Kitchen Cupboard Remedies

Travel Talk

Nanna Fay used cornflour for many things. One I can remember is her using it as a DRY SHAMPOO. Simply massage about three teaspoonfuls into the hair (or more if you have a big head!). Brush out after a minute or so. It really works!

For SPLIT ENDS she used a mixture of castor oil and olive oil, ideally warmed, and again massage it into the scalp. Cover with a towel and leave for an hour or so. Rinse out with cool water.

An effective DRY HAIR remedy. Coat the scalp in mayonnaise and wrap the head in a warm towel for an hour or so again. Wash out. 

To improve the effectiveness of ANTI-DANDRUFF shampoo. Wet hair, add the anti-dandruff shampoo and massage well in. Put on a shower cap, hoping no one comes to the door and leave for the obligatory hour. Remove and rinse the hair as usual. 

Stop that cold ruining your big night out. Foot baths ease NASAL CONGESTION. Soak feet in hot water for 5 minutes, then cold for 90 seconds. Repeat three times. Gargling with three teaspoons of Honey into 300ml of warm water three or four times a day will soothe a SORE THROAT. For an even cheaper remedy substitute honey with one teaspoon of salt in 1/2 litre of warm water.

Sage leaves, freshly chopped in a cup of boiling water then strained after 15 minutes is an effective gargle too. 

A short term TOOTHACHE remedy. Mix 4 teaspoons of salt in 250ml of warm water and swirl and swish around the mouth. Don’t forget to spit out! 

UNDERARM DEODORANT. Slice a lemon and rub the fleshy side of the rind into the armpits. Allow to dry and put the remaining lemon slices into a gin and tonic and relax.

Sitting for 15 minutes in a warm bath with a couple of cups of Tomato juice added will effectively get rid of BODY ODOUR. 

Nanna would often use an equal mix of salt and baking soda (a tablespoon of each) into a cupful of warm water as a quick and easily prepared BREATH FRESHENER. I have seen similar recipes using 3 teaspoons of cider vinegar and one teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water. 

To make a cheap SKIN SOFTENER for feet and face. Mix 3 parts Sodium Bicarb with one part of water to form a thick paste. Use as a DEEP CLEANSING SCRUB for the face. Apply it in a gentle circular motion. Rinse well and then use your normal moisturiser. The same scrub can clear rough skin on soles and heels. Massage firmly for a couple of minutes – the result softer smoother skin.

Lemons can be an effective as a MOISTURISER. Squeeze a lemon and add the juice to eight 5ml spoonful of Olive Oil. A great facial treat!

Make an effective BODY SCRUB by adding ground Lentils to a pot of yoghurt. Adding a dash of Lemon juice produces the wow factor!

HARD SKIN can be softened by using a mixture of Ground Lemon peel and freshly cut Pineapple. Smells good too. 

Glycerin and Rosewater lotion was always popular when I first began in pharmacy in the mid 70’s- certainly with the blue rinse brigade. Age is not a barrier to using this and a mix of 2/3rds rosewater and 1/3rd glycerine makes a superb CHAPPED SKIN reliever.

Rubbing cheap margarine onto CRACKED LIPS really works! 

An ACNE remedy. Make a paste of Bicarbonate of Soda by adding water. Not too lumpy. Apply to spots and cover with a hot flannel and wash off after 15 minutes. 

And finally


Whilst in Stockholm recently contemplating buying some luxury handmade chocolates, the shop assistant was trying desperately to persuade me to buy. Her final attempt after going through the benefits of fine chocolate. I kid you not – rubbing melted choc (milk, dark, diabetic – it’s your choice as long as you buy mine here in Sweden) onto chewing gum stuck in hair actually is an effective cure. Wash hair once the chocolate has dried. Personally I would be quite happy leaving the gum and just get stuck into these handmade creations. I never waste quality food especially chocolate.

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Dave Harcombe

Travelling pharmacist

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