Duct Tape, Vodka Used To Treat Everyday Problems

MIAMI (CBS4) -- What do duct tape, vodka and mouthwash all have in common?

Believe it or not, they're all used in home remedies for common health and hygiene problems.

For example, some people use vodka to kill foot odor. Really. Just wet a cotton pad or soft cloth and wipe it over the feet. Voila – odor gone.

"It's because of the alcohol in the vodka," said Dr. Albert Levy, a Family Medicine Specialist.

The vodka works the same as an antiseptic and will kill odor causing fungus and bacteria.

Listerine isn't just for your breath. Doctors say it can also do a number on blisters. Just dab it on three times a day until the blister dries out.

Got bad breath? Try yogurt. The live cultures in the yogurt will kill the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Duct tape, the all-purpose household fix has hundreds of uses.  How about for curing warts? A study from the University of Minnesota says covering warts with duct tape eliminates them better than the traditional treatment of freezing them off.

"A wart is a virus so you don't want the virus to thrive," said Dr. Levy. The duct tape basically suffocates the wart, over time it will shrink.

And the next time you have a tension headache, grab a pencil. When you're stressed or anxious and clench your teeth the strain on the muscle that connects your jaw to your temples can trigger a headache, or TMG, temporomandibular joint disorder. Doctors say placing a pencil between your teeth will automatically relax your jaw, preventing the pain.

"The position of the pencil may alleviate TMJ," said Dr. Levy.

Two other popular but unusual home remedies include olive oil for eczema and a teaspoon of sugar for the hiccups.

Who knew?