Vitamin C is great for skin and citrus peels are an amazing source for it. Orange peels are abundant in Vitamin C and are best used in sun dried form; although they can be used fresh too. Orange peels often end up in trash bins and we never really realize how beneficial they are for your skin and health and have many other applications too! Here are the best uses for orange peels:
REMOVE SOAP SCUM
Orange peels can effectively help you remove soap scum. The citric acid in orange peels will power through the soap scum and mineral deposits that cause cloudiness. Simply soak them in a sink filled with warm water and a handful of orange peels for 5 minutes, then wash as usual.
DEODORIZE
Orange peels can effectively be used to deodorize a garbage disposal. Just toss the orange peels down the drain and run the appliance for 30-40 seconds. The fruit’s acids will neutralize the pungent odours, and the coarse rind scours away food particle build-up on the blade and also the pipe.
FACIAL CLEANSER
Fresh orange peels can be used to cleanse the face as well as unclog pores. Blend some orange peels in a blender and press it to remove the juices. Apply the juice on your face and massage for few minutes. Wash off to reveal squeaky clean face.
REPEL INSECTS
Eliminate mosquitoes and moths. Place an orange peel near a window that you suspect insects are entering your home.
ORANGE PEEL TEA FOR NASAL CONGESTION
Orange tea is great when your nose is feeling congested especially in the situations when you have to breathe from your mouth. Simply dry out a few orange peels and place them in hot water for 1 hour. Warm the water again and strain it. Consume slowly.
ELIMINATE SHOE ODOR
Place an orange peel along with a little baking soda inside your shoes and leave it on overnight to get rid of shoe odor.
HAIR RINSE
Orange peel extract can make hair shiny and soft. Orange peel water can be used as last hair rinse. Simply boil peels from 3 large oranges in 2-3 cups water. Let it cool down and add 1 teaspoon of organic raw honey to it. Stir it properly until all the honey dissolves. Use it after shampooing; pour the liquid on hair and scalp and massage for few minutes. Wash off using cold water and air dry the hair.
BATH POWDER
Grind the orange peel into powder and simple add some orange peel powder to the bath water to get instant glowing naturally smooth skin.
PRESERVE BROWN SUGAR
Add your orange peels to brown sugar to help draw the moisture away and keep it from solidifying.
AIR FRESHENER
You can boil orange peels, cardamom and cinnamon in water to make your home refreshed.
REMOVE WATER STAINS
Rub the inside of the orange peel to get rid of water stains on furniture.
FLAVORED ICE CUBES
Make orange zest and freeze it with water in ice cube trays. Use it to add flavor to drinks or water.
WHITEN TEETH
A very cheap and natural way to whiten yellow stained teeth is by using orange peels. You can either make it into a paste and apply on teeth or simply rub the inside of an orange peel over your teeth.
CLEAN AND BRIGHT SKIN
Orange peel powder can be used as a face mask or scrub to brighten skin and keep it clear. Grind sun-dried orange peel to make fine powder. Mix 1 tablespoon orange peel powder with milk to make a paste. Apply it on the face and keep it for 30 minutes. Wash off using gentle scrubbing movements and pat dry. Do this every alternate days for visible results.
Caution:
Please ensure you purchase pesticide-free, organically grown oranges if you’re planning to consume orange peels.