Sometimes the pigmentation occurs in dark patches on the face and neck or appears on the body in other instances. There are many causes behind this issue, but if you are always out in the sun for whatever reason, these patches can appear or get flared up quickly.

The following write-up includes the causes, types, and treatments for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Keep scrolling for more information!

In This Article

What Causes Dark Spots On The Face?

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation occurs due to excess melanin production in certain areas of your skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by your body that gives your hair, eyes, and skin color.

Factors that may contribute to dark spots include:

• Exposure to peak sunlight every day can cause the appearance of dark spots on your skin (1). This is because it increases the production of melanin on the surface of your skin.
• Hormonal imbalances can also cause hyperpigmentation (2). This, in turn, can lead to the appearance of dark spots on your skin.
• Certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), psychotropic drugsⁱ  XDrugs that produce a change in the psychological states of an individual, including their mood, behavior, thoughts, and perceptions. , or tetracyclines can lead to increased melanin production (3). This can result in dark spots.

Dark spots can be classified into different types, depending on how they are caused.

Types Of Dark Spots

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• Melasma – It is caused by hormonal fluctuations and is more prominent during pregnancy or menopauseⁱ  XThe natural decline of the reproductive hormones in women that usually happens after their 40s or 50s. (4).
• Lentigines – They are caused by excess sun exposure and are more common in old age (over 60 years) (5).
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – It is caused by skin conditions like acne, burns, etc. (6).

Sometimes, acne can also cause spots on your skin. These spots are usually formed when sebum gets oxidized, and they do not indicate skin damage. Wondering how to get rid of dark spots on face? We have you covered.

Dark spots can take a while to fade or disappear, and, in some cases, you may have to consult your dermatologist. Here are a few natural remedies to lighten dark spots.

Natural Ways To Lighten Dark Spots

1. Lemon Juice

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Lemons are rich sources of flavonoidsⁱ  XA large family of polyphenolic compounds that protect against oxidative damage and prevent diseases. and other antioxidants, which may help lighten the dark spots on your face (7).

What To Do: You will need a teaspoon of lemon juice, water, and cotton swabs. Mix the lemon juice and water. Dip a cotton swab in the solution and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with water. You may do this once daily.

Note: Lemon juice can cause a stinging sensation on some skin types. If you are allergic to lemon juice, you must avoid this remedy. If you use this remedy, ensure you apply sunscreen before heading out.

Related: 9 Home Remedies To Remove Dark Spots On Face With Lemon Juice

2. Parsley

Parsley exhibits skin-lightening properties as it is rich in vitamin C. This may help treat dark spots and other similar conditions, including epidermal melasma (8).

What To Do: You will need 1-2 tablespoons of parsley leaves and sterile cotton pads. Blend the parsley leaves in a blender. Apply the mixture to the entire face. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse with water. Do this once daily or every alternate day.

3. Aloe Vera

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Aloe vera contains aloin, a compound with melanocytic effects that can help depigment dark spots (9).

What To Do: You will need aloe vera gel and cotton pads. Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf. Whisk the gel using a fork. Dip a cotton swab into the whisked gel and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. You may do this once daily for best results.

Related: Aloe Vera For Acne: 9 Ways To Use Aloe Vera For Pimples

4. Orange Peel

Orange peel contains hesperidin, a potent flavonoid, which has skin-lightening effects. This may help eliminate the dark spots on your skin (10).

What To Do: You will need half a teaspoon of dried orange peel powder, water, and a cotton pad. Mix a few drops of water with the dried orange peel powder. Apply the mixture to the affected areas using a cotton swab. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse with water. You may do this once daily.

5. Turmeric

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Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant with anti-melanogenicⁱ  XThe property of a compound meant to block or prevent the production of melanin, helping in skin-lightening. effects (11). This may help lighten dark spots.

What To Do: You will need a teaspoon of turmeric, some water, and cotton pads. Mix the turmeric powder with a few drops of water to form a thick paste. Apply the mixture to the affected areas. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with water. You may do this once daily.

Note: Some people may develop an allergic reaction to turmeric paste. If you are allergic to turmeric, you must avoid this remedy.

Related: Turmeric For Acne And Pimples: How To Use It Effectively

6. Cucumber

Cucumber is a rich source of antioxidants and silica-rich compounds that possess skin-lightening properties (12). This may help minimize the appearance of dark spots.

What To Do: Take a fresh cucumber and blend it. Apply this paste on the areas with dark spots. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse with water. You may do this 1-2 times daily.

Related: 22 Easy Homemade Cucumber Face Mask Recipes To Nourish Skin

Use any or a combination of these remedies to lighten stubborn dark spots. The dark spots treatment with home remedies may not always show the desired results. Also, avoid ingredients like toothpaste or baking soda for dark spots. “They can be over-drying and may have adverse effects on your skin, especially for those who have dry and sensitive skin,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD.

You need to consult a dermatologist if you are dealing with a severe case of hyperpigmentation (or dark spots).

How Does A Dermatologist Treat Dark Spots?

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The common dermatologist treatment for dark spots on face include:

• Laser therapy, which uses laser rays to target melanin deposition and fade dark spots (13).
• Chemical peels, which involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the surface layer, thereby helping lighten the dark spots (14).
• Microdermabrasion, which removes the outermost layer of the skin using a special device to promote collagen growth and reduce dark spots (15).

Now that you know how to get rid of dark spots on skin, it is best to know how to prevent them from appearing again.

Prevention Tips

• Always wear sunscreen with SPF 40 or above before stepping out in the sun. Reapply every four hours in case of continued sun exposure.
• Wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from the harmful sun rays.
• Treat inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis immediately to prevent the development of dark spots on the skin.
• Avoid going out between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun rays are the most intense.

Stylecraze SaysUse products with sun-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This may help prevent spots.Stylecraze SaysAvoid skin lightening products that contain mercury, as this ingredient may damage the skin. It may appear on the list as “mercuric” or “calomel.”

These tips can complement the remedies and give you better results.

Infographic Excerpt: Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Facial Dark Spots

Dark spots on the face can be triggered due to various reasons. However, a few tips and home remedies can reduce their appearance.

The following infographic provides information about a few effective home remedies that help lighten dark spots. Check them put.

Sun exposure, certain medications, or hormonal imbalances may lead to hyperpigmentation or dark spots on different patches on the face. There are three main types of dark spots, namely, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and lentigines. To get rid of dark spots, you can apply home remedies involving the use of lemon juice, parsley, aloe vera, orange peel, turmeric, or cucumber. Other treatment options include laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peeling. To prevent dark spots, use sunscreen with a minimum SPF value of 40, protect your face by wearing sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats, and treat acne immediately.

Do keep in mind that the consistency, quantity, and color of the discharge may change due to where you are in the menstrual cycle (4). In this article, we look at the symptoms and causes along with some of the best natural remedies you can try at home to get rid of vaginal discharge odor. Keep scrolling!

Note: You should consult your doctor for treatment if you experience itching and irritation along with a vaginal smell.

In This Article

Vaginal Odor Symptoms

The symptoms of the feminine odor coming from your private parts vary among women (5). The most common symptoms are:

• Excessive white discharge
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Metallic-smelling discharge
• Thick, white discharge
• Fishy smell
• Green or yellow discharge
• Itching or pain in the vagina
• Pain in the lower abdomen area
• Pain during intercourse

What Causes Of Vaginal Odor?

There are many factors that can lead to a change in your vaginal discharge and/or cause that foul odor down there. The following are the usual causes of various types of vaginal odor (6):

• Vaginal yeast infection resulting in thick, white discharge.

• Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydiaⁱ  XA sexually transmitted disease, common in men and women, but may severely damage the female reproductive system. , gonorrheaⁱ  XA sexually transmitted bacterial infection that may cause painful urination and abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina. , andtrichomoniasisⁱ  XA non-viral sexually transmitted disease that causes foul-smelling vaginal discharge, painful urination, and genital itching. causing green, yellow, or gray discharge with a foul odor. This can also be accompanied by pain in the pelvic area.

• Bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis) that result in that fishy, foul smell.

• Change in estrogen levels due to pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause.

• A forgotten tampon, which is producing the foul odor.

• Thongs! As tempting, colorful, and fancy as thongs may be, avoid wearing them. They can lead to irritation and excessive perspiration and odor. Wear cotton undergarments because your private parts need to breathe.

• Soap! Using too much soap in the vaginal area can cause dryness and lead to an imbalance in the production of natural chemicals, which leads to an unpleasant odor.

Apart from the causes mentioned above, certain serious diseases can also be responsible for abnormal vaginal discharge and disgusting smell. These include cancer of the cervix or vagina. However, these conditions will be accompanied by pain and even vaginal bleeding.

Top 22 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Vaginal Odor

To get rid of vaginal odor, all you need are some natural items that you can find right at your home. Here are the fastest and safest DIY remedies with which you can easily reduce and eliminate vaginal odor.

1. Tea Tree Oil
2. Baking Soda
3. Pineapple
4. Hydrogen Peroxide For Bacterial Vaginosis
5. Vitamin C With Rose Hips
6. Betel Leaves
7. Vinegar
8. Garlic
9. Chlorophyll
10. Yogurt
11. Herbal Capsules
12. Alum
13. Gooseberry (Amla)
14. Neem
15. Fenugreek
16. Cranberry
17. Turmeric
18. Citrus Fruits
19. Seeds & Nuts
20. Guava Leaves
21. Lavender Oil
22. Boric Acid

1. Tea Tree Oil

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If you use scented commercial wipes and vaginal deodorants, it’s time to throw them in the trash bin. The chemicals in these products can disrupt the vagina’s pH balance and induce infection and foul odor. To get rid of odors, use natural tea tree oil diluted in water as a vaginal wash.

You Will Need

• A few drops of tea tree oil
• A cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix three to four drops of tea tree oil in water and use this to rinse the vaginal area.
2. You can also mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in a small amount of olive oil and dip a tampon in the mixture and insert the tampon. Leave it in for an hour.

How Often You Should Do This

Wash with the tea tree oil water daily or several times a week. As for the ‘tampon and oil’ treatment, you can repeat it several times a week.

Why This Works

Tea tree oil is both antibacterial and antifungal, and thus will curb the infection while fighting the odor (7).

Caution

Always do a test patch on your forearm as tea tree oil might not suit everybody. Tea tree oil is very strong and that’s why you dilute it in water or olive oil.

Stylecraze SaysYou can add a few drops of witch hazel to your tea tree oil to help soothe your vaginal itching.

2. Baking Soda

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If you thought baking soda finds its use only in cakes and bread recipes, you are wrong. You will be surprised to see how this tested method helps you to get rid of vaginal odor quickly.

You Will Need

1/2 cup of baking soda

What You Have To Do

1. Add baking soda to your bath and soak your lower body in it for 20-30 minutes.
2. You can also mix a tablespoon of baking soda in 2 cups of water and use it as a vaginal douche.

Why This Works

The vaginal odor intensifies when the pH level of the body goes awry. Baking soda helps bring your pH levels back to normal, thus controlling the excess of bacteria and fungi. This treats the infection and eliminates the vaginal odor instantly. You can also use baking soda water as a vaginal wash (8).

3. Pineapple

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This amazing fruit is said to be beneficial for your vaginal health and odor.

You Will Need

Pineapple or pineapple juice

What You Have To Do

Include raw pineapple and pineapple juice in your regular diet.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink one to two glasses of fresh pineapple juice every day for a few days.

Why This Works

The high sugar and high enzyme content of pineapples improves the odor of your vaginal secretions.

Stylecraze SaysYou can add holy basil, ginger, and cumin powder to enhance the flavor of your pineapple juice.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide For Bacterial Vaginosis

Hydrogen peroxide is a multipurpose chemical that can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis and remove bad vaginal odor. It is one of the most effective feminine odor remedies.

You Will Need

• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tampon
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Make sure it’s only a 3% concentration.
2. Dip a tampon in this mixture and quickly insert it into the vagina. Leave it in for not more than 30 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You can repeat this every few hours until the foul odor subsides.

Why This Works

The natural disinfecting properties of hydrogen peroxide kill the bad bacteria in the vagina. This leads to an increase in the number of the good bacteria that are naturally present there. Many studies have been conducted, and they all prove the infection-treating capabilities of hydrogen peroxide (9, 10).

5. Vitamin C With Rose Hips

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Rose hips are the seeds of the rose plant, and they contain high levels of vitamin C. Rose hips, by themselves, or in combination with a vitamin C tablet can be used to get rid of vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• Vitamin C tablet
• Rose hip powder
• 1 tampon

What You Have To Do

Crush the vitamin C tablet and mix with half a teaspoon of rose hip powder in 2 ounces of water. Dip a tampon into the mixture and insert into the vagina. Leave in place for 1 hour.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every day until the malodorous vaginal discharge goes away.

Why This Works

Vitamin C is an immunity booster and helps remove harmful toxins from the body. The tablet, when used in combination with rose hips, has an acidic pH and is an effective and safe method to treat bacterial vaginosis, one of the major causes of foul odor in the vagina area (11). An efficacy study conducted in 2013 also showed that using vitamin C tablets for six days a month for six months can reduce the recurrence of this infection by half (12).

6. Betel Leaves

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Who knew betel leaves (paan) could be used to cure a smelly discharge problem? Read on to find out how.

You Will Need

• A few betel leaves
• Tampon

What You Have To Do

1. Tear the leaves into small pieces and boil them. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
2. Cool the decoction until it reaches lukewarm temperature.
3. Dip the tampon in this liquid and insert it into the vagina.
4. Keep it there for 15 minutes. Remove and discard.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this daily for one week. You could also drink this decoction twice a day or use the water as a vaginal wash.

Why This Works

The extract of betel leaves is used in ointments for its antibacterial properties. It also acts as an astringentⁱ  XA chemical agent or substance that helps draw out water from the tissues, causing them to shrink and dry up secretions. (13).

Related: 5 Health Benefits Of Betel Leaves And Possible Side Effects

7. Vinegar

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Vinegar, especially ACV, is yet another potent remedy that is foolproof when it comes to fighting vaginal odor.

You Will Need

1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar

What You Have To Do

1. Mix two cups of vinegar in your bathwater and soak in it for 20 minutes.
2. You can also mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water and drink it.
3. You can also mix one tablespoon of vinegar in one quart of water and use it as a douche.

How Often You Should Do This

Soak in vinegar water once daily till the foul smell discharge is treated. Drink vinegar water twice daily. Douche every two days for 2 weeks.

Why This Works

Vinegar gets rid of the toxins that cause the fishy vaginal odor. It is acidic in nature and is loaded with antibacterial properties that will help kill the odor-causing germs (14).

Caution

Rarely, a person may be allergic to vinegar. Step into the bathtub lightly, and if you experience a burning sensation, step out immediately and wash the area.

Related: 17 Surprising Ways To Use Vinegar For Your Skin

8. Garlic

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Many may question the potency of garlic in treating odor, but thanks to its own pungent smell, it works amazingly. Believe us when we say that this is certainly one of the best-known home remedies to kill overpowering vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• A garlic clove
• A cheesecloth
• String

What You Have To Do

1. Peel the fresh garlic clove, and wrap it in a 6-inch square of cheesecloth.
2. Attach a small string to it. Insert it into the vagina and leave it there overnight.
3. Remove it in the morning with the help of the string.

How Often You Should Do This

Do it once overnight. The pungent vaginal odor should be gone by the morning. You can repeat if the infection and the bad odor is still there.

Why This Works

Garlic has been used since ancient times to treat infections. Various studies have proved that it has antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria (15, 16).

Caution: If you experience localized burning from the garlic clove, remove it immediately.

