced more hair regrowth than using a placebo treatment with the steroid cream betamethasone.” So keep hold of your cloves.

11. Tummy troubles

Yes, they may gobble down sticks and toilet paper like candy, but a dog's tummy is still incredibly sensitive. If your pup's "movements" are a little looser than they should be, mixing a little yogurt with their food could help correct any gut imbalances.

Give them some electrolytes

But even after soothing their digestive tracts, animals that have experienced frequent bouts of vomiting or diarrhea can wind up dehydrated. With a vet's permission, an electrolyte booster such as Gatorade should have them well enough to dunk a basketball in no time.

12. Take ginseng

Ginseng roots are unlikely to win any beauty contests at your local flower shows. But don’t be put off by their strange appearance. As it turns out, ginseng is very good for our bodies, containing both anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. And the Asian root could aid your hair-loss battle too!

Blocking certain hormones

To explain more, VCare’s YouTube video reveals how the brown root might make things better. The narrator says, “Taking ginseng supplements can promote hair growth by stimulating hair follicles, and blocking the hormone DHT: dihydrotestosterone.” That molecule sparks hair loss for both guys and ladies, so that’s promising to hear.

13. Silk pillowcases

There’s no denying the fact that certain anti-aging treatments require a lot of commitment. In turn, that can put plenty of people off them, even if they’d like to tackle their wrinkles. Are you in that group? Yes? Well, we’ve got a solution that’s incredibly simple. Trust us, it really is!

A good night's sleep

You see, silk pillowcases are actually very useful in aiding your skin’s health. The material houses proteins of its own, while it’s also hypoallergenic. That essentially means that it’s unlikely to provoke an allergic reaction. So yes, a good night’s sleep on a comfy pillow can revitalize you in more ways than one!

14. Apply rosemary oil

Rosemary oil has a lovely scent, right? It can’t be beaten! Mind you, the smell isn’t the only thing that’s going for it. During the last century or so, this liquid has been utilized as a form of treatment for those who are losing their hair. Lavender and sandalwood extracts are much the same as well.

Heat locks it in

So how does it work? Well, there’s said to be an element hidden within rosemary oil that prompts your locks to grow. It’s suggested that you massage the product across your head for a couple of minutes at the end of each day. After that, you can cover it with a hot cloth to ensure the oil seeps into your skin.

15. Apply licorice roots

Everyone loves a bit of candy, right? These delicious snacks are perfect for munching on during the day, yet one stands out for its unique flavor. Of course, we’re referring to licorice. Mind you, the roots could help people in a very unexpected way if they’re struggling with their hair.

Multiple beneficial properties

Yes, you guessed it: licorice roots can apparently stop your locks from falling out. In VCare’s YouTube video, the narrator explains, “Licorice is thought to open skin pores and strengthen weakened hair follicles. [This is thanks to] its antiandrogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, angiogenic, and hair-stimulating features.” You’ll never look at the dark stick the same way again!

16. Pet allergies

It may seem only natural to let your pet play outside, but believe it or not, even animals can have seasonal allergies. Rubbing your cat or dog with a wet towel before letting them inside should remove any allergens.

Soothe their irritation

But if your pet does develop an allergic reaction and begins scratching at sensitive areas such as their ears, head over to your pantry. A little distilled white vinegar and some cold tea on a cotton ball will soothe any allergy-related irritation.

17. Banana mask

Yes, bananas are a delicious fruit that you should try to incorporate into your diet, but they can help your body in other ways too. For instance, the healthy item houses contents that can aid your battle against aging. They range from potassium to three different vitamins – specifically A, B, and E.

A creamy puree

On that note, you could create your own anti-aging treatment by making banana masks. To do that, slice off around 25 percent from a single fruit and drop it into a bowl. You’ll want to transform that small section into a creamy puree, so really squash it down. Once that’s done, apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for no longer than 20 minutes.

18. Eat more iron

Iron plays a vital role in our bodies, as the mineral aids blood production. But that’s not all. According to WebMD, it shares a connection with hair as well. You see, our follicles can fall out thanks to iron deficiencies, so by consuming more meat, broccoli, or fish, the problem could be alleviated.

Noticed a difference

And iron tablets can be helpful too, with a user sharing their experience on Reddit. Posting under the name shaeedee, they wrote, “Two to three weeks after [taking] the supplements, I noticed my hair fell out a lot less. Now three months later, I’m no longer iron-deficient and my hair is A LOT fuller and growing faster.”

19. Eat more superfoods

If you’re not interested in smothering anti-aging creams all over your face, then a slight alteration to your diet could be just as effective. You see, the nutritional value of superfoods can’t be overstated, as their goodness has the power to aid your skin. Keeping that in mind, what items should you be looking for at the supermarket?

