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SINGAPORE - It's always a good idea to stock your home first aid kit with healthcare essentials such as plasters, antiseptic lotion and anti-nausea pills.
But what do you do when you run out of supplies or don't want to spend money on over-the-counter remedies you'll only use once?
Whether it's erasing a zit or taking care of smelly feet, you'd be surprised at how many common ailments can be cured with simple household objects or food.
Aloe vera for one is a well-known home remedy for skin irritation, such as when you get a sunburn. When drunk, it can also help heal ulcers and other intestinal irritations.
Another less well known one is that holding a pencil between your teeth can soothe a throbbing head. Why? It's because many instances of headaches are caused by a person subconsciously clenching their jaws and teeth. This stress on the muscles and trigger a tension headache.
Holding a pencil gently between your teeth can help relax the jaw muscles.
But for a more amazing home remedy, look no further than your water jug. Did you know that gargling every day with plain tap water can help cut the number of colds you get and relieve symptoms if you're already sick?
According to a 2005 study by Japanese researchers, people who gargled three times a day with tap water had nearly 40 per cent less respiratiory infections during a cold and flu season than those who did not.
Drinking lots of water is also a good way to prevent your mouth from stinking. Bad breath is often due to the lack of moisture in your mouth, so drinking plenty of water helps to combat that and flush any food particles stuck in between teeth.
Looking for more easy home remedy tips? Click through the gallery below to find out more:
8 dangerous home remedies you should avoid