Related: 31 Benefits Of Garlic For Health, Skin, & Hair + How To Use It

9. Chlorophyll

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Do you remember reading about chlorophyll that plants use to make their own food with the use of sunlight and water? Yes, that very chlorophyll can work wonders in reducing the vaginal smell.

You Will Need

Liquid chlorophyll or chlorophyll tablets

What You Have To Do

1. Drink one tablespoon of chlorophyll diluted with 8 oz of water, and you may never have to visit the doctor to get rid of vaginal odor.
2. You can take one tablet in the night and one in the morning if you cannot find the liquid version in the pharmacy.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink or take the tablet twice a day till the fishy smell from the vagina is gone.

Why This Works

Liquid chlorophyll works as a good deodorant and helps reduce the strong and unpleasant odor (17). It is easily available with most pharmacists.

Related: 8 Suprising Benefits Of Chlorophyll And Its Side Effects

10. Yogurt

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Yogurt might not be your favorite food, but it can help diminish and reduce vaginal odor considerably. Simply have two cups of unsweetened yogurt a day, preferably with meals, to restore the normal pH of the vagina. You can also insert yogurt into the vagina.

You Will Need

• 1-2 teaspoons of yogurt
• 1 tampon

What You Have To Do

1. Dip the tampon in the yogurt and gently insert it into your vagina.
2. Let it be there for an hour or two. Remove and rinse the area.

Additionally, if you suffer from a very strong vaginal odor, you can also dip cotton pads in the yogurt and gently rub them on the vagina.

How Often You Should Do This

You can repeat the cotton pads method three to four times a day. The tampon method will help you to eliminate the vaginal odor overnight.

Why This Works

A strong vaginal odor can be an indication of a yeast infection. The good probiotic bacteria in yogurt can help fight the infection and reduce the odor as well. Dan Jackowiak, HHP, NC, Holistic Health Practitioner and Nutritional Consultant, says, “Probiotics can help decrease vaginal odor by decreasing the amount of bad bacteria in your body and increasing the amount of good bacteria. They also help keep your immune system healthy so that it can fight off infections more effectively, preventing future issues that could cause an odor.” The acidic nature of yogurt helps bring the vaginal pH back to normal, and the lactobacillus bacteria present in it will help treat the infection. This is a natural and effective method to remove the fishy smell from your vagina (18, 19).

Related: 10 Amazing Benefits Of Yogurt For Skin And Hair

11. Herbal Capsules

An alkaline vaginal pH leads to bacterial growth and foul smell. Therefore, it is important to maintain an acidic vaginal pH. One of the best ways to maintain acidic vaginal pH is by consuming homemade herbal capsules for two consecutive weeks.

Here is how to prepare the herbal capsule:

You Will Need

• Comfrey root powder – 2 tablespoons
• Myrrh gum powder –  2 tablespoons
• Slippery elm bark – 2 tablespoons
• Goldenseal root powder – 4 tablespoons
• Echinacea root powder – 2 tablespoons
• Yellow dock root powder – 2 tablespoons
• Gelatin capsules – size 00

What You Have To Do

1. Mix all the herbal powders.
2. Fill 84 of the size 00 capsules with the herbal powder mix.
3. Store in a safe and cool place.
4. Take two capsules thrice a day.

How Often You Should Do This

Take six capsules per day for one or two weeks.

Why This Works

These homemade herbal capsules have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which will help boost your overall health and prevent microbial growth in the vaginal area. (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)

12. Alum

Aluminum potassium sulfate is known as alum. It is widely used to clean water tanks, as a traditional aftershave ointment, and in pickles. Alum is mixed with water to kill bacteria and eliminate body odor or vaginal odor. If the vaginal odor is due to excessive white discharge, alum can be helpful in preventing the odor.

Here is how to use alum to prevent vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• Water
• Alum

What You Have To Do

1. Mix half a teaspoon of alum with a glass of water and drink it twice a day. This will help manage excess white discharge and vaginal odor.
2. Soak an alum stick in water and rub it gently near the mouth of the vagina. Alum sticks are available in the market. Do this once or twice daily until you get the desired results.
2. Mix one-fourth tablespoon of alum powder in a liter of water and wash your vagina with this water.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink alum water twice a day. Wash your vagina with alum water daily for two weeks.

Why This Works

Alum arrests bacterial growth by preventing bacterial adhesion to the vaginal wall, which is one of the reasons for vaginal odor.

13. Gooseberry (Amla)

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One of the best and effective herbal home remedies to get rid of vaginal odor is to eat gooseberry or amla every day until you get the desired results. Gooseberry has a lot of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

You Will Need

• 2 gooseberries
• ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 glass water

What You Have To Do

1. Use a mortar and pestle to grind the gooseberries.
2. In a glass of water, add the gooseberry paste, roasted cumin powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well before drinking. Do this for two weeks.
3. You can also slice a gooseberry, add salt to it and let it dry in the sun for two days. Eat two or three pieces of the dried gooseberry per day for a week.
4. Cut a gooseberry in half and put it in a glass of water and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, add a little salt and roasted cumin powder and sip this water throughout the day. Do this for two weeks.
5. Juice the gooseberries and consume two tablespoons of the juice first thing in the morning every alternate day for two weeks.

How Often You Should Do This

Follow any of the above mentioned methods for at least two weeks for effective results.

Why This Works

The juice of the gooseberry contains vitamin C while cumin aids digestion and improves immunity. Both the ingredients help to boost immunity and kill bacterial growth (25, 26).

14. Neem

Image: iStock

Neem leaves (Indian lilac) and neem bark have antimicrobial properties. Neem leaves have been used for ages to cure many skin diseases, smallpox, gut parasites, and wounds. Since vaginal odor can also be due to bacterial overgrowth, neem leaves can be used to treat vaginal odor effectively.

You Will Need

• 10 neem leaves
• 1 inch neem bark
• 1 liter water

What You Have To Do

Wash the neem leaves thoroughly and add them in water. Boil the water until the quantity reduces to half. Use this water to wash your vagina daily. Do this for at least one week.

1. Wash the neem leaves thoroughly and let them soak in water overnight. Use this water to wash your vagina.
2. Wash the neem leaves thoroughly and grind them using a mortar and pestle. Do not add water. Take the neem paste and use your palm to make five small “neem balls”. Gulp one neem ball every morning. Wash it down with water.
3. Put the neem bark in the water and boil it till the water reduces to half. Drink this water the first thing in the morning.

How Often You Should Do This

Wash your vagina with neem water twice daily for two weeks. Drink neem water every morning for two weeks.

Why This Works

Since neem leaves and bark have antimicrobial properties, a daily dose of this herbal medicine will help prevent microbial growth and clean your system from within (27).

15. Fenugreek

Image: iStock

The leaves and seeds of fenugreek are both beneficial for women. It helps to maintain hormonal balance, reduces abdominal fat, improves digestion, reduces blood sugar levels, and reduces menstrual cramps (28). To use fenugreek to eliminate vaginal odor, follow these steps:

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 liter water

What You Have To Do

1. Boil the fenugreek seeds in water until the quantity of water reduces to half. Cool it and drink it before breakfast every day.
2. Soak the fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Drink it the first thing in the morning every day.

How Often You Should Do This

For best results, drink fenugreek water for two weeks.

Why This Works

Fenugreek water has a subtle bitter-sweet taste. Apart from providing the body with vitamins and minerals, it balances female hormones and thus can reduce foul vaginal odor.

16. Cranberry

Image: iStock

You might be aware that cranberry juice is highly effective in treating urinary tract infection (UTI). Cranberries have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, they will help reduce foul vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 liter water

What You Have To Do

1. Soak the cranberries in the water overnight. Sip this water all throughout the day. This will help to flush out toxins and prevent bacterial infections.
2. Blend or juice the cranberries and drink the juice without removing the pulp. Remove the pulp if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink a glass of cranberry juice every day to eliminate vaginal odor.

Why This Works

Cranberries are highly effective against bacteria that affect the vagina and urinary tract. Cranberries prevent the adhesion of the bacteria on the vaginal wall, therefore preventing bacterial growth (29).

Stylecraze SaysYou can add orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, and honey to impart some spice and sweetness to your cranberry juice.

17. Turmeric

Image: iStock

Turmeric has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is one of the best home remedies to treat microbial infections and wounds (30).

Here is how to use turmeric to eliminate vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• 1 inch turmeric root or 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 glass milk

What You Have To Do

1. Wash the turmeric root thoroughly. Peel it and chew on it the first thing in the morning.
2. Add turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and drink it before going to bed.
3. Wash the turmeric root thoroughly. Peel it and boil it in a liter of water until the quantity of water reduces to half. Use this water to wash your vagina.

How Often You Should Do This

Wash your vagina with this water twice a week.

Why This Works

Turmeric, if consumed in the raw and natural form, helps to kill bacteria and boost immunity. You will see a visible difference in your skin and your vaginal odor.

18. Citrus Fruits

Image: iStock

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, sweet lime, lemon, grapes, etc., are excellent sources of vitamin C that boosts immunity (31). Citrus fruits help the body to fight against bacterial growth in the vagina. Therefore, eating them or drinking fresh citrus fruit juices will help to get rid of vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• 1 sweet lime or orange
• 1 liter water

What You Have To Do

1. Eat the citrus fruits.
2. Slice the fruits and toss them into a jar containing a liter of water. Let them soak overnight. Sip this water all throughout the day.
3. Juice the citrus fruits and drink.

How Often You Should Do This

Eat citrus fruits or drink juices daily to eliminate vaginal odor.

Why This Works

Citrus fruit juice or detox water will help to maintain the body’s pH balance and prevent microbial infection and itching in the vagina.

19. Seeds & Nuts

Image: iStock

Nuts and seeds have a good amount of vitamin E, which prevents vaginal dryness and itching. Pumpkin seeds and almonds are rich in zinc, which helps to prevent vaginal dryness, itching, bacterial growth and odor. Other nuts, such as walnuts, flax seeds (rich in omega-3-fatty acid and polyestrogenⁱ  XA naturally-occurring estrogen-like compound derived from plants, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. ), hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds, are also helpful in regulating the menstrual cycle and preventing vaginal dryness and hormone imbalance (32).

You Will Need

• 4 almonds
• 2 hazelnuts
• 1 tablespoon flax seed powder
• 1 cup milk

What You Have To Do

1. Soak the almond seeds in water for four hours.
2. Peel the skin of the almonds and toss into the blender.
3. Toss in the hazelnuts.
4. Pour the milk and give it a spin.
5. Pour out the milk into a cup.
6. Add the flaxseed powder and stir well.

Why This Works

Nuts and milk will help strengthen your bones, improve brain function, scavenge oxygen radicals, and boost immunity.

20. Guava Leaves

Image: iStock

Guava leaves contain tannins, antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-proactive properties. Guava leaves have been used to treat wounds and prevent microbial infections. Here is how to use guava leaves to treat foul vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• 4-5 guava leaves
• 1 liter water

What You Have To Do

Throw in the guava leaves into the water and boil the water until it reduces to half.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this before breakfast every alternate day for two weeks.

Why This Works

Guava leaves have antimicrobial properties that make them one of the best herbal remedies to treat vaginal odor (33).

21. Lavender Oil

Image: iStock

This sweet smelling and mood uplifting oil will help to reduce vaginal itching and irritation. Here is how to use it.

You Will Need

• 2 drops lavender oil
• 1 drop mint oil

What You Have To Do

1. Add the oils to your bath water and soak your body in the water for at least 10 minutes.
2. Add the oils to a liter of water and store in a bottle. Refrigerate it. Use cotton to dab this solution on the mouth of your vagina and vaginal area.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every alternate day for a couple of weeks.

Why This Works

The aroma of this oil will make you feel rejuvenated, smell good all the day long, and curb the problem of vaginal odor.

22. Use Boric Acid

To prevent bacterial growth and vaginal itching, it is important to maintain an acidic pH in the vagina. Lactobacillus (the good bacteria) from yogurt help to maintain the acidic pH levels in the vagina. However, menstrual blood and semen increase the pH levels and make it favorable for bacterial growth. Using boric acid, a mild antiseptic, will help to lower the pH levels and prevent bacterial vaginosis,

Here is how to use boric acid to get rid of vaginal odor.

You Will Need

• Boric Acid
• Gelatin capsules – size “00”

What You Have To Do

1. Fill the gelatin capsules with boric acid and keep them safe in an airtight container. Store it in a cool and dry place.
2. Insert one boric acid filled capsule into your vagina. Keep it in overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

Use these capsules for three consecutive nights if you have bacterial vaginosis (use an increased amount of boric acid). After that, use these capsules twice a week.

Caution: Do not swallow the boric acid capsules. Make sure you label the container properly. Also, do not try this method if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. Keep the boric acid capsule container away from children.

Note: Boric acid is safely used externally. It is a very powerful, but gentle eyewash. But it should not be taken internally.

Why Does My Vagina Smell?

Normally, the vagina consists of the perfect combination of healthy bacteria that maintain the pH in that region. When this balance is altered due to the different reasons listed above like other bacteria and yeast, there is a change in this pH. The number of healthy bacteria goes down, and the other unhealthy bacteria and yeast grow. These organisms can cause a change in the color and consistency of vaginal secretions and also result in a foul smell in your private parts (34, 35).

Body secretions are also a result of what you eat and drink. An unhealthy lifestyle can result in strong smelling sweat, breath, flatulence, and vaginal discharge.

Vaginal Odor After Intercourse

After intercourse, women may experience a change in their vaginal discharge accompanied by a foul smell. This is because most bacterial and fungal infections are spread through sex (36). Having vaginal, oral, or anal sex, or any sexual contact involving touching fluids of an infected person can pass on the infection. These infections can cause rashes, abnormal vaginal discharge, and that peculiar fishy smell from your vagina (37). Urinate before and after sex and also wash your vaginal area with soap and r lukewarm water before and after having sex. These measures will help prevent any unwanted bacterial growth, itching, and yeast infections. You may also encourage your partner to urinate and wash before sex as well.

Using condoms is the safest way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Vaginal Odor During Pregnancy

Vaginal odor due to infections can cause severe complications during pregnancy (38). If you are planning to get pregnant, it is advisable to get tested for any vaginal infections and treat them as soon as possible.

Extra care needs to be taken during the course of your pregnancy to avoid contracting any infections that result in alterations in your normal vaginal discharge and smell. Consult your doctor in case you notice any strong foul odor.

How To Make Your Vagina Smell Good Fast

It makes sense to pay attention to what you eat and strike off food that triggers the bad odor. Sweet food that contains a lot of sugar or foods rich in yeast can often cause vaginal odor. You should avoid them to reduce yeast infection, and, in turn, reduce the vaginal odor. Several vegetables like kale and celery and fruits like pineapple and cranberry are said to make your vagina smell good.

Dan Jackowiak says, “First, you should check the type of soap you are using to clean your genital area. Be sure to avoid douching or using feminine hygiene sprays or perfumes internally or externally.” He also adds, “You should also avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and underwear made out of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or spandex. You can introduce changes to your diets, such as eating more yogurt, greens like celery, and fruits like pineapples and apples. Remember that your doctor can also prescribe an antifungal cream or oral pill to help clear up any infection.”

Also, remember, panty liners, pads, or any other commercial lining products held in close contact with your private parts can lead to the production of yeast or bacteria, giving way to foul vaginal smell. Avoid the use or limit the use of liners and pads, unless absolutely necessary. The idea is to stay natural and play it safe by visiting your doctor if you have a vaginal discharge that doesn’t respond to the above remedies.

