Yogurt is a staple in households across the country, but how many of us actually use it beyond the kitchen?
The nutrient-laden dairy product has an array of uses in cooking, but there so many other clever ways it can be incorporated in your beauty routine and used around the house.
From pedicures to soothing a sunburn, here are nine brilliant ways yogurt can be make your life much easier.
1. Eliminate frizz
It doesn't matter what type of hair texture you have, everyone experiences frizz every once in a while.
Instead of wasting money on chemical-filled products that may or may not work to tame the fly-aways, reach for some yogurt.
The protein in the dairy product will strengthen the hair shaft, which will repair the split ends, while the lactic acid will provide the hydration your hair needs. The vitamins, including B12, and nutrients like Niacin and Riboflavin protect weak strands, prevent premature greying and dandruff.
At least once a month, apply a cup of yogurt to your hair and scalp then massage it before covering with a plastic cap. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it out and shampooing as usual.
For even better results, try adding some honey or nourishing oils like olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or argan oil.
2. Smoothen your complexion
The anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties in yogurt do wonders for fighting acne.
If you're suffering from breakouts, you can apply yogurt to the spots or as a mask and leave it on for at least 15-20 minutes before rinsing it out. Try doing this once a week and you'll soon notice a big difference.
If you have discoloration, acne scars or sunspots, mixing yogurt with some lemon can help even out your complexion. The B vitamins, zinc, and lactic acid in the yogurt will tone and tighten your skin while reducing pigmentation.
3. Polish brass
Like most metals and alloy, brass gets tarnished over time, making your decorative items, jewelry or door knobs appear old.
An easy fix is to rub some yogurt on the item you want to polish, then once it dries, rinse it clean and buff with a soft cloth.
The folks at Little House On The Corner tried the yogurt method, and it worked really well for them!
4. Alleviate a yeast infection
Most women will experience a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime and the symptoms can be really frustrating. It occurs when an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina causes fungi to overgrow.
Since yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacteria that's found in the vagina, consuming more of it can help restore the balance. The dairy staple combined with the sugar in the other foods you eat, helps with the formation of hydrogen peroxide, which is effective in killing the extra yeast.
Some women even apply yogurt to the exterior of their vaginas in order to get some relief.
5. Make edible paint
Notice how yogurt easily dries out when you leave it out for a while? This is why it is perfect for creating natural, edible paint that kids can use for arts and crafts.
All you need to do is add a couple of drops of food coloring to some plain yogurt and you're all set!
The best part is you don't have to worry about the kids getting the pain in their mouths because it is totally safe and edible.
6. Soften your feet
If you're in need of a pedicure but don't feel like spending extra money at the salon, you can get baby soft feet at home using yogurt.
To create a natural scrub, grind half-a-cup of walnuts, then mix it into a container of plain yogurt. Use the concoction to scrub your feet, then moisturize before painting your toes.
7. Soothe your pet's stomach
Animals may have different digestive systems than humans, but at the end of the day we do share some similarities, like stomach aches caused by excess gas.
This gas is often caused by bacterial overgrowth in the intestines, which can thankfully be managed by adding yogurt to their diet.
According to Reader's Digest, for dogs or cats that weigh up under 15 pounds, add two teaspoons to their meals. One tablespoon for medium-sized dogs, two for dogs weighing between 35 to 85 pounds, and three for large dogs over 85 pounds.
8. Give your dog a shiny coat
Is your dog's fur looking a little dull even after a bath? Libbiesummers.com recommends coating your furry friend's body with some yogurt (three cups for a large dog), then massage it in and let it stay on for five minutes.
You'll notice it'll be shinier after you rinse and pat it dry. The yogurt works in the same way it does when conditioning human hair.
9. Relieve sunburn
Aloe vera and shaving cream aren't the only remedies that can to treat a sunburn fast. You can soothe the affected area by applying plain yogurt on it and letting it sit for about 10 minutes.
Not only does yogurt provide cooling relief, it's antibacterial properties will stop the burn from becoming infected and it will keep the skin moisturized.
Do you know of any other uses for yogurt that we missed? Share it in the comments!
