The peels of fruits hold some of the most incredible
nutrients in the world. There are dozens of uses, both medicinal and practical,
for orange and banana peels that are unknown to most. Next time you think about
throwing away one of these peels, you may want to have this information handy.
If you can’t get your hands on organic oranges, a good cleaning with 1
tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in 1 cup of water
will remove almost any pesticide remaining within the outer peel.
Orange peel and apple skin are similar since most of the nutrients and benefits
are in the skin of these fruits. One medium orange contains over 60 flavonoids
and 170 different phytonutrients. They are good for your skin, your system and
your home too.
As per Ayurveda, the medicinal benefits of orange peels are as follows. Orange
peel is tikta (bitter) and it improves digestion and removes sluggishness in the
abdomen. It helps to remove gas, heartburn, vomiting and acidic eructation. It
works well in perking up appetite and relieving nausea. Due to its pacifying
properties orange peel powder helps dissolving phlegm in respiratory systems and
alleviates cough and asthma.
Beneficiary aspects of orange peels come from its essential oils, which have
anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. They have the ability to defuse
stomach acids and maintain normal intestinal movements as well as promoting
normal liver function. Studies have shown that orange peel can dissolve
cholesterol and triglyceride. It has a flavonoid known as hesperidine, which is
said to be effective against colon cancer and osteoporosis. Essential oils from
orange peels are sedative in nature so they can be used to calm nerves and
induce sleep. Use orange peels in baths or simmer in a pot for uplifting your
mood and drive away insomnia.
Now let us take a look at some other benefits and usage of orange peels. Oily
skin responds well to application of orange peels as it balances the skin oils
and makes skin smooth and soft. Dried orange peel powder acts as a natural
exfoliator and removes dead cells and blackheads gently and naturally, bringing
a glow to the skin. Due to its cleansing, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and
antifungal properties, it works well against pimples and acne.
In cooking, orange zest enhances the taste and flavor of many dishes. Sweet
candies made with orange peel can tickle your taste buds and improve your
appetite and the vitamin C in them would protect you from the onset of many
ailments.
Banana peels are chock-a-block with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, so
they’re a natural cure for many an ailment and an aid for cell regeneration,
though unlike orange peels, they are not to be consumed as food. Research has
demonstrated they have a capacity to absorb lead and copper from river water.
With restorative properties, banana peel can speed up the healing of bruises.
Rub a banana peel on bug bites to soothe the skin and reduce itching. It’s said
that if you rub banana peel on your teeth for a couple of minutes every day,
your teeth could be noticeably whiter in a few weeks.
Not only do banana peels help eliminate warts, but they prevent their return.
Simply tape a piece of banana peel to the wart overnight for about a week.
Alternately, you can just rub the banana peel on the affected area daily.
Among the more bizarre applications for banana peels is the removal of
splinters. The enzymes actually help dislodge the splinter and start the healing
process when you tape a piece of the peel over a splinter.
Banana peel will soothe the inflammation and irritation of acne and reduce
outbreaks. Rub the peel over the acne (face or body) every night. Improvements
should be apparent within a few days. Once or twice daily, rub a banana peel on
a psoriasis-affected area. Bananas have all the properties to moisturize, reduce
itchiness, and heal psoriasis providing noticeable differences in as little as a
few days.
Next time you’re at a friend’s house, ask for a banana, peel it, discard the
banana, and hold the banana peel across your forehead as a headache cure. Watch
for their reaction; your friend may have lost faith in your sanity, but you also
might not have a headache any more.
The theme in household applications for banana peels is polishing. After
removing the stringy bits from the peel, rub away and watch the shine. Rub the
banana peel on your (leather) shoes, then buff them up with a soft cloth.
Leather jackets and furniture could benefit from those peels. Please test a
small area first before tackling your sofa with a banana peel and buffing it
with a soft cloth.
