Banana peels. Photo credit to Julia Kuzenkov/Unsplash
When we speak of bananas, we’re always interested only in the fruits. And, we think its peels are destined only for the trash can. Didn’t you give it some thought that, perhaps, the banana peel may still be useful in other applications?
Most often, you never think twice before throwing the banana peel into the trash bin, do you? In this blog, let me share with you some uncommon uses of this fruit rind that work!
Uncommon Uses of Banana Peel
Here are a handful of ways you can use banana peel after you consumed the fruit.
Fertilize Your Plants
It’s not only the fruit that contains phosphorus and potassium. Banana peel is also rich in these minerals. Now, take these minerals to your garden to boost the health of your plants. Your vegetables, roses, and even house plants will love the extra nourishment. Here is how to do it:
- Air-dry the peels until they become crisp.
- Break them down to smaller pieces and keep in a sealed envelope.
- Store it at room temperature.
- Add the crumbled banana peels to the soil when you plant.
Shine Your Shoes
This may sound weird to you, but it’s true! The rinds of bananas do make your shoes shine. Try it! Rub your leather shoes with the inner side of the rind. Then, buff the shoes with a soft cloth.
Polish Your Silver
Yes, banana peel can restore the luster to your silver pieces. Follow this procedure.
- Blend some rinds in your food processor until smooth.
- Using either a soft cloth or toothbrush, gently scrub the paste around your silver jewelry.
- Dip the pieces into a water basin and wash off the paste.
Moisturize Your Feet
Is cracked heels your problem? Get some rinds of banana and let it do the trick. Rub the inner side of the peel on your heels, toes, and other dry areas of your feet. After a few minutes, rinse off your feet. You may repeat the process for a few days.
Did you know how banana does it? Remember, bananas are high in vitamins A, B, C, and E, and amino acids. These are banana’s “secret powers”. They moisturize your feet and heal your cracked heels.
Remove Warts
What? Yes, unripe or slightly ripe bananas do the trick well. While the moisture in the peel helps soften warts, its enzymes penetrate the bump to its base. Here’s how to do it.
- Apply a small piece of the rind over the wart. Make sure that the inner side of the peel touches the bump. To ensure that it doesn’t come off, tape the peel over it.
- Let it stay for a few hours. It’s even better to apply it before bedtime and leave it overnight.
- Remove the peel in the morning.
- Repeat the process using fresh peel each time until the wart is removed.
Relieve Itch
Mosquito bites and poison ivy rash are itchy. But then again, you can trust banana peel to relieve you of the discomfort. Just rub the inner side of the peel on the affected area.
However, in case of severe poison ivy rash, you need to see your doctor for further treatment.
Remove Splinters
Those minuscule splinters can jab deep into your skin and cause real pain. And, it’s a serious challenge to remove them, isn’t it? Don’t worry! Let banana peel do the job. Tape a small piece of the rind over the affected area and leave it for half an hour. Then, remove the tape and tweeze the menace away.
Treat Acne
Acne is another menace. Although several treatments are available over-the-counter, you may opt for a cheap home remedy if you like. Try banana! The rind of this fruit is naturally loaded with lectin and zinc. These antibacterial properties promote healing of spots and prevent new ones from showing up. Here’s how to do it.
- Wash your face with soap and water.
- Gently rub the inner side of the peel over the affected areas.
- Leave it on your face for 5 - 10 minutes.
- Rinse
- Repeat the process daily for a few days until you see results.
Bottom Line
Banana peels are not just wraps. Make it a habit to keep some rinds in your house. Who knows when you might need it. Besides, recycling things means a lot to the environment.
