Home Remedies Put to the Test

Often communicated by a trusted source, it's easy to believe in the healing powers of home remedies. However, it can be difficult to differentiate a successful home remedy from an old wives' tale. To clear up the confusion, Dr. Oz took some remedies YOU swear by and put them to the test!

Pepto Bismol Facial

Method: Apply Pepto Bismol to face. Leave on for 10 minutes and peel off.

Verdict: It works! When applied to the skin, Pepto Bismol does the same thing it does to your stomach: It soothes and coats it. While it is an off-label use of this product, the aspirin and bismuth sub-salicylate contained in this classic pink medicine transforms dull skin and cleans out pores, giving you a healthy glow.

Sweet Almond Oil and Sugar to Cure Chapped Lips

Method: Mix 100% pure sweet almond oil with sugar to create a paste. Dip toothbrush in mixture and scrub lips. 

Verdict: It works! The sweet almond oil helps to moisturize your lips while the sugar gently exfoliates away dead tissue. Be careful not to scrub too hard to avoid doing harm to your lips.

Manuka Honey to Soften Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Method: Apply manuka honey directly to trouble spots. Leave on for 10 to 20 minutes and then rinse away.  

Verdict: It works! Thanks to its healing powers, this potent honey is used in hospitals to treat wounds. It costs about $15 in health food stores. Whatever’s left over can be eaten, because it tastes delicious, too!