By now you probably know exactly which item in your medicine box does what. You know that when your belly is in pain, you should reach for the antacid. You know that when you have an allergy flare up you must take an antihistamine. You know to take Advil or Tylenol or a similar pain killer when you have a headache. Did you know, however, that basically all of the things in your medicine drawer can be applied to a bunch of other ailments too? Consider these unconventional cures for super common problems.

clomid You probably already know that an antacid like Alka-Seltzer (and other antacids) can really help you feel better when you have tummy issues or heartburn. Did you know, however, that your Alka Seltzer or other antacid could be used to ease the sting of insect bites? This is because nearly all antacids like Alka Seltzer contain aspirin which helps ease the pain and stinging you feel when you are bitten. Make a paste with a smashed up antacid tablet, a little oatmeal and a little water. Spread it out over the bite and you will observe that it stops hurting almost right away. This remedy works a lot better than those cures that are meant for the problem, like calamine lotion.

You already know that you can fight bad breath or halitosis by using mouthwash but did you know that you can use it to cure athlete’s foot as well? Alcohol based mouthwashes are really good in helping to keep your toes and feet clean and in good health. After each shower, soak a cotton ball with an alcohol based mouthwash and rub it between your toes and over the soles of your feet. The alcohol that’s in the mouthwash gets rid of any imminent fungal infections that could be building up.

One of baking soda’s usual uses is the cleaning of teeth. Besides, it works as a tooth whitener and a truly good oral hygiene scrub. But did you know that it is a great treatment for skin conditions like sunburns too? Baking soda’s properties have been knowne to have a neutralizing effect on the skin’s pH levels. If you want to get as much relief as possible, pour a cup of baking soda into your bath water–under the running tap of water–wait until it has totally dissolved and then soak in the water for approximately thirty minutes.

You already know that aloe vera works really well as a burn treatment. Aloe vera can soothe the skin and help relieve the pain of most skin burns from sunburns to second-degree burns. But did you know that you can use it to heal canker sores too? The same properties in aloe vera that help your skin feel better can help heal your canker sores. Research has proven that those who treat canker sores with aloe vera heal as much as fifty percent faster than those who use ordinary canker sore remedies.

These are only some of the uncommon ways you can use very common remedies. Rather than running out to spend money on the latest OTC remedy for your problem, why not try something that you already have at home? The cures in your medicine drawer are good for more than one thing each — make them earn their keeps!