• Drink Enough Water Daily

Water helps to maintain the body’s temperature and cell integrity and flush out the harmful toxins. Dehydration is one of the causes of foul vaginal odor. Therefore, you need to stay hydrated. The amount of water you need to drink will depend on your height, weight, and activity levels. You will require more water if you are highly active. Our medical advisor recommends dividing your weight in pounds by half and drinking that many ounces of water every day. You can put ¼ teaspoon of unrefined sea salt in every quart of water to help replace minerals that are being filtered from your water supply.

• Avoid Bathing In Hot Water

Hot water kills the body’s natural bacteria. The prolonged use of hot water for bathing can lead to vaginal odor. Take cold water baths or use lukewarm water to bathe. You can also add essential oils, rose petals, or camphor to your bath water.

• Avoid High Yeast And Sugar Foods

High yeast and high sugar foods can lead to vaginal odor. Avoid eating bread, cakes, pastries, sweets, alcohol, donuts, etc. Nibble on dark chocolate when you crave something sweet.

• Eat Veggies And Fruits Every Day

Fruits and veggies are loaded with nutrients that help to fight a lot of health problems, including bacterial and yeast infections, heart disease, etc. Eat at least three servings of veggies and two servings of fruits to avoid foul vaginal odor. You can also make smoothies with vegetables or fruits for breakfast. Avoid spicy food and starchy veggies.

• Stop Using Soaps And Fragrances

Soaps and fragrances contain chemicals that affect the pH balance of the vagina, which leads to bacterial growth. These chemicals also kill the natural bacteria present in the vaginal area. Therefore, to eliminate vaginal odor, avoid using soaps or fragrances in the vaginal area. Also, do not use daily water sprays or douches to wash your vaginal area. Water sprays or douches wash away the natural bacteria, leading to vaginal odor.

• Wipe The Toilet Seat

The surface of toilet seats is a good place for many pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, when away from home always wipe the toilet seat, even if it looks clean, before sitting down on it. Or use the toilet seat covers provided in most establishments. Do not flush while sitting on the seat. Be very careful while using public toilets.

• Avoid Too Much Oil Or Meat During Periods

Vaginal odor during your periods can be avoided by avoiding meat and a lot of oil in your food for the first three days of your period. Consume green leafy veggies, vegetable soup, smoothies, fresh fruits, fresh fruit juices, and fruit detox water. This will help prevent bacterial growth and any extra oil secretion through sweat glands, flush out toxins from the body, and maintain the pH balance.

• Say Yes To Soft Panty Liners

Using uncomfortable pads or panty liners can cause vaginal irritation and itching. This may kill the natural vaginal bacteria and help in the growth of harmful bacteria. Switch to a panty liner that is soft and more comfortable for you. This will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and eliminate vaginal odor.

• Change Panty Liners Frequently

Panty liners should be changed after every three to four hours. Using a panty liner for more than four hours will aid bacterial growth, which can lead to foul odor. Also, try not to use tampons as they aid bacterial growth and cause itching and vaginal discomfort.

• Change Underwear After Exercising

Sweaty, dark, and covered areas are ideal for bacterial growth. Therefore, change your underwear after exercising. It will help prevent itching, irritation, and foul odor.

• Wash Your Underwear Regularly In Warm Water

Make sure to wash your underwear regularly in warm water. Soak your underwear in warm detergent water for 10 minutes before switching the washer on. This will help wash away any bacteria in your underwear. Also, dry your underwear properly before wearing it again.

• Shed The Thigh Fat

Extra thigh fat causes extra sweat as the thighs constantly touch each other. This leads to bacterial growth and vaginal odor. Exercise regularly to shed a few pounds from the thigh area to completely eliminate vaginal itching and odor.

• Check Your Hormones

Women who are undergoing hormonal changes or suffering from hormonal imbalance may have vaginal secretions that have a foul or fishy odor. Check with your gynecologist to know how these hormonal imbalances can be treated or the underlying reason for vaginal secretions. Use an antibacterial and antifungal powder on your inner thighs to get rid of vaginal odor temporarily.

• Play It Safe

Always have safe sex if you suffer from foul vaginal odor. Safe sex will limit bacterial growth and also keep you away from harmful diseases.

• Change Your Panties Twice A Day

One of the best ways to get rid of vaginal odor is to change panties twice a day or every 12 hours. Also, wear cotton panties rather than silk or satin. You may wear silk or satin panties, but do not wear them for longer hours. Satin and silk entrap sweat and urine, which leads to bacterial growth, and hence the foul smell. Change to a more comfortable cotton panty before going to sleep every night. Also, buy panties of different types so that the bacteria doesn’t get a favorable condition to grow. If you change into a panty that is of the same type as the other, the bacteria will grow back in the same area as they will get the ideal conditions to proliferate.

Infographic: 3 Home Remedies To Treat Vaginal Odor Issues

Fortunately, there are some more home remedies you can try to reduce vaginal odor apart from the ones mentioned above. These include stryphnodendron bark, fig, and rose water. Check out the infographic below to learn more home remedies to improve vaginal hygiene along with tips on how to use them.

Vagina produces a whitish fluid called vaginal discharge. It provides lubrication, protects the vagina against infection, and maintains its overall health. However, sometimes it may carry a strong, pungent smell that may cause inconvenience to the vagina owners and affect their sexual life. Excessive white discharge, metallic-smelling discharge, foul-smelling discharge, and thick discharge are some of the most common symptoms of unhealthy vaginal discharge. Many factors can cause a foul vaginal odor and discharge, which you can treat with simple home remedies and precautions mentioned above.

In This Article

20 Simple Home Remedies That Can Support Your Idea Of Flawless Skin

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
2. Aloe Vera
3. Alum
4. Coconut Oil
5. Castor Oil
6. Rosehip Oil
7. Almond Oil
8. Green Tea Ice Cubes
9. Garlic
10. Honey
11. Best Juices
12. Oats
13. Rice Water
14. Rose Water
15. Turmeric
16. Ubtan
17. Yogurt
18. Sugar Scrub
19. Papaya
20. Raw Milk

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV contains mild acids that can exfoliate the dull and pigmented skin cells and lighten scars and blemishes. ACV is thought to have astringent properties that can tone your skin and improve its appearance. It also helps balance your skin’s pH level.

Note: Add some aloe vera gel to counter the acidity of the vinegar. However, you may want to use this remedy with caution as ACV may cause contact dermatitisⁱ  XAn allergic skin condition where you experience skin rashes and irritation after coming in contact with an irritant or allergen. , hyperpigmentation,ⁱ  XA harmless and common skin condition in which skin patches become darker than the surrounding areas due to excess melanin production. and skin damage with improper use in some individuals. Avoid aloe vera on the skin as well if you have allergy-prone or sensitive skin.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons rose water
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Mix ACV and rose water and dab this mixture on the spots, blemishes, scars, and pigmented areas of your face.
2. Let it dry for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Once every day.

Related: 17 Surprising Ways To Use Vinegar For Your Skin

2. Aloe Vera

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Aloe vera contains bradykinase, an enzyme that helps reduce skin inflammation. It also contains essential amino acids and salicylic acid that possess antibacterial properties. Aloe vera has a moisturizing and anti-aging effect on your skin. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays. Overall, it is a wonderful remedy for healthy, hydrated, and soft skin (1).

You Will Need

An aloe vera leaf

What You Have To Do

1. Cut the leaf from the aloe plant and slice it
2. Be wary of the thorns present on the leaf’s edges.
3. Scoop out the gel present inside and transfer it to an airtight container.
4. Apply some of this gel to your entire face and massage it in.
5. Leave this on for at least an hour before washing it off with warm water.
6. Store the remaining gel in a cool place.

If you do not own an aloe vera plant, buy a bottle of organic aloe gel from the market.

Note: Conduct a patch test on your arm before using aloe vera on your face as some individuals react adversely to the natural plant gel. Avoid if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin.

How Often You Should Do This

Once every day.

3. Alum

Alum can help protect your skin against certain allergies (2). It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (3). These properties can protect your skin from free radical damage and reduce acne. 

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon alum powder
• 1 tablespoon honey

What You Have To Do

1. Make a paste with the ingredients.
2. Apply this as a face pack and leave it to dry for 10 minutes.
3. Wash the pack off with tepid water.

How Often You Should Do This

2 times a week.

4. Coconut Oil

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The benefits of coconut oil for maintaining healthy skin are not unknown. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin moisturizing properties (4),(5).

You Will Need

A few drops of organic coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Cleanse your face and pat it dry.
2. Massage the facial skin with coconut oil and leave it on overnight.
3. People with oily skin can add a drop or two of coconut oil to their regular moisturizer and apply it every night.

Note: Coconut oil is comedogenic and should be avoided by those with oily or acne-prone skin.

How Often You Should Do This

Every night before going to bed. 

5. Castor Oil

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that is a skin-conditioning agent (6). It can also help restore the natural sebum production. The steam will open up your pores and allow the oil to penetrate the deeper layers of your skin.

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops castor oil
• Hot water (in a bowl)
• A big towel

What You Have To Do

1. Steam your face by bending over the hot water bowl and covering your head with the towel.
2. After 2-3 minutes, pat your skin dry gently and apply the castor oil.
3. Massage it in thoroughly.
4. Leave it on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

Once every 4-5 days. Castor oil can be applied (without steam) every night as well.

StyleCraze SaysYou may mix castor oil with a carrier oil like jojoba and coconut oil, other vegetable oils, and plant butter before application.

6. Rosehip Oil

This essential oil is a natural moisturizer as it contains a high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (7). It can protect your skin from inflammation and oxidative stress. Rosehip oilcan also improve skin tone and texture and has shown promising effects on inflammatory skin conditions (8).

You Will Need

3-4 drops rosehip oil

What You Have To Do

Pat the oil on your face after you have cleansed it.

How Often You Should Do This

Every night.

Related: DIY Rosehip Face Serum: How To Make Rosehip Seed Oil Face Serum At Home

7. Almond Oil

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Almond oil is anemollientⁱ  XAn agent or substance that helps hydrate the skin by forming a protective barrier and sealing the moisture in the skin. and can keep the skin hydrated. It also rejuvenates the skin, improves skin tone, and reduces the appearance of scars or marks (9).

You Will Need

2-3 drops almond oil

What You Have To Do

1. Warm up the oil between your fingertips and massage it into your face.
2. Leave the oil on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

Every night.

8. Green Tea Ice Cubes

The antioxidants in green tea can protect your skin from the damage caused by UV rays. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that prevent and treat acne and skin disorders (10).

You Will Need

• 1 green tea bag
• A cup of hot water
• An ice tray

What You Have To Do

1. Brew some fresh green tea by steeping the tea bag in hot water for a few minutes.
2. Remove the teabag and allow it to cool down.
3. Pour it into the ice tray and freeze it.
4. Pat the green tea ice cube gently all over your face. Let it dry naturally.
5. Rinse your face with plain water.

How Often You Should Do This

Onc every day.

Related: 12 Green Tea Face Packs For Different Skin Types

9. Garlic

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Garlic can be used for spot treatment of scars, acne, and other marks on the face. It can help in treating skin conditions, like psoriasis, and also exhibits anti-aging and skin rejuvenating effects (11).

You Will Need

1 garlic clove

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the garlic and apply it to the marks and scars on your face.
2. Leave it on for five minutes and then rinse it off.
3. Pat dry and apply a moisturizer.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this daily.

10. Honey

Shutterstock

Honey has humectantⁱ  XA hydrating agent that can attract water from the air and deep skin layers to keep its surface moist and hydrated. properties that can moisturize your skin and make it supple. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can also help treat acne, burns, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin disorders (12).

You Will Need

• 1-2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

What You Have To Do

1. Make a thick paste with the honey and cinnamon powder.
2. Apply it to the face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
3. Wash your face clean with water.

How Often You Should Do This

1-2 times a week.

11. Best Juices For Flawless Skin

(a) Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has acidic properties and acts as a natural bleach for the skin. It is one of the most commonly used skin-lightening agents (13). It contains citric acid that can help reduce acne (14).

You Will Need

1/2 lemon

What You Have To Do

1. Rub the lemon on the face.
2. Leave the juice on for 5-7 minutes.
3. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Once every day for a few days and then reduce usage to 2 times a week.

(b) Vegetable Juice

Vegetables contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compounds, vitamins, and minerals that can promote skin health. Ginger exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, while the nutrients from carrots can rejuvenate your skin from the inside (15), (16).

You Will Need

• 4 carrots
• 1/2 inch-long piece ginger
• ½ cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Peel the carrots and ginger and cut both of them into small pieces.
2. Blend them with water to get a thick juice.
3. Drink this at room temperature or after chilling.

How Often You Should Do This

Every day.

(c) Green Juice

The nutrients from the ingredients of green juice can help refresh, restore, and rejuvenate the skin.

You Will Need

• 3 cucumbers
• ½ cup romaine lettuce
• A handful of mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Chop everything into small pieces and blend well.
2. Add lemon juice and water to get a juice-like consistency.
3. Drink this healthy green juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Every day.

(d) Potato Juice

Potato is packed with anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin and reduce acne (17). Anecdotal evidence suggests that many people have benefited from using potato on the skin. It can help reduce sunburn, tan, and spots and promote glowing skin.

You Will Need

½ potato

What You Have To Do

1. Grate the potato and squeeze out the juice from it.
2. Apply this juice to the face and let it dry for 10-12 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with tepid water.

How Often You Should Do This

Once daily.

(e) Tomato Juice

Tomato has anti-aging properties and also acts as a sunscreen. It also contains lycopene, an antioxidant that can help you achieve clear and healthy skin (18).

You Will Need

1 small tomato

What You Have To Do

1. Chop and mash the tomato.
2. Apply this pulp to the face.
3. Keep it on for 10-12 minutes and then rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Once every day for a week. Continue using tomato juice on your face once every 4-5 days.

12. Oats

This pack helps in brightening the skin and also reduces dark spots, scars, and blemishes. Oatmeal cleanses the skin and soothes inflammation on the skin surface. It also helps to tighten the pores, balances skin pH, and makes it smooth and even (19), (20), (21).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon tomato pulp
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1-2 teaspoons oatmeal

What You Have To Do

1. Mix all the ingredients to get a paste.
2. Apply it to the face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
3. Wash the face pack off with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This

1-2 times a week.

13. Rice Water

Rice water contains vitamins, minerals, and other anti-aging agents that rejuvenate the skin and tighten it (22). It also helps to exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells and impurities.

You Will Need

• ½ cup of raw rice grains
• 2-3 cups water

What You Have To Do

1. Rinse the rice with a cup of water.
2. Throw away this water and soak the rice in the remaining water for 15-30 minutes.
3. Rub the rice with your fingers in the water so that the water turns cloudy.
4. Strain the rice and store the water in an airtight bottle.
5. After waiting for a day, apply some of this water to your face and massage for a few minutes.
6. Rinse the rice water after 10 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Once every day.

14. Rose Water

Rosewater is commonly used as a skin toner (23). It balances the skin’s pH and improves circulation. It helps soothe irritated skin and fight infections.  It can also heal acne scars and other marks on the skin. Anecdotal evidence states that it has skin refreshing and skin brightening effects.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons rose water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice or 5-6 drops olive oil

What You Have To Do

1. Add lemon juice to the rose water if you have acne-prone and/or oily skin. For dry skin, add the olive oil.
2. Mix well and apply the mixture to the face.
3. Let this sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Once every alternate day.

15. Turmeric

The curcumin in turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can promote skin health and give it a natural glow. Turmeric also possesses wound healing properties and can help treat scars, marks, and other spots (24).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

What You Have To Do

1. Add the turmeric to the yogurt and mix well.
2. Apply this as a thin layer on your face.
3. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

2 times a week.