Super-duper salmon

Well, if you don’t mind the taste of fish, then sardines or salmon could be worth a shout. Away from that, you might opt for some ginger and cinnamon. Meanwhile, items such as tomatoes, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and walnuts are pretty handy as well. So there’s plenty of stuff to choose from.

20. Take biotin

While you might not recognize the name biotin at first, you’ll probably be familiar with its alternative moniker — it’s vitamin B7. As per WebMD, this supplement can aid your skin and improve hair health. Before you grab a bottle of tablets, though, you should take a quick look around your kitchen.

A hearty breakfast could help

As it turns out, certain food items are packed full of biotin. According to the medical website, mushrooms and eggs are on that list – so a hearty breakfast could actually strengthen your locks. Biotin is also found in some shampoos, but the best results come from ingesting the vitamin.

21. Chilly paws

Dogs love to be walked no matter the time of year, but on a cold winter's day, ice tends to cling to their paws and give them one heck of a chill. And if you think that cold paws are no big deal, then think again! As any pet owner in a snowy climate could tell you, chilly paws can lead to frostbite.

Protect paws with petroleum jelly

Thankfully, there's an easy way to protect your pup's paws. To prevent frostbite, slather the pads of their paws with a little petroleum jelly. And if you don't have petroleum jelly, keep in mind that lotion isn't a good alternative. Lotion only softens the pad, making it more vulnerable to the cold. You'd be better off buying a cheap container of vaseline at the drug store!

22. Facial massage

A good massage can really help loosen up your joints and muscles at the end of a long day. Your face could benefit from a similar activity too, as rubdowns will lessen the impact of wrinkles and creases in the skin. A research project from 2017 backed up this idea, with the Healthline website recording its results.

Don't forget the neck

According to Healthline, the project’s test subjects were handed some anti-aging ointments and “a stimulating massage device.” They used the tools for several weeks, targeting their necks and faces during that time. And by the end, the researchers noted that the massager boosted the lotion’s effectiveness in fighting skin wrinkles.

23. Use peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is a useful tool for those who suffer from issues like irritable bowel syndrome and annoying headaches. On top of that, it could also bring your hair back from the brink if you’re losing it. As per Healthline, you can massage the liquid across your dome. Don’t just take the website’s word for it, though.

Thickening results

On Reddit, a user named dougiesloan shared his results after applying peppermint oil. He wrote, “Now, about two months later, not only have the sides of my hairline returned up to meet the middle tuft positionally, but the thinning areas on the left and right are thickening back to the point where I can’t see [my] scalp gleaming under direct light anymore.”

24. Lemon juice

While some people suffer from wrinkles as they get older, there are others who face a slightly different issue. Yes, dark spots and marks can become quite prevalent with age as well. Yet this problem can be dealt with rather easily if you’ve got a bottle of lemon juice sitting in the fridge.

Citrus has a brightening effect

Just drip some of that juice around the problematic spots and rub it into your skin. Then, after no longer than 15 minutes, wash your face. For the best results, it’s suggested that you do that each day. You see, the citrus fruit acts like bleach, meaning the darkness will eventually brighten up. Just be sure to check with your dermatologist first — lemon juice may work better for some skin types than others.

25. Green tea extract

Green tea is a tasty beverage to enjoy when you crave a warm drink. Yet there’s a chance that it won’t just quench your thirst. You see, WebMD reported that the tea contains a substance known as EGCG, which could aid your hair. Apparently, rat subjects experienced an improvement after taking it for half a year.

Documented significant growth

What about humans, though? Well, food expert Adda Bjanadottir raised an exciting point on the matter. In an article on the website of the British newspaper the Daily Express, she said, “In one small study, researchers added topical green tea-derived EGCG extract to the scalps of three participants with alopecia. After four days, the participants experienced significant increases in hair-growth activity.”

26. Soothe their skin

Some pets just itch and itch and itch, though for some animals it may be more than just a hobby. If your pet has irritating patches of dry skin, you may notice them licking or biting their skin. They may even develop bald patches as a result! The good news is that you can help them from the comfort of your home.

An oatmeal bath

Chances are, a simple way to help your dog with his/her dry, irritated skin is waiting for you in your pantry. Douse your dog in a mixture of ground oats and warm water — a.k.a., an oatmeal bath. Not only does the mixture help exfoliate the dry skin, but it can soothe any external irritation your dog may be feeling.

27. Avocado mask

Avocado is one of the most versatile foods out there today, with countless recipes available online. But whatever way you enjoy it, you’ll still get plenty of goodness from the green fruit. It’s especially effective against aging, as it contains both vitamin C and E alongside carotenoids. Keeping that in mind, it might be an idea to give this hack a try.

