Listerine was not just a mouthwash, it had many uses when it was created.
It was invented in 1879 as a surgical antiseptic used for various purposes, and in the 1970s it was marketed as a remedy for bad breath!
- Deodorant. Run out of deodorant? Don’t worry! Simply take a cotton ball, soak up the listerine and apply it to your hands. You can also put Listerine in a spray bottle and spray it on your armpits. According to Listerine Foot Soak, both of these methods are effective in preventing body odor because Listerine kills the bacteria that cause odor in the first place.
- Lichen. Before everyone used Listerine as a mouthwash, it was a dandruff treatment. It worked then and it still works. Hair Sentinel explains that each of the four active ingredients in Listerine has antiseptic and antifungal properties. To use this home remedy, rinse your hair and scalp with a mixture of 1/4 cup listerine and 1 cup water.
- Lice. Listerine is a safe and effective treatment for head lice. Healthy & Natural World recommends soaking a head infested with lice in Listerine and then collecting the hair in a shower cap. Leave the Listerine on for at least 1 hour and then rinse the hair with water. To really get rid of these harmful effects, continue the treatment by applying white vinegar to the scalp. Again, put your hair in a shower cap and soak. After 1 hour, wash your hair with a mild shampoo and remove dead lice and remaining lice eggs with a lice comb.
- Acne. Did you know that Listerine can be used as an emollient to treat problem skin? That’s right. The combination of alcohol and Listerine’s antiseptic properties will dry out acne. According to The Indian Spot, you can wake up pimple-free the morning after applying Listerine to a nasty pimple!
- Cough. A winter 1932 newspaper article read, “Cough, you honey…it’s all your fault.” The same article in Modern Mechanics says that medical tests have proven to gargle twice a day. After more than 80 years, WikiHowverifies that rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash prevents bacterial infection in the respiratory tract.
- Blisters. Listerine’s antiseptic properties make it a powerful blistering agent. According to the Mother Nature Network, all you need to do is dip a cotton swab in listerine and apply it to the blister. Repeat three times a day until the blisters dry and disappear.
- Stinky feet. Stinking feet can knock you down. But don’t be afraid. Smelly Feet Treatment Listerine kills odor-causing bacteria and provides emollients to reduce sweating. Listerine is especially effective if your feet smell and you have athlete’s foot symptoms. Listerine has the added benefit of making your feet incredibly soft! To use this home remedy, mix 1 part Listerine with 2 parts warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes.
- Toenail fungus. Listerine foot bath not only keeps your feet smelling minty but also helps treat toenail fungus. Health Guidelines explains it: Listin has very strong anti-fungal properties. If you suffer from frequent fungal infections, you may want to get into the habit of using a Listerine foot soak every few days for a few months.