StyleCraze SaysA turmeric face mask can leave yellow stains on your face if you keep it on for an extended period. So, pay attention to the time.

16. Ubtan

Ubtan exhibits free radical scavenging and tyrosinaseⁱ  XA copper-containing enzyme in skin tissues that activates melanin production and may darken the skin. inhibiting activities (25). This means that it can protect your skin from free radical damage and lighten the skin tone with consistent use. While gram flour cleanses and exfoliates the skin, sandalwood powder soothes and smoothens the skin. Together, they make a potent combination to treat blackheads, acne, dark spots, and blemishes. Regular use will leave your skin radiant, soft, and supple.

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons gram flour
• 1 teaspoon sandalwood powder
• Milk or rose water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the gram flour and sandalwood powder.
2. Add milk to this mixture and mix well. Use rose water instead of milk if you have acne-prone skin or oily skin or are allergic to dairy.
3. Apply the face pack and let it dry.
4. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Once a week.

Related: How To Make Ubtan At Home For A Glowing Skin

17. Yogurt

Studies show that yogurt facial masks can improve moisture, brightness, and elasticity of the skin(26). The lactic acid in yogurt unclogs pores, reduces pore size, and exfoliates the dead skin cells. This results in a tightening effect on your skin and lightens blemishes.

Caution:

Avoid this remedy if you are allergic to dairy products.

You Will Need

1-2 tablespoons yogurt

What You Have To Do

1. Apply the yogurt on your face and leave it on for 10 minutes.
2. Rinse your face with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Every alternate day.

18. Sugar Scrub

Sugar acts as a good exfoliator. It removes dead cells, excess oils, and impurities. Blood circulation to the skin also improves due to the scrubbing motion. This scrub will leave your skin glowing and youthful. 

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Add some water to both the sugars in a bowl and mix well.
2. Rub this mixture gently on the face for 2-3 minutes.
3. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Once every 4-5 days.

19. Papaya

Papaya contains antioxidants like lycopene, which helps delay wrinkles and fine lines. It also contains skin brightening and exfoliating enzymes like papain (27). It unclogs your pores and eliminates blackheads. It contains vitamins A and C that are essential for optimum skin health.

You Will Need

2-3 pieces ripe papaya

What You Have To Do

1. Mash the papaya and apply it to the face.
2. Massage for 2-3 minutes and then leave the papaya pulp on for another 10 minutes.
3. Wash it off with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This

Once a week.

20. Raw Milk For Flawless Skin

Raw milk contains lactic acid, which can help exfoliate the skin. It improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and keeps your skin soft (28). It also moisturizes the skin and keeps it supple.

Caution: People with an allergy to milk should not use this remedy.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of raw milk
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Dip the cotton ball in milk and apply it on your face.
2. Let it dry naturally for 10-12 minutes and then rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

2-3 times a week. 

These remedies can help you get clear and flawless skin naturally at home. Apart from these home remedies, we have also listed a few tips you can follow. 

Tips For Flawless Skin

1. Eat Healthy

The lesser fried and processed foods you eat, the lesser your skin has to work to keep it oil-free and healthy.

2. Cleanse Well

Dirt, grime, and pollution can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless. Your skin needs a rigorous cleansing regimen with the right products to ensure that it remains clean and supple. Remember to wash your face after you are back home.

3. Exfoliate

Your skin needs to get rid of the constantly accumulating dead skin, dirt, and grime that simple cleansing cannot get rid of. Hence, exfoliating with a good scrub, like the sugar scrub we have mentioned in the remedies above, at least once every two days can help.

4. Pamper Your Skin

The best way to show your skin some love is by pampering it as much as you can. Apart from following a regular skincare regimen, regular clean-ups, massages, and such treatments will help increase blood circulation and refresh your skin.

5. Water Is Essential

Hydration is the key to well-nourished, soft, and glowing skin. Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. You can also drink healthy juices and smoothies to keep your skin hydrated.

6. Protect Your Skin From The Sun

There’s no point in helping your skin so much from the inside if you are not going to help it from the outside as well. Cover yourself when you are out in the afternoon sun. Also, use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays.

7. Clean Your Hair

Sometimes, bumps, acne, and other skin problems can be caused due to dandruff from the hair coming in contact with the skin. Wash your hair with a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo to take that step towards healthy skin.

8. Go Natural

Natural skin care products are safer than chemical ones as the chances of side effects with them are remarkably low. Hence, try to go for natural remedies whenever possible.

9. Use Cosmetic Products Judiciously

Give your skin a breather. Ditch makeup once in a while and go au naturel.

10. Get Proper Sleep

While sleeping, your body goes into the repair mode and rejuvenates the skin cells. Lack of sleep shows on your skin in the form of dark circles, saggy skin, and a dull complexion. Sleep for at least 8 hours. Make sure you sleep with your hair tied back as the residue of the hair oils can clog the skin pores, resulting in blackheads and dull skin.

11. Avoid Stress

Stress causes excess oil secretion, which, in turn, causes your skin to absorb more dirt. This can lead to skin problems. Relax by doing yoga or meditation.

Here are some recommendations for what you should eat to get flawless skin.

What To Eat To Get Flawless Skin Fast

• Healthy fats from foods, like avocado, olive oil, and nuts.
• Foods rich in antioxidants, like tomato, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, wheat germ, carrots, pumpkin, celery, cucumber, watermelon, papaya, sweet potatoes, etc.
• Omega-3-containing foods, like sardines, flax seeds, walnuts, and chia seeds.
• Protein foods, such as lean meat, turkey, chicken, eggs, and soybeans.

Infographic: 5 Best Home Remedies For Flawless Skin

Most of us rely on natural remedies for our skin care woes. The ingredients are readily available, sustainable, and rarely cause side effects unless you are allergic to them and know how to use them properly. While you can use any of the remedies discussed in the article, we have picked the top 5 ingredients that are safe, can reduce hyperpigmentation and acne, and keep your skin radiant, hydrated, and smooth. Scroll down to check them out.

To get flawless skin, you need to maintain a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. In addition, you can make use of several natural ingredients like aloe vera gel, coconut oil, castor oil, green tea ice cubes, rosehip oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, turmeric, papaya, raw milk, and yogurt that help to attain radiant skin. However, it is always essential to conduct a patch test for DIY recipes and wait for at least 24 hours before applying them to the face. If you are struggling with major skin issues, it is recommended to consult your dermatologist before using home remedies. Certain foods to include in your diet for good skin are those that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats, and proteins. In addition, you must apply sun protection, stay hydrated, and mitigate stress for flawless skin.

Note: Consult a doctor immediately if the swollen lips persist even after trying home remedies.

In This Article

Causes Of Swollen Lips

Swelling of the lips may happen due to any trauma to the soft tissue. However, there are various other reasons that may cause swollen lips. Some of the common reasons are:

• • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Dehydration
  • Viral infection
  • Dryness
  • Injury or cut
  • Allergic reaction to a food product
  • Insect bite
  • Bad lip care products
  • Extreme climatic conditions

Often, swollen lips may be accompanied by cuts and bleeding. This may make it difficult for the person to eat, drink, or talk properly. Use the remedies listed below to treat this condition.

Home Remedies For Swollen Lips

1. Ice Cubes
2. Warm Water
3. Turmeric Powder
4. Aloe Vera
5. Baking Soda
6. Honey
7. Witch Hazel Extract And Salt
8. Tea Tree Oil And Aloe Vera
9. Coconut Oil
10. Epsom Salt
11. Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Ice Cubes

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Ice may reduce edema by decreasing the amount of blood flowing to the affected site (1). Using ice cubes on the affected area may help in healing the swollen lips.

You Will Need

• 1-2 ice cubes
• A soft washcloth

What You Have To Do

1. Wrap the ice cubes in the wash cloth and press the ice pack gently on the affected area for 8-10 minutes.
2. Take a break of 10 minutes and repeat the process.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat every few hours.

Note: Avoid applying ice cubes directly on the skin as it may result in mild frostbite or soreness. 

Stylecraze SaysYou can also use readymade frozen gel packs for the same effect.

2. Warm Water

Warm water therapy promotes blood circulation in the human body (2). Applying warm water on the affected area may cure swollen lips. It may also soothe the pain one might experience from the swelling.

You Will Need

• Warm water
• A washcloth

What You Have To Do

1. Soak the washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess water from the cloth.
2. Place the washcloth on the lips for 8-10 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this process every hour (if required).

3. Turmeric Powder

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The curcumin present in turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory properties (3). Turmeric is also known for its antiseptic and healing properties (4). Hence, using turmeric powder may help in treating swollen lips.

You Will Need

• Fuller’s earth
• Turmeric powder
• Cold water

What You Have To Do

1. Prepare a herbal ointment by mixing turmeric powder with Fuller’s earth and cold water.
2. Apply the prepared ointment on the swollen area.
3. Allow it to dry completely.
4. Wash your lips with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day. 

Related: 18 Health Benefits Of Turmeric, How To Use It, & Side Effects

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera exhibits anti-inflammatory and healing properties (5). Using aloe vera may reduce swollen lips caused by mosquito bite, insect bite, or allergic reactions.

You Will Need

Aloe Vera Leaf

What You Have To Do

1. Extract the aloe vera gel present inside the leaf.
2. Apply a small amount of gel on the affected area and massage gently.
3. Leave it on for as long as possible.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day. 

5. Baking Soda

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Baking soda exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (6). It may help in treating swollen lips caused due to fever blisters, allergic reactions, or insect bites.

You Will Need

• Baking soda
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the baking soda with some water.
2. Apply a thick coat of this paste on the swollen area.
3. Keep it on for 10 minutes and wash it off with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once every 3-4 hours. 

Related: 20 Beauty Benefits Of Baking Soda You Must Know!

6. Honey

Honey has natural healing and antibacterial properties (7). It may also help soothe any itching or irritation that may accompany a swollen lip.

You Will Need

• Honey
• Cotton ball or cotton swab

What You Have To Do

1. Use a cotton ball to apply honey on the affected area.
2. Wash it off with cold water after 20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a day. 

Related: 10 Types Of Honey: What, How, And Why Should You Know About Them!

7. Witch Hazel

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Witch hazel is a popular astringent that cleans and disinfects the skin surface (8). It may reduce the inflammation around the swollen lips.

You Will Need

• Witch hazel extract
• Salt
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Mix salt and witch hazel.
2. Apply the mixture to the affected area with a cotton ball.
3. Rinse it off with cool water after 30 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a day.

Related: 24 Amazing Witch Hazel Benefits, How To Use, & Side Effects

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a strong antimicrobial agent (9). It may help reduce swelling caused by infections and insect bites.

You Will Need

• A few drops of tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

1. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil and a teaspoon of aloe vera gel.
2. Apply this mixture on the lips and massage gently for a minute or two.
3. Rinse with cool water after 10 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a day. 

9. Coconut Oil

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The lauric acid in coconut oil exhibits strong antimicrobial properties (10). These properties may eliminate harmful bacteria, fungi, or viruses while absorbing all impurities from the skin pores. It may also act as an emollient and keep the skin nourished and supple.

You Will Need

Organic coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Massage a few drops of coconut oil on the swollen lips.
2. Leave it on for a couple of hours.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day until the swelling goes down. 

10. Epsom Salt

It is believed that Epsom salt may soothe the swollen lips and help them heal quickly. However, there is no scientific research to back this claim.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt
• 1 cup of warm water
• Washcloth

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the Epsom salt in the water and dip the washcloth in this solution.
2. Place the washcloth dipped in the warm water on the swollen lips for 15 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this procedure a few times a day until swelling subsides. 

11. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it may help in treating swollen lips.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of water
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Dilute the apple cider vinegar and apply it on the lips with the cotton ball.
2. Leave it on for a couple of minutes.
3. Rinse with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day.

Stylecraze SaysSeek emergency medical aid if you experience symptoms such as trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, high fever, numbness or increasing pain along with swollen lips.

Infographic: Top 5 Easy Home Remedies To Manage Swollen Lips

Whether the swollen lips are caused by an injury, allergic reaction, or a bug bite, you can use any remedy from the list to ease discomfort. However, a few of them are really effective and show faster results. Check out the infographic below to learn more about them.

Swelling of the lips generally occurs as a result of any trauma to the soft tissue of the lips. Nutritional deficiencies, infections, injury, harsh climatic conditions, and allergic reactions are a few of the most common causes of swollen lips. Common home remedies for swollen lips include the use of ice cubes, aloe vera, honey, coconut oil, or witch hazel extract with salt. Along with your preferred home remedy, it is important that you also follow and balanced and healthy diet rich in vitamins. In case your lips continue to remain swollen despite using appropriate home remedies, consult your healthcare provider.

In This Article

Why Is My Period So Late?

Women mostly complain about getting their period late. It can make you doubt that you might be pregnant. However, you can get your period late or miss it for reasons not necessarily related to pregnancy. These causes can range from hormonal imbalance to underlying conditions.

Hormonal changes and conditions such as PCOS, stress, excess weight, thyroid disorders, etc. can be the cause of a late menstrual cycle.

Usually, a woman has irregular periods when she begins her first cycle, and when she reaches menopause. Around both these times, it is relatively normal to have an irregular cycle.

Let us now see what causes an early period.

What Causes Your Period To Start Early?

It is considered fairly normal if you get an early period once in a while. But if you get an early period regularly, you might have to consult your doctor.

A woman’s menstrual cycle can be affected by factors such as a change in lifestyle, intense workout, stress, or any other underlying conditions. Sometimes, none of these causes might be contributing to an early period. In such cases, medical intervention is advised.

The major causes of an early period include:

• Imbalance In Hormone Levels: The menstrual cycle is governed by changes in the level of hormones in your body. However, if there is an undesirable change in these levels owing to birth control pills, you can get your period early.
• Menopause: As you approach menopause, you will have an irregular period that lasts for fewer days than usual.
• Poor Diet: Lack of a balanced diet can directly affect the regularity of your menstrual cycle.
• Medication: Medication like birth control pills or an emergency contraception drug may cause your period to start earlier as it affects the level of hormones in your body.
• Intense Workout: An intense workout affects your menstrual cycle when the number of calories burned exceeds what you have eaten. If your body doesn’t have the energy it needs, it cannot produce the right amount of reproductive hormones needed to ovulate.
• Stress: Stress can also cause your period to come earlier as it can interfere with the normal levels of hormones in your body.

Stylecraze SaysUsing hormonal birth control to get your period early is not usually recommended as it may increase the risk of blood clots or other side effects.

Let us now look at the factors that put you at risk of getting an early period.

Risk Factors

Women who have an early period effectively have two periods in a month. Following are the factors that can increase your risk of getting an early period:

• A family history of cysts, fibroids, or early menopause can make you susceptible to an early period.
• Lower abdominal pain that lasts for a few days
• Heavy flow during periods
• Pain during intercourse

How can you tell if your period is coming? Look out for the following symptoms.

Symptoms Your Period Is Coming

• Abdominal Cramps

Abdominal cramps are caused by contractions in the uterine wall, and this is called dysmenorrhea. It usually starts in the days leading to your period and can last throughout your cycle. Some women do not feel these cramps at all, while others feel a high-intensity pain that can hamper all their activities.

Cramps originate in the lower abdomen and can travel all the way down to your thighs and up to your mid-back.

Sometimes, cramps can be associated with conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroid, endometriosisⁱ  XA disorder in which cells similar to the lining of the uterus grow outside of it, causing severe pain and infertility. , etc. In such cases, the pain can be more intense. These cramps are known as secondary dysmenorrhea.

• Breakouts

Breakouts are common as you approach your cycle. This is because, as you near your period, your body undergoes hormonal changes. This causes the appearance of acne, pimples, or zits on your face, neck, or back.

