10 Uses for Items in Your Kitchen That You Probably Did Not Know

Natural food-based home remedies have been used across all countries and cultures for centuries. While most of us only view it as fuel, food serves more purposes than just sustaining us. From skincare and haircare to curing everyday sicknesses, some of them are so beneficial that you can find a solution to almost any problem by just looking in your kitchen.

We at Bright Side put together a list of foods that aren’t just meant to be eaten — they actually have numerous other benefits.

1. Onion

Putting an onion inside your socks before going to bed sounds very strange, but is actually an easy way of getting smooth and soft feet. This clever trick stems from the ancient Chinese medicinal practice of foot reflexology, and recent studies show that placing an onion in your sock can prevent the growth of bacteria and any hard skin growths, as well as soften your skin.

2. Turmeric

This orange spice has been linked to healing properties across many cultures and can be used as a face mask as a solution to acne scarring. Studies have shown that turmeric contains curcumin, an ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Using a mixture of turmeric, Greek yogurt, and honey as a mask can help reduce scarring and prevent acne breakouts.

3. Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables in the kitchen, but did you know that they can help remove rust from iron tools? Potatoes contain oxalic acid, which helps in removing rust from iron utensils. To do so, you just need to apply a bit of salt to the potato, rub it on the rusty part, and watch the magic happen.

4. Eggs

Eggs are bursting with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium, which makes them one of the healthiest foods. And if you have damaged or dry hair, egg yolks could potentially save your hair. Since egg yolk is rich in protein, it can provide shine and strength to your hair, and a fat called lecithin found in egg yolks can provide moisture. This makes egg yolks the best hair mask you can use.

5. Cayenne Pepper

Feeling extremely sore, but the only thing you have in your kitchen is cayenne pepper? You’re in luck because cayenne pepper contains the topical ingredient capsaicin, which is also used in many medicines for managing pain. You can even make your own numbing cream with cayenne pepper and coconut oil for an instant relief remedy.

6. Eucalyptus

A very popular essential oil flavor, Eucalyptus is famous for its healing properties and promoting relaxation. One of its benefits that often gets overlooked is relieving body pain. Eucalyptus has been proven to relieve ingestion and body pains, making it a great solution for colds.

7. Garlic

Garlic is one of the most commonly used food items, and it deserves its popularity. Not only does it enhance any dish it’s added to, but it can also treat athlete’s foot. Due to its natural antifungal properties, adding garlic to a foot bath or just rubbing it directly into the affected area can relieve itchy feet easily.

8. Cinnamon

Suffering from pesky mosquito bites and want quick relief from the pain? This magical spice is full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in treating not just mosquito bites but also stings from bees, wasps, and spiders. Making a paste with cinnamon and water and applying it to the affected area will help relieve the pain.

9. Salt

Salt is used in most dishes we make, but an unusual household use for salt can be to remove unwanted smells from shoes. Sprinkling some salt inside shoes at night will leave them odor-free in the morning, as salt can soak up such smells.

10. Rice

If you want ripe fruit instantly and are too impatient to wait, you can ripen any fruit faster by using rice. By submerging a fruit in rice, the grains will trap the ethylene gas excreted by the fruit, which in turn helps to ripen it faster. Just don’t forget the fruit and don’t leave it in for too long.

Have you ever used a food item for something other than eating? Which home remedy do you regularly use? Share your favorite one with us in the comments!