Thanks to generations of folk and natural medicine, there are some remedies out there that seem a little far-fetched. In reality, a lot of these natural remedies are not only effective, but are safer than pharmaceutical alternatives.

Another great aspect of these natural remedies is that they are much less expensive than medicines and other treatments. Relief from common ailments doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

1. Blisters
Listerine mouthwash is an effective treatment for blisters due to it’s drying and antiseptic properties.

2. Bug Bites and Stings
Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on an insect bite can help get rid of the sting and itch. For a bee sting, remove the stinger and apply a paste of meat tenderizer and water.

3. Burns
One unusual remedy for a burn is toothpaste. All you have to do is apply a thin layer of the toothpaste to the burned area just like you would with burn cream. Wash the area daily and replace any bandages with each application. Another uncommon cure for a burn is mustard. Apply a thin layer of mustard to a burn, and it can help prevent blistering and scarring.

4. Chapped Lips
One of the most effective treatments for dry, cracked lips is a layer of raw organic honey. It not only moisturizes your lips, but honey is a natural antibiotic.

5. Common Cold
Japanese scientist in 2005 found that gargling with plain water 3 times a day reduced the likelihood of catching a cold by 40%

6. Constipation and/or Diarrhea
Any digestive issues can easily be treated simply by eating raw apples. The fiber in apples helps keep your digestion regulated.

7. Coughs
For an effective homemade cough syrup, mix together the following ingredients:
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons water
Adults can take 1 to 3 teaspoons, as needed, to control coughing. Keep leftover cough syrup in a closed container.

8. Excessive Perspiration
By simply cutting a potato in half and rubbing it under your arms, you can help treat excessive underarm sweat.

9. Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Breath sprays and gum often contain high amounts of sugar. Eating a little bit of plain yogurt can help kill the bad bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath.

10. Headaches
Simply pinching the area on your hand between the thumb and index finger for 60 seconds has been shown to relieve headaches. Also, pinching the area between your upper lip and nose has been shown to relieve headaches as well.

11. Indigestion
If you are experiencing indigestion after a big meal, simply combine 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of ginger juice, and 2 teaspoons of raw organic honey, and drink it.

12. Gas
You can rid your body of excess gas that leads to bloating by simply chewing a small piece of ginger root. Activated charcoal tablets do the same thing if you don’t like the taste of ginger.

13. Leg Cramps
For some reason, placing a bar of soap under your sheets near your legs while you sleep relieves leg cramps.

14. Lower Back or Foot Pain
Placing a tennis ball on the floor and rolling your lower back or feet over it can be like getting a massage. This method also improves circulation and can relieve stress and tension throughout the whole body.

15. Sties
To treat painful sties and eye infections, simply warm a slice of potato and hold it to the affected eye. The potato will draw out the infection and relieve pain.

16. Toenail Fungus
To treat toenail fungus easily at home, apply a layer of vapor rub to the toes with fungus, and wear a thin pair of socks while you sleep.