• Tender Breasts

During the first and second halves of menstrual cycles, your body releases estrogen and progesterone respectively. Around ovulation, when the level of progesterone increases, your breasts enlarge and can feel tender, lumpy, and swollen. For some women, these symptoms can be very mild, while they can cause a lot of discomfort in others.

• Bloating

Hormonal changes near your period can cause bloating. This bloating can be attributed to increased retention of water and salt in your body.

• Bowel Issues

Bowel movement is susceptible to hormonal changes. You may experience the following problems as you near your period: nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, or constipation.

You are most likely to feel nauseous or constipated as you get closer to your date.

• Headache

When you are nearing your period, estrogen levels in your body rise. This can trigger the increase in serotonin that can set off migraines and headaches. This can cause migraines in women who are prone to headaches.

• Mood Swings

We are all well aware of the emotional symptoms of PMSⁱ  XA combination of signs and symptoms that occur in many women about a week or two before their period. . These include mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and depression. The hormonal changes are responsible for this.

Stylecraze SaysPeople above the age of 35 and individuals who smoke are at a higher risk of complications from birth control pills.

While having an early period once in a while is fine, if it happens frequently, you need to consult a doctor.

When To See Your Doctor

If the early period persists and you are in serious pain or discomfort, you must visit your gynecologist. Also, if you have had a history of a miscarriage, consult your doctor for immediate medical help.

We now know the basic facts regarding getting an early period. Let us move on to explore the natural methods of inducing an early period.

Natural Ways To Induce Period

1. Papaya

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Papaya has uterotonic properties, which means it stimulates contraction of the uterus (1). This may help in inducing your period early. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim.

You Will Need

• 1 ripe papaya

What You Have To Do

1. You can cut a ripe papaya and consume directly.
2. Alternatively, you can blend the fruit and prepare fruit juice for consumption.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this juice once daily in the days leading up to your period.

Related: 39 Benefits Of Papaya For Skin, Hair, And Health

2. Vitamin C

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Vitamin C or ascorbic acid can increase estrogen levels in your body (2). Estrogen regulates your menstrual cycle. Vitamin C can decrease progesterone levels in your body, which results in premature shedding of the uterine lining and may cause an early period.

Caution: You must take supplements in the dosage as prescribed by your doctor as overdose can lead to dangerous side effects.

Related: Top 39 Vitamin C Foods To Include In Your Diet

3. Pineapple

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Pineapples have uterotonic properties and can induce uterine contractions in women (3). This helps facilitate the shedding of the uterine lining and causes your period to come faster. However, it is important to note that there is no scientific research suggesting that pineapples can induce an early period.

You Will Need

• 1 bowl of pineapples

What You Have To Do

1. Have a bowlful of pineapples before your period.

How Often You Should Do This

Have it once a day as you near your period.

4. Carrots

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Carrots contain beta-caroteneⁱ  XAn organic, red-orange pigment found in fruits and veggies that helps protect the body from free radical (unstable atoms) damage. and other bioactive compounds that can help you get an early period by inducing the shedding of your uterine lining (4). However, there is lack of scientific evidence to back this up.

You Will Need

• A bowl of fresh carrots

What You Have To Do

1. Boil the carrots in water and consume directly.
2. Alternatively, you can drink carrot juice once or twice a day.

How Often You Should Do This

You can follow this remedy1-2 times daily as you near your period.

5. Fennel Seeds

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Fennel seed extract can function as an emmenagogue (5), (6). This means that it may increase the flow of blood from the uterus, thus inducing an early period. More research is needed to establish fennel seeds as an effective remedy to induce a period.

You Will Need

• 2-3 cups of boiled water
• 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds

What You Have To Do

1. Boil water in a saucepan.
2. To this, add fennel seeds and let it simmer.
3. Drink this solution after straining.

How Often You Should Do This

You can follow this remedyat regular intervals in the day.

6. Pomegranate

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Pomegranates can regulate the phasic activity of the menstrual cycle, thereby ensuring a regular period (7). Their estrogenic activity may help in inducing an early period. But this remedy lacks scientific backing.

You Will Need

• A bowl of pomegranate that is peeled

What You Have To Do

1. You can add pomegranate to your daily diet.

How Often You Should Do This

You can follow this remedyonce daily before your period date.

Related: 20 Benefits Of Pomegranate Juice, How To Make It, & Nutrition

7. Turmeric

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Turmeric contains a bioactive compound called curcumin that works an emmenagogue (8). It may help you get your period faster by stimulating the blood flow to your uterus. However, there is no scientific research to establish this.

You Will Need

• A glass of boiled water
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

What You Have To Do

1. Boil a glass of water and mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder in it.
2. Consume when warm.

How Often You Should Do This

You can follow this remedy1-2 times daily about 1 week before your period date.

8. Parsley Leaves

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Parsley is a rich source of bioactive compounds that may increase the estrogenic activity in your body. It is also an excellent antispasmodic agent that can reduce the pain due to uterine contractions during an early period (9).

You Will Need

• Parsley leaves

What You Have To Do

1. Steep a few parsley leaves in boiling water.
2. Strain this and dry the leaves.
3. Consume the dried parsley leaves three times daily.

How Often You Should Do This

You can follow this a week or 10 days before your period.

Related: Parsley: 10 Potential Benefits And Uses, Nutrition, How To Make Tea

9. Coffee

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Caffeine is the major component of coffee. It is known to exhibit properties that stimulate estrogenic activity (10). However, there is lack of scientific evidence that states that caffeine can help in inducing a period.

You Will Need

• 1 cup of brewed coffee

What You Have To Do

1. Consume coffee as regularly as twice a day when you near your period.

How Often You Should Do This

Have slightly more coffee than you usually would until you get your period.

Caution: Do not consume excess coffee after your period due to the high content of caffeine.

10. Castor Oil

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Ricinoleic acid is a major component of castor oil. It is known to induce uterine contractions (11). This, in turn, may induce an early period.

You Will Need

• Warm compress
• 1/2 tablespoon of castor oil

What You Have To Do

1. Gently massage some castor oil onto your lower abdomen.
2. Use a warm compress on your lower abdomen
3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this two times daily a week before your period.

11. Ginger

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Ginger is rich in bioactive compounds that can increase body heat and induce an early period (12). It exhibits antispasmodic properties that help alleviate other menstrual symptoms like abdominal cramps (13).

You Will Need

• 1/2 tablespoon of ginger juice
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Crush ginger to extract its juice.
2. Add some honey to this juice and consume daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Follow this remedy two times daily a few days before your actual period date.

12. Sesame Seeds

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Sesame seeds contain bioactive compounds that can induce and regularize menstrual flow (14). Hence, consumption of sesame seeds may cause an early period.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds

What You Have To Do

Consume a teaspoon of sesame seeds with honey.

How Often You Should Do This

You can follow this two times daily for about two weeks before your period.

Lifestyle changes, hormonal fluctuations, menopause, stress, activity levels, inadequate nutrition, and certain underlying medical conditions can make your menstrual cycle fluctuate, resulting in early or delayed periods. However, there may be certain instances where you may want to get your period early. In that case, you may apply certain home remedies that can induce periods. Papaya juice, vitamin C intake, pineapples, parsley, pomegranate, fennel seeds, and turmeric are some of the natural ingredients that can aid in stimulating the menstrual cycle. You may need to follow these remedies for a week or so before you get your periods, so planning and getting an early start may help prepone your periods.

Related: 29 Amazing Benefits Of Sesame Seeds For Skin And Health

Infographic: Home Remedies For Menstrual Cramps

Abdominal cramps or menstrual cramps can be a real villain during your period days. You may experience pain in the lower abdomen, stomach, upper legs, or lower back. Most women experience period pain during their menstrual cycle, which may affect their daily activities. However, there are home remedies that help reduce the pain.

Check out the infographic below for some remedies to help relieve menstrual cramps.

To help your dry, dull skin get back its natural glow and radiance, we have listed some tips and tricks to help you get started. Scroll down.

In This Article

What Is Dull Skin?

Dull skin is one of the most common dermatological complaints. This condition is characterized by skin that has lost its radiance or glow. Dull skin looks aged and unhealthy. It may also have an uneven tone and texture. Spots, blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles, etc. can cause your skin to lose its natural glow and make it look dull.

Dull skin is not just the direct result of aging; many other factors play a role in making your skin look dull.

What Are The Causes Of Dull Skin?

In today’s day and age, our lives revolve around hectic schedules. This lifestyle pattern does not leave us with the time or the energy to incorporate a proper skincare regimen into our daily routine. Here are a few factors that cause dull skin:

• Pollution: Be it the commute to work and back home or a short trip to the grocery store – you are constantly exposed to pollution. The smoke and dust suspended in the air can cause the skin pores to get clogged. Eventually, this can affect the natural glow of your skin and cause other skin-related issues like acne, pimples, and uneven skin tone.
• UV Rays: The sun’s rays are usually the strongest between 9 AM and 4 PM. The UV index is very high during this period and can cause significant damage to your skin. Walking out in the sun without applying sunscreen can cause dull skin (1).
• Hydration: Staying hydrated is key to good skin. It helps in making the skin look supple and replenished. Lack of hydration can make your skin look dehydrated and dull.
• Stress: Stress is the most common complaint today. You could feel stressed at work or in your personal life. What most people often overlook is its impact on health. Your skin shows clear signs of stress in the form of acne, pimples, and dullness of skin.
• Diet: A proper, well-balanced diet is imperative to maintain healthy skin. Consuming nutrient-rich foods will ensure that your skin is well-nourished. The modern lifestyle takes a toll on our eating habits, forcing us to neglect our diet. This can cause dull skin (2).

How Can You Tell If You Have Dull Skin?

Dull skin is characterized by:

• Aging skin: Your skin can develop wrinkles and fine lines. In some cases, this can happen as a result of photoaging.
• Uneven skin tone
• The appearance of blemishes and spots
• Loss of natural glow of the skin

If your skin shows any of the above signs, you may be having dull skin. Here are some easy tips to brighten dull skin at home.

Natural Remedies To Brighten Skin

1. Lemon
2. Sugar Scrub
3. Honey
4. Chocolate Mask
5. Aloe Vera
6. Walnut Scrub
7. Yogurt
8. Cucumber
9. Pineapple
10. Neem

1. Lemon

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Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Vitamin C has an anti-pigmentary effect, thereby improving complexion and brightening the skin (3).

You Will Need

• 1-2 lemons
• Sterile cotton pad

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl.
2. Apply this juice to your face with a clean cotton pad.
3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a week.

Caution: Lemon juice can cause a stinging or a burning sensation on your skin. Please do a patch test before trying this remedy. Make sure you apply sunscreen before you go out as lemon juice can make your skin photosensitive.

Related: 9 Home Remedies To Remove Dark Spots On Face With Lemon Juice

2. Sugar Scrub

Sugar can help remove dry skin and dead skin cells due to its slightly abrasive texture (4), (5). This can help in making your skin look brighter.

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey

What You Have To Do

1. Take a sealable container and add olive oil and honey to it.
2. Add half a cup of brown sugar to this and mix well.
3. Scrub your face with this mixture in a circular motion to encourage exfoliationⁱ  XThe process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin using a physical or chemical tool. .
4. Rinse thoroughly with water after 4-5 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 2 times a week.

Related: How To Make Homemade Sugar Scrubs

3. Honey

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Honey contains fructose, glucose, and alpha-hydroxy acids that can help decrease excessive pigmentation, thereby making your skin look brighter and more supple (6), (7).

You Will Need

• 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon of honey

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze the lemon to collect the juice.
2. Add a tablespoon of honey to this and mix well.
3. Apply it to your face and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a week.

Caution: Lemon juice can cause a stinging or a burning sensation on your skin. Please do a patch test before trying this remedy.

Related: Is Honey Good For The Face And Skin? How To Use It?

4. Chocolate Mask

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans. Cocoa exhibits antioxidant properties that can help neutralize oxidative stress (8). This means that it can help reduce the deterioration of skin cells and dullness of skin.

You Will Need

• ¼ cup of melted dark chocolate
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• 2-3 drops of honey

What You Have To Do

1. Melt the bars of dark chocolate in a double boiler.
2. Add a tablespoon of milk and a few drops of honey to the melted chocolate.
3. Mix well and let it cool down.
4. Apply the mixture to your face and neck and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
5. Wash off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You can apply this face mask once every week.

Related: 15 Amazing Homemade Chocolate Face Masks For Flawless Skin Did You Know? Dark chocolate consists of 50% to 90% of cocoa solids to make it suitable to be the main ingredient of a chocolate mask.

5. Aloe Vera

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Aloe vera contains aloin, which acts as a melaninⁱ  XA group of natural polymers produced in cells (called melanocytes) that impart color to the skin, hair, and eyes. production.” ]inhibitor and helps reverse the effects of hyperpigmentation (9). This, in turn, can help brighten dull skin.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon of brown sugar

What You Have To Do

1. Slice open an aloe vera leaf to extract the gel.
2. Mix a tablespoon of the gel with a teaspoon of brown sugar.
3. Apply this scrub to your face and neck and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse your face thoroughly with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a week.

6. Walnut Scrub

Walnut scrub can be used as an effective home remedy to brighten dull skin. Walnut contains tyrosinase inhibitors that can reduce pigmentation and brighten dull skin (10).

You Will Need

• 1 cup of yogurt
• 5-6 crushed walnuts

What You Have To Do

1. Grind about 5-6 walnuts in a grinder.
2. Mix the crushed walnuts with a cup of yogurt.
3. Apply it to your face and neck and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once every week.

7. Yogurt

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Yogurt is a popular product used extensively in traditional medicine to treat skin-related conditions. Yogurt is a natural source of L-cysteineⁱ  XA conditionally-essential amino acid that promotes detoxification due to its antioxidant nature. , a compound that inhibits tyrosinase activity (11). This helps reduce pigmentation and brightens dull skin.

You Will Need

• ½ cup of yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of honey

What You Have To Do

1. Mix half a cup of yogurt and a tablespoon of honey.
2. Apply the mixture to your face and neck.
3. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and wash off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 2 times a week.

Related: 10 Amazing Benefits Of Yogurt For Skin And Hair

8. Cucumber

Cucumber is a rich source of vitamin C and other bioactive compounds that inhibit tyrosinase activity (13). This, in turn, can reduce pigmentation and dull skin.

You Will Need

• 1 cucumber
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

1. Cut half a cucumber evenly and add it to a blender.
2. Add a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and blend it until you get a fine paste.
3. Apply this mask and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You can use this face pack once a week.

9. Pineapple

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Pineapple is a rich source of bioactive sulfur-containing compounds that can reduce pigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase activity (14). These compounds can thus help in brightening dull skin.

You Will Need

• 1-2 slices of pineapple
• 2 teaspoons of gram flour

What You Have To Do

1. Blend one or two pineapple slices in a blender.
2. Add two teaspoons of gram flour to this paste and mix well.
3. Apply this paste to your face and neck and let it dry.
4. Wash your face with warm water.

How Often You Should Do This

You can use this face pack once a week.

10. Neem

Neem inhibits tyrosinase activity, which means that it can reduce excessive pigmentation of the skin and brighten dull-looking skin (15).

You Will Need

• A handful of neem leaves
• 2-3 tablespoons of yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of honey

What You Have To Do

1. Blend a handful of neem leaves to make a fine paste.
2. Add honey and yogurt to this paste and mix well.
3. Apply this paste to your face and neck and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash off with warm water.

How Often You Should Do This

You can use this face pack once a week for brighter-looking skin.

The above remedies can help you get rid of dull skin naturally. Listed below are a few tips that you need to follow to prevent your skin from looking dull.

