Vinegar

Two cups of vinegar added to bathwater will often soothe itchy skin. Vinegar can be dabbed on sunburns to cool the skin. And one of the oldest treatments for athlete's foot is to apply vinegar to your toes; it destroys the fungus that causes this itchy, burning condition.

Additionally, vinegar can be used as a treatment for swimmer's ear, a bothersome infection that can develop when water is trapped in the inner ear. Swimmer's ear makes the ear feel itchy and plugged and may interfere with hearing. To prevent a waterlogged ear from becoming infected, doctors recommend placing a mixture of half isopropyl alcohol and half white vinegar into the ear with a dropper. To open the ear canal, tilt the head so that the clogged ear is facing upward and pull the ear toward the top of the head and back. Then add the mixture, massaging the outside of the ear. Tilt the head so that the ear is facing downward, allowing the fluid to drain out. The alcohol, a mild antibiotic, will help dry the ear canal, and the vinegar's antifungal properties may help prevent an infection. But people with perforated eardrums should avoid this treatment.

Epsom Salt

When taken internally, this form of magnesium sulfate acts as a hyperosmotic, drawing water into the bowels from surrounding tissues to soften stools. When used in a soaking solution, Epsom salt draws fluid out of the skin and shrinks tissues, reducing inflammation associated with sprains, insect bites, hemorrhoids, corns, boils, poison ivy, and arthritis. Tired, sore feet can be refreshed by alternately soaking them in warm water with Epsom salt, then plunging them in a basin filled with ice water. A teaspoon of Epsom salt can be mixed with a tablespoon of cold cream and massaged into the skin as an exfoliating cleanser. And Epsom salt and warm water can be used as a mouthwash or gargle, but do not swallow unless you want a laxative effect.