Oatmeal, a breakfast staple, has long been cherished for its comforting warmth. However, oatmeal isn't just a treat for your taste buds; it's a nutritional powerhouse. Oats are high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, thiamine, iron, and beta-glucan. Besides assisting in blood sugar regulation, this valuable component also lowers bad cholesterol and even boosts immunity.
Furthermore, you might be surprised to know that oats are also great for your skin and are surprisingly useful around the house. We have gathered nine ideas for using oatmeal, including several great ways to use up old or expired oats that you may have forgotten you had.
1. Use in place of flour
Swap traditional wheat flour with finely ground oats, an excellent gluten-free substitute. Simply place rolled or quick oats in your blender or food processor and grind them into a fine powder. Add oat flour to soups or dips for thickness, substitute it for breadcrumbs in meatloaf, or get creative and bake with this versatile alternative.
2. A natural fertilizer
Give your plants a dose of nourishment from an unlikely source: oatmeal. Oatmeal, which is high in nitrogen, is a good natural fertilizer. Dry oats can be sprinkled around the base of your plants or mixed into the soil. Oatmeal releases nutrients that promote healthy growth as it breaks down. Embrace this eco-friendly approach to gardening by feeding your plants without using chemical fertilizers.
3. Treat itchy skin
If the itchiness from poison ivy, chicken pox, or a sunburn has become unbearable, soak in an oatmeal bath to relieve the pain. Follow The Old Farmer's Almanac's advice: Grind oats or oat flour into a fine powder, then wrap it in cheesecloth or a clean pair of pantyhose and tie it tightly around the bathtub faucet. Fill the tub halfway with warm water, squeezing the oat bag to infuse the water with its relaxing properties. Alternatively, for targeted relief, apply the pouch straight to the itchy skin.
4. Make an oatmeal soap or scrub
Tap into the healing properties of oatmeal by concocting oatmeal soap or a mild oatmeal scrub to address various skin challenges. Grind two tablespoons of oatmeal into a powder using a blender, then mix in one teaspoon of baking soda and the right amount of water to get a thick paste. Apply this blend to your clean, dry face and rinse off after 10 minutes. We recommend performing a patch test beforehand because your skin may be sensitive to baking soda.
5. Cleanse hair
Oatmeal can also be a wonderful hair cleaner. Many skincare experts recommend making your own oatmeal-based dry shampoo, ideal for bedridden patients who are unable to shower or those who are short on time. While there are commercial alternatives, the homemade version is significantly less expensive. Simply grind the oatmeal and combine it with an equal amount of baking soda. Brush it out after massaging it into your hair to absorb oils and odors.
6. Clean up spilled oil
Oats can be used as a cleaning agent to remove spilled oil from floors and counters. Simply sprinkle uncooked oats over the oil and let them sit until the oil is completely absorbed. Sweep up the spill, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. This will be a lot easier than trying to wipe up the oil itself.
7. Help itchy, uncomfortable dogs
Dogs, like humans, suffer from skin and hair issues. You can soothe your itchy, uncomfortable dog by using oatmeal. Holistic canine care experts recommend creating a combination of equal parts oats and warm water and gently applying it to the dog's dry and irritated areas. Wrap the treated areas in aluminum foil for 10 minutes to allow the treatment to perform its magic. Follow up with a lukewarm water rinse, and repeat this soothing treatment on a regular basis until your feline friend's scratching stops.
8. Clean and exfoliate hands
Pamper your hands with a homemade oatmeal hand scrub that blends oats' exfoliating abilities with soothing nutrients. To make a paste, combine finely ground oats, honey, and a splash of olive oil. Massage this natural scrub into your hands, concentrating on dry areas and cuticles. Rinse well, and enjoy the velvety smoothness that follows. This easy but powerful hand treatment is a natural substitute for conventional scrubs.
Related: Can Oatmeal Reduce Coronary Heart Disease Progression?
9. Eliminate odors
Oats not only have a soothing smell, but their absorbent nature also helps to control undesirable odors. Placing an open container of oats in your refrigerator is a natural way to eliminate leftover food odors.
Alternatively, combine oats with your favorite dried herbs or flowers, such as lavender or chamomile, and store the mixture in compact, ventilated pouches. Place these sachets strategically in closets, drawers, or even in your car to enjoy a mild, long-lasting perfume.