How Can I Prevent My Skin From Looking Dull?

• Exfoliate your skin with natural facial scrubs once every week to ensure that it is free of dirt and pollutants.
• Cleansing your skin before sleeping every night makes sure that it does not lose its natural glow.
• Make sure to keep your skin moisturized after using cleansers or makeup products. This will help in making it look healthy and bright.
• A healthy diet can keep your skin healthy and gives it a natural glow. Also, remember to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
• Smoking has a direct effect on the health of your skin. Smoking makes your skin lose its natural glow and gives it an aged look (16).
• Always remember to apply sunscreen on your face, arms, and legs before you step out into the sun. This will ensure that your skin is protected from UV-induced damage.

StyleCraze Says Applying coconut oil, almond oil, or shea butter can help in moisturizing the skin to prevent dullness.

Infographic: Top Foods To Add To Your Diet To Prevent Dull Skin

Your skin can become dull and dry due to stress, pollution, improper diet, and dehydration. Though there are several ways to restore the glow of your skin, you can also prevent it by hydrating your skin from within. You can add more water to your diet through readily available fruits and vegetables.

Check out the infographic below to know the top foods you can have to prevent dull skin.

Dull skin, a common dermatological complaint, is characterized by the loss of the healthy glow to the skin and the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. Photodamage, stress, pollution, poor diet, lack of hydration, and certain lifestyle factors like smoking may cause your skin to appear dull. You can use several natural remedies to brighten the skin and restore its natural radiance. Lemon, sugar scrubs, honey, yogurt, cucumber, pineapple, aloe vera, and chocolate are some effective ingredients used in home remedies to revive dull skin.

In This Article

What Is A Menstrual Blood Clot?

Menstrual blood clots are globs of coagulated blood that have a gel-like appearance. These globs can also be tissues and by-products of blood that are expelled from the uterus during the menstrual cycle.

Small and less frequent blood clots are a common occurrence, and you don’t need to worry about them. However, if you are regularly passing large clots during your period, it could be an indication of an underlying medical condition.

Blood clots are often classified as normal or abnormal, depending on their appearance. Let’s look at the types in detail

Types Of Blood Clots

Normal blood clots are usually:

• Smaller (not larger than a quarter)
• Occasional (usually occur at the beginning of your menstrual cycle)
• Bright or dark in color

On the other hand, abnormal blood clots are:

• Larger than a quarter
• Occur frequently

So, what causes these clots in the first place? Let’s find out.

What Causes Blood Clots During Periods?

The menstrual cycle of a fertile woman repeats every 28 to 35 days, lasting for about 4 to 8 days. It causes the shedding of the uterine lining (also called the endometrium).

The endometrium, which thickens and grows in response to the hormone estrogen, supports a fertile egg upon conception. However, if a woman does not conceive during this period, this lining sheds off. This whole process is called menstruation. This shedding causes blood clots during menstruation.

When the lining is shed, it may get mixed with

• Blood
• Blood by-products
• Mucus
• Tissue

The endometrium usually pools in the bottom of the uterus and waits for the cervix to contract to be expelled. To help with the breakdown of this lining, your body produces anticoagulants. When the blood flow surpasses the amount of anticoagulants produced, it results in blood clots.

Medical conditions responsible for heavy blood flow during your periods are:

• Uterine obstructions that enlarge the uterus
• Fibroids, which are noncancerous muscular tumors that grow in the uterine wall
• Endometriosis, a condition in which the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and into your reproductive tract
• Adenomyosis, which occurs when the uterine lining grows into the uterine wall
• Cancerous tumors
• Hormonal imbalances

Stylecraze Says Heavy bleeding is a relative term as everyone defines it differently. However, if you have to change your pad or tampon in less than 2 hours, double up on pads, or change them during the night, you may have a heavy blood flow.

Menstrual clotting can also be accompanied by the following side effects.

Related: 17 Home Remedies For Phlegm (Mucus) And Prevention Tips

Side Effects Of Menstrual Clotting

• Anemia due to abnormally heavy blood flow
• Severe pain or period cramps

We strongly recommended you visit a doctor if your menstrual blood clots are more frequent. This is to rule out potential complications.

However, if they are occasional and you are not experiencing the above side effects, you can try these home remedies that can help in easing menstrual blood clots.

Related: 13 Best Home Remedies For Menstrual Cramps & Preventive Tips

Home Remedies To Treat Blood Clots During Periods

1. Red Raspberry Leaf
2. Massage
3. Cold Compress
4. Vitamins
5. Cayenne Pepper
6. Blackstrap Molasses
7. Ginger Tea
8. Chamomile Tea
9. Garlic
10. Pumpkin Seeds

How To Get Rid Of Menstrual Blood Clots Naturally

Related: 16 Amazing Benefits Of Raspberries For Skin, Hair, And Health

1. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

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You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of red raspberry tea
• 1 cup of water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of red raspberry tea to a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and allow the tea to cool a bit.
4. Add some honey to it and consume.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

Red raspberry leaves contain fragarine, an alkaloid that helps tone your uterus and balance your hormones (1).

2. Massage

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Various massaging techniques help improve reproductive system health and enhance blood circulation around the uterus. They can also ease away the menstrual blood clots as they improve blood flow (2).

3. Cold Compress

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You Will Need

An ice pack

What You Have To Do

1. Apply a cold pack to your lower abdomen.
2. Leave it on for 1 to 2 minutes and remove.
3. Repeat thrice, preferably after every 5 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this whenever you observe blood clotting during your period or right before you are due.

Why This Works

Cold compresses help constrict the blood vessels and have a numbing effect, which can ease the blood clots (3).

4. Vitamins

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Vitamins A, B, D, and C help relieve heavy menstrual bleeding or clotting.

Vitamin A ensures proper replication of red blood cells, and its antioxidant properties protect cells from damage.

B vitamins, especially vitamin B6, are necessary for producing prostaglandinsⁱ  XA group of active lipid compounds with hormone-like effects, such as inducing labor and regulating other hormones. that help reduce blood clots.

Vitamin D balances hormones to alleviate excess bleeding.

And lastly, vitamin C can help strengthen your fragile cells and blood vessels, thereby easing blood clots (4).

5. Cayenne Pepper

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You Will Need

• ½ teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper
• 1 glass of warm water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add half a teaspoon of cayenne powder to a glass of warm water.
2. Mix well and add some honey to it.
3. Consume this mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this twice daily.

Why This Works

Cayenne pepper enhances blood flow, which is why it is used to treat various bleeding-related problems (like hemorrhage). Regular consumption of cayenne pepper can relieve excessive blood clots as well (5).

6. Blackstrap Molasses

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1-2 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses
• 1 cup of warm water or milk

What You Have To Do

1. Add one to two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses to a cup of water or milk.
2. Mix well and drink it.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this once daily during your period or right before it begins.

Why This Works

The iron in blackstrap molasses encourages the production of red blood cells, thereby replacing the excess blood lost during menstruation. It also soothes your uterine muscles and walls, alleviating pain and blood clots.

7. Ginger Tea

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of minced ginger
• 1 cup of water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of minced ginger to a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and allow the tea to cool for a while.
4. Add a little honey to it and consume immediately.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this twice daily for optimum benefits.

Why This Works

Regular ginger intake can reduce heavy blood flow and clots during menstruation, as per a study published in Phytotherapy Research (6).

8. Chamomile Tea

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of chamomile tea
• 1 cup of water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of chamomile tea to a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Strain and allow the tea to cool.
4. Add some honey to it and drink immediately.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink chamomile tea on a daily basis.

Why This Works

The coumarin in chamomile tea helps in blood thinning, which helps in reducing blood clots. And the tea’s anti-inflammatory properties help you deal with menstrual cramps and pain (7).

9. Garlic

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You Will Need

Minced garlic

What You Have To Do

1. Add minced garlic to your dishes.
2. You can also chew on a garlic clove as an alternative.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this daily, especially when you are on your period.

Why This Works

Sulfur, an important compound in garlic, exhibits anticoagulant activity against clotting disorders like thrombosisⁱ  XFormation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the blood flow in the circulatory system. (8). Hence, garlic can help to get rid of menstrual blood clots.

10. Pumpkin Seeds

Shutterstock

You Will Need

2 tablespoons of roasted pumpkin seeds

What You Have To Do

1. Take two tablespoons of roasted pumpkin seeds.
2. Break their shells and consume them directly.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume pumpkin seeds daily.

Why This Works

Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterolsⁱ  XPlant-derived compounds that help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart ailments. as well as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (which get converted to prostaglandins) that can help ease blood clots during menstruation (9), (10).

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your health. In addition to the home remedies, you can also follow these prevention tips to deal with blood clots during menstruation.

Prevention Tips

• Avoid consuming foods that contain vitamin K.
• Consume fruits rich in vitamin C.
• Drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated.
• Exercise regularly.

Stylecraze Says Most citrus fruits like oranges, berries like strawberries, and peppers are good sources of vitamin C that can be consumed during your periods.

Infographic Excerpt: Underlying Health Conditions That May Lead To Large Blood Clots During Periods

While clotting during the menstrual cycle is normal and expected, in some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition, especially if the clots are bigger than a quarter, frequent, and accompanied by heavy menstrual flow. Check out the infographic below to know more about the health conditions that may cause larger-than-usual blood clots during periods.

Blood clots during periods can have many causes. These include fibroids, endometriosis, and hormonal imbalances. Certain home remedies can help manage blood clots during periods. Using red raspberry leaf, pumpkin seeds, chamomile tea, cold compress, vitamins, blackstrap molasses, cayenne pepper, ginger tea, and pumpkin seeds can minimize blood clots. In addition, you can possibly prevent blood clots by consuming foods rich in vitamin C, hydrating adequately, and exercising regularly. Also, limiting foods rich in vitamin K is recommended.

The symptoms of kidney stones can be debilitating – apart from the excruciating pain, one may also have to deal with the urge to urinate every few minutes, a feeling of nausea or vomiting, or even bloody urine.

Proper diagnosis and the appropriate line of treatment are important to help resolve the issue. However, the natural remedies listed below might help you ease the pain and discomfort. Check them out and start following them after consulting with your health care provider.

StyleCraze TriviaA region located in the southern part of the US is known as the “Kidney Stone Belt” as the incidence of kidney stones is very high in that region.

In This Article

What Are Kidney Stones?

Sometimes, our kidneys may contain small crystal-like solid masses. These are kidney stones, also known as renal calculi. They usually originate in the kidneys but can also develop along the urinary tract that includes the bladder, ureters, and urethra.

Let us now see how kidney stones are formed.

How Do They Form?

Kidney stones are caused by inadequate consumption of water. If you consume less than 8-10 glasses of water a day, you are putting yourself at risk of developing kidney stones. The less amount of water in your body cannot dilute uric acid, which, in turn, makes your urine more acidic. The increasing acidity of urine leads to the formation of stones.

If you have been diagnosed with or have a family history of medical conditions like Crohn’s diseaseⁱ  XA chronic bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract and leads to symptoms like diarrhea, fatigue, and stomach pain. , urinary tract infections, medullary sponge kidneyⁱ  XA congenital disorder characterized by small cysts in the tubes of the fetus’s kidney that occur during birth. , etc., you are likely to develop kidney stones.

Some people are more likely to develop kidney stones as compared to others.

Risk Factors

Kidney stones mostly occur in people aged between 20 and 50 years. Also, more men are at risk of developing kidney stones than women. Other risk factors include:

• Family history of kidney stones
• Inadequate consumption of water
• Obesity
• Consuming foods with high glucose, salt, and protein
• Inflammatory bowel diseasesⁱ  XA group of diseases that cause chronic inflammation in the tissues of the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain.

In the next section, we will look at the home remedies that can be employed to treat it.

Home Remedies For Kidney Stones

1. Water

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As we have mentioned earlier, inadequate consumption of water is a major cause of kidney stones. Drinking water can help retard the formation of crystals and flushes out calcium and phosphorus from the kidneys (2).

You Will Need

10-12 glasses of water

What You Have To Do

Drink 10-12 glasses of water every day.

Related: 8 Important Benefits Of Drinking Water On An Empty Stomach

2. Tomato

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Tomatoes are rich in bioactive compounds like citrates that can help treat kidney stones. They can significantly reduce and prevent the formation of stones in your kidneys (3).

You Will Need

• 2 tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

What You Have To Do

1. Make a paste using one or two tomatoes and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to it.
2. Drink it up.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a week.

3. Lemon Juice

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Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. Citrates are known to reduce the formation of crystals and reduce the supersaturation of urine by increasing its volume (4).

You Will Need

• 2-3 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

What You Have To Do

1. Add a tablespoon each of lemon juice and olive oil to water.
2. Mix it well and drink it throughout the day.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this remedy several times a day for 3-4 weeks.

4. Radish Juice

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Studies show that consumption of radish juice increases the excretion of calcium oxalates in your urine. It also helps to flush out any crystals that may be building up in your kidneys (5).

You Will Need

1-2 radishes

What You Have To Do

1. Take a radish or two and blend to extract the juice.
2. Have 100 mL of this juice every morning on an empty stomach.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this for 1-2 weeks.

Related: 8 Awesome Benefits Of Radish | Nutrition Profile & Side Effects

5. Baking Soda

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Baking soda can be used to treat kidney stones (6). It is effective in flushing out the crystals in your kidneys and eliminating the stones.

You Will Need

• 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda
• A glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a glass of warm water and consume immediately.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a day.

Related: 20 Beauty Benefits Of Baking Soda You Must Know!

6. Dandelion Root

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Dandelion root has bioactive compounds that can help in increasing the volume of urine and preventing the formation of crystals in your kidneys (7).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of dandelion root
• A glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Steep a teaspoon of dandelion root in boiling water for 10 minutes.
2. Strain and drink the decoction.

How Often You Should Do This

Have this decoction 2-3 times a day.

Note: Make sure you consult your doctor before having dandelion root as it can interact with medications.

7. Horsetail Juice

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Horsetail juice exhibits diuretic activity, which means that it can help increase the volume of urine (8). It can also increase the glomerular filtration rateⁱ  XMeasures the filtration rate at which blood is filtered by glomerulus in the kidneys and determines its level of proper functioning. .

You Will Need

• 2-3 teaspoons of horsetail leaves
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Steep two to three teaspoons of horsetail herb in boiling water for about 15 minutes.
2. Strain and drink the decoction.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a day.

Caution: Do not try this remedy if you have diabetes, low potassium or thiamine levels, or are on lithium or heart medications. Consult your doctor.

8. Tribulus Terrestris

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Studies show that tribulus terrestris can flush out calcium oxalate crystals formed in the kidneys (9). It also has a significant diuretic effect.

You Will Need

1 teaspoon of extracts of Tribulus terrestris

What You Have To Do

1. Steep a teaspoon of the extracts of tribulus terrestris in boiling water.
2. Strain and consume the decoction.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume this 2-3 times a day until the stones pass in your urine.

9. Basil Leaf

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Basil leaves are one of the most common herbs used in traditional medicine and Ayurveda. They have a diuretic effect, which means that they can increase the volume of urine and facilitate the elimination of kidney stones (10).

You Will Need

• A handful of basil leaves
• A cup of boiling water
• 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Take a handful of basil leaves and let it steep in a cup of boiling water.
2. Strain and consume the decoction.
3. You can add a teaspoon of honey if needed.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume this 2-3 times a day.

10. Fennel

Shutterstock

Fennel seeds are rich in several bioactive compounds that can help treat kidney stones. These compounds can aid in breaking down the crystal formation your kidneys and allow them to be flushed out in your urine (11).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of fennel seed powder
• A cup of boiling water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of fennel seed powder to a cup of boiling water.
2. Mix well and consume after it has cooled down.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume this once a day for a couple of weeks.

