32 Unusual Uses for Bananas

Bananas probably weren’t a readily available item during WWII but if they were, I know that our grandmothers would have taken full advantage of them. The reason I decided to include them though is because I remember my grandmother having a recipe for banana pudding in her WWII household tips  journal. Also because my family had some really brilliant uses that I didn’t want you to miss out on.

I don’t know about you but bananas are one of mine and my families favorites, they always seem to make it on to my grocery list. One of my favorite ways to serve them is Banana Ice Cream, it’s an easy and healthy treat that my family loves. Before I share with you all of the brilliant household uses for bananas I wanted to share with you a couple of things that I learned about peeling and storing them.

To easily peel

Start at the bottom of the banana instead of the top. My youngest son learned this tip from a friend at school and I have to say it’s a lot easier, especially if the banana is not quite ripe.

To Store

When you get home from the store separate the bananas from the bunch, they won’t ripen as fast. I learned this tip from a grocery cashier and it really does work.

Health
Always consult a doctor before using bananas as a treatment.

1. Bruises – to heal, rub the area with the inside of a banana  peel.
2. Bug Bites – to soothe, rub the area with the inside of a banana peel.
3. Constipation – to reduce, eat a banana.
4. Cuts – to heal, rub the area with the inside of a banana peel.
5. Depression – to reduce symptoms, eat a banana and drink a glass of boiled banana peel water.
6. Diarrhea – to reduce, eat a boiled banana.
7. Hangover – to cure, have a banana milkshake.
8. Headaches – to cure, place a banana peel on your forehead.
9. Hemorrhoids – to cure, rub the area with the inside of a banana peel.
10. Poison Ivy – to soothe, rub the area with the inside of a banana peel.
11. Rashes – to sooth itching, rub the area with the inside of a banana peel.
12. Splinters – to remove, tape a piece of banana peel to the splinter and allow it to remain on the area for 12-24 hours.
13. Stress – to ease, drink boiled banana peel water.
14. Warts – to remove, rub the inside of a banana peel on the area every night for a couple of weeks.

Beauty

1. Acne – to treat, rub your face with the inside part of a banana peel before bed. In the morning rinse your face. Repeat for one week.
2. Age Spots – to prevent, puree two ripe bananas and one avocado. Apply to skin and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
3. Cracked Heels – to soften, apply pureed bananas to your feet. Allow it to dry before rinsing.
4. Dry Hair – to add moisture, puree two ripe bananas and one avocado. Apply to hair and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
5. Dry Skin – to moisturize, mash up a ripe banana and spread it on your skin. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before removing it with cool water.
6. Eyes – to reduce puffiness, apply a little pureed banana under your eyes and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
7. Itchy Scalp – to soothe, puree two ripe bananas and one avocado. Apply the mixture to your scalp and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
8. Oily Skin – to control, mash up a ripe banana with two teaspoons of lemon juice. Spread the mixture on your skin and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
9. Skin – to exfoliate, scrub skin with a mixture made from ripe bananas, ground oatmeal and milk.
10. Teeth – to whiten, rub your teeth with the inside of a banana peel for 2 minutes before brushing. Repeat for a couple of week to see results.
11. Wrinkles – to minimize fine lines, puree two ripe bananas and one avocado. Apply to face and allow it to remain for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

Cleaning

1. Leather – to shine, rub the leather with the inside part of a banana peel. Buff with a soft cloth.
2. Plants – to clean and shine leaves, rub them with the inside part of a banana peel.
3. Silver – to shine, rub with the inside part of a banana peel. Buff with a soft cloth.

Miscellaneous

1. Aphids – to exterminate, bury cut-up banana peels 1-2 inches around the base of your plants.
2. Butterflies – to attract, punch some holes in an overripe banana and place it in the area that you want to attract butterflies.
3. Meat – to tenderize, lay banana peels over your roast or chicken while cooking.
4. Plants – to fertilize, cut-up banana peels and place them around the base of your plants.

Do you use bananas in a unique way?

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