Cool and refreshing

After taking out the avocado’s pit, drop the rest into a bowl and get mashing. Once it’s been pureed, scoop up the contents and slather it over your face – just like a mask! You then need to leave the green fruit there for at least ten but no more than 12 minutes, ahead of washing it off.

28. Use melatonin

When you start to feel tired at nighttime, melatonin is the likely cause. After all, it’s called the “sleep hormone” for a reason. You can get it in tablet form as well if you’re struggling to enjoy some decent shut-eye. At the same time, though, this natural chemical has the potential to treat people’s hair too.

Fascinating test experiment

Yes, WebMD reported that ointments containing melatonin could strengthen your follicles. To back that up, the website highlighted a fascinating test. In that experiment, a group of individuals applied one of the aforementioned products to their heads. And within a month, their hair loss had slowed right down. That’s pretty promising!

29. Forehead scrunch

This might sound a little unorthodox but bear with us. Facial exercises are intriguing options worth exploring if you don’t want to fork out for the latest creams and treatments. Plus they’re pretty easy to do. In fact, there may be instances where you pull off the exercise without even realizing it!

Move those muscles

Let’s use the forehead scrunch as an example. If you’re constantly lifting your eyebrows during the day, you’ve completed the exercise. This activity is meant to bolster the muscles in that area, which in turn could help stop wrinkles from forming. For the best results, the Hindustan Times newspaper recommends trying it up to four times every 24 hours.

30. Use pumpkin seed oil

When the fall months roll around, pumpkins become a mainstay in households across America. They’re just so tasty! But did you know that pumpkin seed oil has the potential to regrow hair in balding men? The finding was made in a paper in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal in April 2014.

Increased hair count

Over the course of an experiment, a group of guys was asked to consume pumpkin seed oil in doses of 400 milligrams. That continued for roughly half a year. By the end, the researchers noted that their subjects’ “average hair count” went up by 40 percent. That’s an impressive jump! It might be worth adding a bottle to your shopping list.

31. Cuts and bruises

Most pets think they're invincible, though like children they inevitably wind up with a few cuts and bruises, especially on sensitive areas like their paws. Remember how petroleum jelly can help protect paws from extreme temperatures? Well, there's something you can do to help your pet's paws if the damage is already done.

Soak in Epsom salt

When you get a bad blister on your foot, soaking the affected area in warm water sprinkled with Epsom salt can help with the pain, yes? The same mixture can help your dog! To provide relief and kickstart the healing process, soak your pet's wound in a warm Epsom salt bath. Be sure not to leave your dog alone with the water, however — this isn't water you'd want them to ingest.

32. Take in amino acids

While you’ve probably heard of amino acids, you might not know what they actually are. So let’s clear things up! Simply put, they’re compounds that are often referred to as a protein’s “building blocks.” We need them to function throughout the day. But at the same time, WebMD noted that a couple in particular are very beneficial for our hair.

Certain foods can help

Specifically, L-lysine and cysteine should strengthen our follicles. So if you’re struggling with hair loss, it might be an idea to focus on certain food items that contain the helpful compounds. For instance, the health website suggested consuming foods containing eggs, nuts, cottage cheese, meat, and whole grains.

33. Yogurt

If you’re looking for a healthy snack to munch on, you can’t go wrong with a bit of yogurt. Mind you, the dairy product can also be utilized as an unorthodox anti-aging treatment. How so? Well, in addition to the enzymes and vitamins, it contains lactic acid too, which strengthens your skin.

A homemade face mask

And if you’re feeling creative, you could even whip up your own yogurt mask with hints of lemon juice, honey, and turmeric. Just combine them all in a container before adding the contents of a vitamin E tablet. From there, slap the resulting mixture over your skin and let it soak for the next 15 minutes.

34. Apply onion juice

If you don’t like onion, you’re not alone – it’s an acquired taste and one that tends to polarize opinion. But at the same time, this pungent vegetable might be worth considering as a different treatment for hair loss. WebMD revealed that its juice triggered a positive finding when it was used on volunteers.

Impressive outcome

During that research project, the individuals were split into separate groups. The first applied onion juice to their heads two times each day, while the second stuck with water. Some 14 days later, close to 75 percent of the “OJ” crowd boasted more follicles than before. The other group was nowhere near that. Apparently, the sulfur contents might be responsible.

35. Pineapple slice

Pineapples are another healthy fruit that you might want to consider adding to your diet. They’re also loaded with anti-aging properties as well. Yes, the vitamin C housed within prompts your body to create more collagen, while the micronutrients and phytochemicals tackle wrinkles in their initial stages. So plenty of positives there.

Packed with vitamin C

For the best results, grab a pineapple from your fruit bowl and cut a slice. But instead of eating it, run the juicy piece along your face for the next five minutes or so. After that, let the tangy residue soak in for another ten minutes before washing it off.