These simple home remedies can help treat and manage kidney stones. If the condition persists, you must visit your doctor.

When Should I See A Doctor?

Sometimes, this condition can persist longer than it should and can cause a lot of pain. In such cases, you must consult your doctor. If the stones get stuck in the urinary tract, it can cause acute pain, and you must be taken in for surgery immediately.

Other symptoms that warrant a doctor’s consultation include vomiting, blood in urine, cloudy urine, fatigue, loss of consciousness, and lower abdominal and genital pain that lasts for more than four weeks.

Fun FactA kidney stone can be of any size and shape. According to Guinness World Records, the largest one ever recorded was over 5 inches wide.

Kidney stones are small crystal-like masses that may originate in the kidney and be present along the urinary tract. Inadequate water intake is one of the primary causes of kidney stone formation. The condition can be extremely painful and requires prompt medical assistance and a proper line of treatment. You may also apply some home remedies to alleviate the pain and discomfort after consultation with your healthcare provider. Drinking lots of water and incorporating tomatoes, lemon juice, radish juice, fennel, and basil leaves into your diet may help prevent or flush out kidney stones. If you experience vomiting, cloudy or bloody urine, or loss of consciousness, you should contact a medical professional immediately.

Acrochordons, commonly known as skin tags, are common in persons over the age of 60. They are sometimes found in children and young adults as well. They show little growths on the skin’s surface, near the skin folds. They are most commonly found around the breasts, around the neck, under the armpits, in the groin folds, and over the eyelids.

The remedies mentioned above are both low-cost and effective options to remove skin tags. At the end of the day, it boils down to whether you want to sweat it out at a dermatologist’s office or whether you want to try removing them at home. There are some cosmetic methods too. However, you need to read about the pros and cons of any of the methods as complications can arise from botched or incorrect removal procedures.

Here are some common questions answered for you.

Skin tags are usually uneven in appearance and brownish or skin-colored. To get rid of these growths, you don’t need to resort to expensive cosmetic or chemical treatments. Simple substances found around the house can be used to get rid of them quickly and cheaply. Please bear in mind that while natural treatments take a little longer than chemical treatments, they are safer.

Warts, skin tags, and other similar-looking skin growths are frequently misidentified. This article will assist you in quickly distinguishing and identifying skin tags. Keep reading to know more about skin tags and how to treat them!

In This Article

How To Identify Skin Tags

The funny thing is that most people are entirely unaware that they are living with these skin outgrowths. Quite often, skin tags fall off on their own due to friction and rubbing. The trouble arises when they don’t, and when they grow to a large enough size so as to cause embarrassment or even discomfort. Here are some key features to identify them:

• They look like little mushrooms with their skin stalks
• They are pendulum-like growths
• They are brown or flesh-colored

It is essential to cut off the blood supply to these skin tags if you want them to die and fall off naturally. Certain home remedies can help remove skin tags naturally.

StyleCraze Trivia Skin tags on eyelids do not interfere with vision, and there is no way to prevent them from appearing on the eyelids.

Here is a list of home remedies for skin tags removal that you can try.

How To Remove Skin Tags

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
2. Banana Peel
3. Baking Soda
4. Bloodroot
5. Manuka Honey
6. Witch Hazel
7. Garlic
8. Ginger
9. Oils
10. Juices
11. Shea Butter
12. Epsom Salt Bath

Get Rid Of Skin Tags At Home With These Remedies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar For Skin Tags

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

• A few drops of apple cider vinegar
• Cotton
• Duct tape or scotch tape

What You Have To Do

1. Pour the vinegar onto a small piece of cotton and strap it to the skin tag. Use the tape to hold the cotton in place.
2. Keep it on for a few hours.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat twice a day.

Why This Works

The acidity of the vinegar aids quick shedding of the skin tag (1).

Related: How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne & Things To Consider

2. Banana Peel For Skin Tags

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

A banana peel

What You Have To Do

1. Cut a small portion of the peel.
2. Apply the fibrous part (white side) of the peel on the skin tag for an hour or so.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat the process for a few days until the skin tag falls off.

Why This Works

Banana peels have been shown to be effective in removing warts with their enzymes and acids. The same chemicals found in the peel can help to shed skin tags (2).

Related: 10 Amazing Benefits Of Banana Peels

3. Baking Soda For Skin Tags

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• A few drops of castor oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mix a little castor oil with baking soda to form a paste. Keep in mind that this can be very sticky.
2. Apply this paste on the skin tag.
3. Rinse it off after 1-2 hours.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat the process for 2-4 weeks, and you will notice the skin tag disappearing slowly.

Why This Works

Castor oil and baking soda alter the pH of the affected area, which helps to remove skin outgrowths like skin tags and even warts (3).

Related: 20 Beauty Benefits Of Baking Soda You Must Know!

4. Bloodroot For Skin Tags

You Will Need

• Bloodroot paste (Black salve)
• Bandage
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Cotton

What You Have To Do

1. Clean the skin tag and the surrounding area with a cotton ball dipped in hydrogen peroxide.
2. Apply the black salve on this and cover it with a bandage.
3. Leave the bandage on for a few hours.

How Often You Should Do This

Change the bandage 3-4 times a day. Repeat the process of cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and applying the bloodroot paste. Use this remedy continuously for a maximum of three days only.

Why This Works

Native to the United States and Canada, the bloodroot herb is a strong remedy to remove skin tags, moles, and warts. It is even recommended by herbalists to remove tumors (4). It cuts off circulation to the skin tag, making it fall off by itself after a few applications.

Caution

Purchase black salve paste that contains only bloodroot and water. Additional ingredients can cause adverse reactions in combination with bloodroot. Do not ingest it as bloodroot can be poisonous.

Related: Bloodroot: 5 Major Benefits, How To Use, And Side Effects

5. Manuka Honey For Skin Tags

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

• Manuka honey
• Band-aid

What You Have To Do

1. Apply honey to the skin tag and cover with a band-aid.
2. Keep the band-aid on for a few hours.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this a few times during the day.

Why This Works

Manuka honey is a non-peroxide type of honey. Applying it to the skin tag restricts its oxygen supply, and this helps in its removal. Honey also has wound healing properties that will help to heal the skin faster once the skin tag has fallen off. It also prevents the formation of scars (5).

6. Witch Hazel For Skin Tags

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

Witch hazel extract

What You Have To Do

Apply the extract on the skin tag and let it dry.

How Often You Should Do This

Reapply 3-4 times a day.

Why This Works

Witch hazel is an astringent and its pH balancing properties can help you get rid of the skin tag (6).

Related: 24 Amazing Witch Hazel Benefits, How To Use, & Side Effects

7. Garlic For Skin Tags

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

1-2 garlic cloves

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the fresh garlic cloves into a paste.
2. Now, apply the paste on the skin tag.
3. Wash it off after an hour or so.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat twice a day.

Why This Works

Garlic is antibacterial and antifungal in nature (7). After a few days, the tag will fall off, leaving behind smooth skin.

8. Ginger For Skin Tags

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

Ginger slices

What You Have To Do

1. Clean the skin tag and the surrounding area. Pat it dry.
2. Rub a slice of raw ginger on it for a minute or two.
3. Do not rinse away the juice that comes out of the ginger piece and onto your skin.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 5-6 times a day.

Why This Works

Ginger contains a wide range of bioactive compounds that possess healing and antimicrobial properties (8). These properties have been effective to remove skin tags in some people.

9. Oils For Skin Tags

Image: Shutterstock

(a) Castor Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

• 1-2 drops of castor oil
• Bandage

What You Have To Do

Apply castor oil on the skin tag and cover it with a bandage.

How Often You Should Do This

Reapply castor oil twice or thrice a day.

Why This Works

The strong phytochemicals present in castor oil are often used to remove warts, moles, and skin tags. An additional benefit of using this oil is that it has wound healing and skin conditioning properties. Once the skin tag is gone, your skin will heal quickly and be hydrated and moisturized (9, 10).

(b) Coconut Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

Organic coconut oil

What You Have To Do

Apply coconut oil on the skin tag and leave it on.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat every morning and night.

Why This Works

Coconut oil contains lauric acidⁱ  XA saturated fat that contains antibacterial qualities and is considered an excellent remedy for various skincare issues. and alpha-tocopherolⁱ  XA type of vitamin E that helps prevent cell damage brought on by free radicals and boosts the immune system. that help to remove skin tags in a matter of a few weeks (11).

(c) Tea Tree Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

• 1-2 drops of tea tree oil
• 1-2 drops of olive oil or coconut oil

What You Have To Do

Dilute the tea tree essential oil in the carrier oil and apply the blend on the skin tag.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this 2-3 times every day until the skin tag sheds.

Why This Works

A multifaceted essential oil, tea tree oil dries up the skin tag and helps in speeding the shedding process. It is also antimicrobial in nature. This means that it will protect the skin from infections once the skin tag has come off (12).

(d) Oregano Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops of oregano oil
• 5 drops of coconut oil
• Cotton swab

What You Have To Do

Mix the oils and apply the mixture on the skin tag.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times daily.

Why This Works

Oregano oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is often used for treating skin conditions like acne, eczemaⁱ  X A skin disorder that results in dry, itchy, and rough skin often caused by dry weather, dust mites, and soaps. , psoriasisⁱ  XA skin disorder wherein the skin cells aggregate, resulting in scales and dry, itchy regions. , and rosaceaⁱ  X A disorder in which some facial blood vessels expand, appearing reddened on the cheeks and nose. . It is also used to remove skin tags and warts (13).

(e) Jojoba Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

1-2 drops of jojoba oil

What You Have To Do

1. Massage the skin tag and the surrounding area with the oil.
2. Leave it on. Do not rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply in the morning and at night, before going to bed.

Why This Works

The exact mechanism of action of jojoba oil on skin tags is still not known, but it has helped a lot of people to easily shed off their skin tags in a matter of just 7-10 days.

(f) Lavender Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

• A drop of lavender essential oil
• 1-2 drops coconut oil

What You Have To Do

Apply a mixture of the oils mentioned on the skin tags.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice a day.

Why This Works

Lavender essential oil, apart from being soothing for the skin, has antiseptic properties (14). It is a good remedy for skin tags and other skin ailments.

(g) Lemon Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

Lemon essential oil

What You Have To Do

Apply this oil on the skin tags and leave it on.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this 2-3 times a day.

Why This Works

Lemon oil is an astringent and removes the excess oils and water from the skin tag site (15). This causes the skin tag to shed by itself.

Caution

Do not expose the skin to sunlight after applying this oil. It can lead to sunburns as lemon essential oil is photosensitive.

(h) Neem Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

• 1-2 drops neem oil
• Bandage

What You Have To Do

Apply neem oil to the skin tag and cover with a bandage.

How Often You Should Do This

Replace the bandage every few hours, accompanied by the reapplication of the essential oil.

Why This Works

Neem oil contains essential fatty acids and other bioactive components that will help in easily removing the skin tag without any surgical procedure (16).

(i) Peppermint Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 2-3 drops of castor oil

What You Have To Do

1. Apply a blend of these two oils on the skin tags.
2. Leave the oil on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every night, before going to bed.

Why This Works

Peppermint oil has antiseptic as well as anti-inflammatory properties. In combination with castor oil, it not only removes the skin tags naturally but also soothes the skin and reduces any swelling that may develop (17).

(j) Almond Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

Almond oil

What You Have To Do

1. Rub almond oil around and on the skin tag.
2. Leave it on.

How Often You Should Do This

Keep applying this oil every few hours.

Why This Works

Almond oil is rich in vitamin E (18). It hydrates your skin and speeds up the healing process once the tag has fallen off. It also eases the process of decay and death of the skin tag and keeps your skin nourished.

(k) Clove Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops of clove oil
• 2-3 drops of rosehip oil
• Cotton swab

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the clove oil and rosehip oil.
2. Dip the cotton swab in this mixture and apply it to the skin tag.
3. Leave it on for as long as possible.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once or twice a day.

Why This Works

The potent phytochemicals in clove oil will cut off circulation to the skin tag and cause it to shed (19).Rosehip oil will help the skin heal quickly without any scars once the skin tag has been shed (20).

(l) Cinnamon Oil For Skin Tags

You Will Need

• Cinnamon oil
• Cotton swab
• Band-aid

What You Have To Do

1. Apply the cinnamon oil to the skin tag with the cotton swab.
2. Cover with a band-aid.

How Often You Should Do This

Reapply the oil twice a day. Use a fresh band-aid every time.

Why This Works

This folk remedy for skin tags and warts is actually worth giving a try. People have been able to get results in a couple of days with regular usage of this essential oil. Cinnamon oil is an antiseptic agent as well (21).

10. Juices For Skin Tags

Image: Shutterstock

(a) Lemon Juice For Removing Skin Tags

You Will Need

• Lemon juice
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Dip the cotton ball in lemon juice and apply it to the skin tag.
2. Wash it off after some time.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice or thrice a week.

Why This Works

The citric acid in lemon juice removes the dead cells (22). In 2-3 weeks, you will notice that the skin tag is slowly decomposing.

(b) Pineapple Juice For Skin Tags

You Will Need

Fresh pineapple juice

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze out some fresh pineapple juice and apply it directly to the skin tag.
2. Let it dry naturally.

How Often You Should Do This

Keep applying this juice every 2-3 hours. Repeat for a few days until your skin tag becomes invisible.

Why This Works

Pineapple juice is also known to work on moles and warts, apart from skin tags. The proteolyticⁱ  XA class of enzymes that split lengthy, chain-like proteins into smaller pieces and then into their individual amino acid constituents. enzymes dry up the skin tag, causing it to fall (23).

(c) Fig Juice For Skin Tags

You Will Need

A few fig stems

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the stems to extract the juice.
2. Apply this juice on the skin tags and leave it on.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat the application 2-4 times a day until the skin tag falls off.

Why This Works

Figs are widely used for their laxative properties, but very few people know about their ability to shed skin tags and similar skin outgrowths naturally. Ficin, a proteolytic enzyme found in the stem juice, causes the skin tag to shed by itself (24).

(d) Aloe Vera Juice For Skin Tags

You Will Need

Aloe vera juice or gel

What You Have To Do

1. Massage the skin tag and the surrounding area for a minute or two with aloe vera juice.
2. Leave it on till it dries.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this thrice a day.

Why This Works

The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing properties of aloe vera can help to get rid of skin tags and heal the skin quickly (25).

(e) Onion Juice For Skin Tags

You Will Need

• 2-3 onion slices
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Add the salt to the water and mix well. Soak the onion slices in this overnight.
2. Apply this water to the affected area.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this 2-3 times a day. Use fresh onion-soaked water every day.

Why This Works

Often used to treat adamant warts, this remedy will work wonders for simple skin tags (26). Rich in sulfur-containing compounds, this commonly used vegetable also contains plenty of antioxidants and helps to heal scars (27, 28).

11. Shea Butter For Skin Tags

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

• Organic shea butter
• A drop of oregano essential oil

What You Have To Do

1. Take a tiny amount of shea butter in your palm and melt it with the heat of your fingertips.
2. Add the oregano essential oil to this and mix well.
3. Apply this on the skin tags.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this remedy twice a day.

Why This Works

While the oregano essential oil will make the skin tag detach itself in due course of time, shea butter will ensure that the skin remains hydrated. It contains healthy fats that nourish the skin and heal and prevent scars (29).

