DIY: Home Remedies That Will Change Life As You Know It
By: Susanna Heller
I’m continuously shocked by the constant snowfall here in Syracuse. With nothing to do but dream about some alternate universe in which I attend school somewhere warm—like California or Hell—Pinterest has become my vice of choice. It gives me countless recipes, inspires me to rearrange my dorm room, and teaches me lifesaving home remedies.
Pinterest is a haven for the avocado fan. Chipotle guacamole is my personal superfood obsession. Aside from that, avocadoes are versatile and have tons of benefits. They are hailed as a superfood, but not just because of their usefulness in the kitchen.
- Face mask: for fellow freezing Syracusians—you can combat dry winter skin with an all-natural, DIY mask. Combine one avocado, one egg white, two tablespoons of oatmeal, and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Use this twice a week and your skin will look refreshed and rejuvenated in no time.
- Baking: Baking is one of my favorite hobbies. The only thing I like more than baking is baking vegan, and then “humbly” bragging about it on Instagram. Avocadoes can be used in most recipes as a substitute for butter. After all, nothing says “I’m better than you” like a highly filtered picture of green juice and some questionable vegan pastry.
- Eye bags: After a week of late nights at Club Bird, your eyes are sure to have some serious baggage. Try as you might to shrink them, they’re likely persistent. And, contrary to popular belief, cucumbers don’t do the trick. Avocados, however, do. Leave a slice under each eye for about 20 minutes and the results will shock you
I’m not a religious person, but if this were 2009 I would make coconut oil my religious view on Facebook. It’s literally my personal savior.
- Cooking: Coconut oil is a great substitute for traditional ingredients like olive oil, butter, and vegetable oil. Vegetable and seed oils go through an artificial process called hydrogenation, which shadily adds hydrogen atoms and heats up the oil. On the contrary, the saturated fats in coconut oil occur naturally. This stuff is actually moderately healthy, so maybe one day you’ll hate yourself a little less for dousing your greens in oil
- Hair: A hair mask composed of equal parts heated honey and coconut oil will do wonders for your hair. Leave it on for about an hour, and you’ll find your hair feeling healthier than it would with any chemical-laden product.
- Lotion: This shit makes your skin softer than that of some bright-eyed high school freshman who idolizes Taylor Swift. Regular use of this will restore you to your former glory. As an added bonus, coconut oil makes a great shaving cream. Holla.
Apple cider vinegar is a little-known ingredient that can be useful in improving almost every sphere of your life. It is raw, organic, and pure. If it’s not a staple in your life, it will be soon.
- Teeth whitening: Apple cider vinegar is a healthier—and cheaper—alternative to teeth-whitening strips. Use this like toothpaste, and you will see a noticeable difference.
- At home: Apple cider vinegar can be used in the house as an all-natural cleaning solution and air freshener. Mix half a cup of vinegar and a cup of water, and your possibilities are endless. Use this solution to clean mirrors, windows, microwaves, stoves, and more. Apple cider vinegar is cost-effective and highly efficient. An added benefit: using this will make your house smell like apples—not bleach.
- Cleansing: I no longer understand the hype surrounding juice cleanses when you can reap the same benefits with apple cider vinegar. If used like a toner, a mixture composed of equal parts vinegar and water will reset the pH of your skin. Plus, taking casual shots of this will boost your energy, reset the pH of your body, boost your cardiovascular system, and detox your liver (turn up for your liver’s possible survival, am I right?).
While I’m sure this all seems very granola, I promise these hippy-dippy home remedies can do all this and so much more for you. If you don’t believe it from me, take it from my BFF Pinterest.