12. Epsom Salt Bath

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• Warm water
• Bathtub

What You Have To Do

1. Draw a warm bath and add Epsom salt to the water.
2. Soak in this water for 10-20 minutes.

Alternatively, add half a teaspoon of Epsom salt to two tablespoons of water. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and place it on the skin tag for 15 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

It is recommended to soak your body in Epsom salt water every alternate day. However, you can place the soaked cotton ball on the skin tag twice a day.

Why This Works

Epsom salt rebalances the pH of the skin and draws out all the toxins. It dries up the skin tag, which causes it to shed easily. An Epsom salt bath is also very relaxing for the muscles (30, 31).

StyleCraze Says Keeping your skin hydrated and avoiding too much friction may help reduce the formation of skin tags.

Infographic: 4 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Skin Tags

Skin tags can be bothersome and uncomfortable at times. They are usually painless and non-harmful. However, people may find them attractive and may want to remove them. To help you out, we have rounded up simple household ingredients you can use to remove skin tags from your skin naturally. Check out the infographic below to know more!

Acrocordhons or skin tags are brown or flesh-colored growths on the skin that can be distinguished by the stalk that attaches them to the skin. You can remove skin tags by cutting off the oxygen supply or dissolving the growth, and several home remedies may help you with the process. Among the most popular options are apple cider vinegar, banana peels, Epsom salt bath, witch hazel, manuka honey, baking soda, and bloodroot. Note that surgical methods to remove skin tags should not be tried at home and may be dangerous.

Dr. Sanusi Umar, MD, FAAD, says, “No matter how minor, surgery should never be performed by just anyone. If you have a skin tag that bothers you, you should go to a surgeon or a dermatologist to get it removed.”

Now that you know how to remove skin tags easily, what are you waiting for? Do not fear skin tags as they are unobtrusive and painless. There is a popular misconception that the removal of skin tags causes them to grow right back. There is no medical evidence that links removal with reappearance. So, go ahead and use the remedies mentioned in this article.

Never try to remove them by surgical means or by castration at home as this may cause infection and make it worse. Try these simple home remedies instead to get rid of them.

In This Article

What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a microbial infection that can affect one or both of your lungs. This infectious condition has the potential to make you very sick by causing inflammation of your lungs, which get filled with fluid or phlegm. Individuals affected by a cold or flu are more likely to develop pneumonia owing to the weakened state of their lungs.

Pneumonia is classified into different types based on what germs caused it, where it was acquired and how. Let us take a look at the same below.

Types Of Pneumonia

Based On Germs

• Bacterial Pneumonia: Certain bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila cause penumonia.

• Viral Pneumonia: Respiratory viruses are another common cause of pneumonia. However, viral pneumonia is not as serious as bacterial pneumonia. Influenza A and B viruses are the main cause of pneumonia in adults, and the main cause of viral pneumonia in infants is the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

• Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by a genus of bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This bacterial species lacks a cell wall and hence remains unaffected by most over-the-counter antibiotics.

• Fungal Pneumonia: This type of pneumonia is mainly caused by fungi that are present in the soil or bird droppings. Fungal pneumonia easily affects those who have chronic diseases or weak immune systems.

Based On Where It Was Acquired (Location)

• Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: If you develop pneumonia during a hospital stay, it is referred to as hospital-acquired pneumonia.

• Community-Acquired Pneumonia: This type of pneumonia is usually acquired in a public place and not in a hospital or institutional setting.

Based On How It Was Acquired

• Aspiration Pneumonia: If you happen to develop pneumonia by inhaling bacteria from foods, drinks or saliva, it is called aspiration pneumonia. This type usually occurs when the infected individual has difficulty in swallowing.

• Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Individuals using a ventilator can also develop pneumonia.

Now that you are familiar with the types of pneumonia, understanding its causes is a lot easier.

Causes Of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is often caused by microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. If you happen to inhale in these microbes via air, food, or water, there is a high likelihood that you will develop pneumonia. And if you are already fighting the flu, cold or any other medical conditions like asthma or diabetes, your chances of contracting pneumonia are a lot higher.

Read on for the signs and symptoms that surface with the onset of pneumonia.

Signs And Symptoms Of Pneumonia

The most common symptoms that accompany pneumonia are as follows:

• Bouts of coughing that produce phlegm
• Difficulty in breathing
• Chest pain that worsens while coughing
• Fever and chills

Some symptoms of pneumonia may vary depending on its cause. They include:

• Viral pneumonia shows flu-like symptoms (such as wheezing) followed by a high fever.
• Bacterial pneumonia causes a high fever and bluish lips and nails.

The signs of pneumonia also vary in infants and adults and are as follows:

• Children under 5 years of age may develop fast breathing
• Infants may vomit and become very weak
• There might be a drop in the body temperature of older people affected by pneumonia

Pneumonia can prove to be lethal, especially for the younger and older lot. Hence, it is necessary to treat it as soon as you notice its onset. Listed below are some of the best home remedies you can use to treat pneumonia in its initial stages.

20 Best Home Remedies To Treat Pneumonia

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
2. Garlic
3. Vitamin C
4. Essential Oils
5. Turmeric
6. Ginger
7. Vegetable Juices
8. Vicks Vapor Rub
9. Parsnip Juice
10. Holy Basil
11. Carrots
12. Fenugreek Seeds
13. Sesame Seeds
14. Honey
15. Camphor
16. Oregano Oil
17. Dandelion Tea
18. Apples
19. Willow Bark
20. Steam Inhalation

How To Treat Pneumonia Naturally

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1/2 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Add the apple cider vinegar to warm water.
2. To this, add half a teaspoon of honey and mix well.
3. Consume this mixture throughout the day.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that can help combat the bacteria and viruses causing pneumonia (1), (2).

Related: 8 Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar & How To Use It SafelyStyleCraze SaysBefore consuming ACV, dilute it with water to lower the risk of tooth enamel damage.

2. Garlic

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You Will Need

3-4 cloves of garlic

What You Have To Do

1.  You can either chew on the garlic cloves or add them to your diet.
2. You can also crush the garlic cloves and apply the paste to your chest.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily.

Why This Works

Garlic is one of the best natural treatments for pneumonia. It contains a compound called allicin that exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties that help fight the infection (3), (4). It also acts as an expectorant and clears the phlegm from your lungs and throat.

3. Vitamin C

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A deficiency in vitamin C can increase your chances of being affected by pneumonia (5). Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is known for its antioxidant properties, and it also enhances the antibacterial properties of other substances (6), (7). These properties make it helpful in dealing with pneumonia and its symptoms.

You can increase your intake of vitamin C either via your daily diet or supplements. Foods such as citrus fruits, nuts, and leafy vegetables are rich sources of vitamin C. However, if you are planning to take additional supplements of vitamin C, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before doing so.

Related: 28 Benefits Of Vitamin C, Dosage, Deficiency, And Precautions

4. Essential Oils

1. Peppermint Oil

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You Will Need

• 2-3 drops of peppermint oil
• 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil (olive or almond oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil of your choice.
2. Apply this mixture to your chest and back.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily.

Why This Works

Peppermint oil exhibits antimicrobial and analgesicⁱ  X The property of a substance or drug to relieve pain without numbing the nerves or altering sensory perception. properties, which can help combat pneumonia (8). It is also a natural expectorant and can help in relieving congestion that often accompanies the infection.

2. Eucalyptus Oil

shutterstock

You Will Need

• 4-5 drops of eucalyptus oil
• A bowl of hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water.
2. Cover your head with a blanket and bend over the bowl.
3. Inhale the steam deeply.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day for immediate relief.

Why This Works

Eucalyptus oil is derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and is widely used for its medicinal properties. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and decongestant properties, all of which can be helpful in the treatment of pneumonia (9), (10).

5. Turmeric

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 glass of hot milk, preferably almond, coconut or rice milk (please avoid dairy milk, like that of cows, as it can increase mucous production)

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the turmeric powder in a glass of hot milk.
2. Stir well and consume daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this at least once daily.

Why This Works

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can be effective against the bacteria causing pneumonia (11), (12). It also acts as a mucolytic, which means it helps to expel mucus and catarrh from the bronchial ducts, thus easing breathing.

Related: 18 Health Benefits Of Turmeric, How To Use It, & Side Effects

6. Ginger

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1-2 inches of ginger
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add ginger to a cup of hot water
2.  and allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Strain and add honey to taste.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this 2-3 times daily.

Why This Works

Ginger is another herb that can help treat pneumonia naturally. With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, ginger is capable of fighting the infectious microbes that cause pneumonia (13), (14).

7. Vegetable Juices

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Many vegetable juices are capable of increasing your immunity and accelerating your recovery from this contagious infection. Juices extracted from cucumber, spinach, carrots, and beetroots do not just improve your overall health but also combat the bacteria and viruses causing pneumonia (15).

8. Vicks Vapo Rub

Shutterstock

You Will Need

Vicks VapoRub

What You Have To Do

Rub a generous amount of Vicks VapoRub on your chest and back before you go to bed.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily.

Why This Works

Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus, all of which are effective in treating pneumonia. Studies have also proven that Vicks VapoRub exhibits decongestant properties, which can help relieve the symptoms of congestion that often surfaces with pneumonia (16).

9. Parsnip Juice

Shutterstock

You Will Need

1/2 cup of parsnip juice

What You Have To Do

Consume about half a cup of parsnip juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily.

Why This Works

Parsnip has high vitamin content, which helps to increase your immunity against all diseases in general. The vitamin C content of parsnips makes it effective against various respiratory diseases, including pneumonia (17).

10. Holy Basil

Shutterstock

You Will Need

3-4 basil leaves

What You Have To Do

Chew on some basil leaves.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 2-3 times every day.

Why This Works

Holy basil exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help your body fight pneumonia (18).

Related: 20 Benefits Of Basil For Skin And Hair, Nutrition, & Recipes

11. Carrots

Shutterstock

You Will Need

1 cup of chopped carrots

What You Have To Do

Eat a cup of carrots.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times every day.

Why This Works

Carrots are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can combat the microbes causing pneumonia (19), (20). The vitamins A and C in carrots improve your overall health and speed up your recovery.

Related: 13 Amazing Benefits Of Carrots For Your Health

12. Fenugreek Seeds

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Steep the fenugreek seeds in hot water for 10 minutes.
2. Strain and add honey for flavor.
3. Consume the fenugreek tea before it turns cold.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this tea 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

Fenugreek seeds are potential therapeutic agents for treating a variety of diseases (21). They exhibit some powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve inflammation and other symptoms of pneumonia (22).

13. Sesame Seeds

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• A pinch of salt

What You Have To Do

1. Add the sesame seeds and water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
2. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and add salt and honey.
4. Consume this concoction before it turns cold.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this solution once daily.

Why This Works

Sesame seeds contain phytoestrogensⁱ  XThey are estrogen-like compounds present naturally in plants and have a similar chemical structure to the estrogen hormone. that exhibit strong antimicrobial properties and help in the treatment of pneumonia. These seeds also possess expectorant properties and can relieve congestion and other symptoms of the infection (23), (24).

14. Honey

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1/4 glass of water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix a teaspoon of honey in water.
2. Consume this solution daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this several times every day till the symptoms subside.

Why This Works

Honey is a blend of compounds that impart antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties to it (25), (26). The exceptional medicinal properties of honey have been exploited since ages to treat various ailments, including cough and cold, which are often the symptoms of pneumonia (27).

15. Camphor

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops of camphor oil
• 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil (jojoba or olive oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Add about three drops of camphor oil to a teaspoon of any carrier oil.
2. Rub this mixture gently on your chest and back.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every night before going to bed.

Why This Works

The powerful antiseptic and decongestant properties of camphor oil can help relieve the symptoms of pneumonia (28).

Caution

Keep this out of your child’s reach.

16. Oregano Oil

shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1-2 drops of oregano oil
• A cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Take a few drops of oregano oil on a cotton ball.
2. Place it next to your bed every night before going to sleep.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this on a regular basis.

Why This Works

Oregano oil possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which make it effective in fighting pneumonia (29), (30). It also exhibits decongestant properties, which can be helpful in breaking up the phlegm and relieving cough and congestion.

17. Dandelion Tea

shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1-2 teaspoons of dandelion herb
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add the dandelion herb to a cup of hot water.
2.  Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Strain and add honey to this.
4. Consume the dandelion tea.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3-4 times daily.

Why This Works

Dandelion roots are widely used for their health benefits. Apart from being anti-inflammatory, they also exhibit antimicrobial properties, which can be effective against various microbes like bacteria, viruses, and fungi (31), (32). This makes dandelion roots quite helpful in the treatment of pneumonia. They also exhibit decongestant properties that can help relieve cough and other symptoms of pneumonia.

18. Apples

shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 apple
• Water (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Have an apple for breakfast or as a snack.
2. Alternatively, you can blend an apple with a cup of water and drink the juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume apples on a daily basis.

Why This Works

Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, which enhance your overall health and also help in treating and preventing pneumonia. The phytochemicals and flavonoidsⁱ  XA group of polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties and protect against diseases and cell damage. in apples have anti-inflammatory properties and can help in reducing inflammation in the lungs (33), (34).

19. Willow Bark

shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1-2 teaspoons of willow bark
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Steep willow bark in a cup of hot water.
2. Strain the solution and add honey to it.
3. Consume this before it turns cold.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this solution at least thrice every day.

Why This Works

Willow barks contain polyphenolsⁱ  XA family of naturally occurring micronutrients with antioxidant properties commonly found in fruits, teas, spices, and vegetables. and flavonoids that have antiseptic and fever-reducing properties (35). These compounds also improve your overall immunity. Hence, willow bark is a great option for treating pneumonia.

20. Steam Inhalation

shutterstock

You Will Need

• A bowl of hot water
• A towel

What You Have To Do

1. Take a bowl of hot water and bend your head over it.
2. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the hot steam.
3. You can also add essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint oil to the hot water.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

The hot steam from water can help relieve cough and congestion by breaking up the phlegm in your lungs. It is also antimicrobial and kills the microbes causing the infection (36).

StyleCraze SaysTo avoid burning your face or nose when inhaling in the steam, keep your face at least 12 inches away from the steam.

Pneumonia, when treated in its early stages, can be easily cured by using the above home remedies. You can also take some preventive tips to avoid the recurrence of this infection.

Preventive Tips

• Quit smoking as it makes you more susceptible to respiratory infections.
• Wash your hands, especially before and after having your meals.
• Cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing to avoid spreading your infection.
• Follow a healthy diet and get ample rest to increase your immunity.
• There are also vaccinations available for pneumonia. Although these might not prevent pneumonia altogether, they will surely lower the risk of complications.

In addition to these tips, it is important to be aware of the risk factors for pneumonia.

Risk Factors For Pneumonia

Certain groups of people are more susceptible to developing pneumonia and are at higher risk of suffering from its complications. They include

• Newborn infants and children whose age is 2 years or less.
• Individuals above 65 years of age.
• Those under medications or already suffering from any disease are at a higher risk due to their weakened immunity.
• Smokers and people who misuse drugs also have a higher probability of developing pneumonia.

Infographic: What To Expect While Recovering From Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a microbial infection that may become worse if not appropriately managed. Though minor symptoms like cough and fever can be managed with home remedies, you may have to consult a doctor if the symptoms do not subside. You will start seeing changes in the symptoms within a week of starting your treatment.

Check out the infographic below to learn what to expect while recovering from pneumonia.

Pneumonia is a microbial infection of the lungs that can affect breathing and lung functioning. You are more likely to develop pneumonia if you are battling the flu, a cold or have underlying health conditions like diabetes or asthma. Some common signs and symptoms to look out for include productive cough, chest pain, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. As this condition can quickly progress and become a medical emergency, it is best to stay in touch with your healthcare provider and begin the use the home remedies to treat pneumonia at the earliest.