Cornstarch is a staple found in almost everyone’s pantry. I use it to thicken sauces and add it to my flour when I oven fry chicken. It gives a crispier skin and beautiful color to the chicken. However there are some unusual ways to use cornstarch that will surprise you. The paste made from cornstarch and water is very soothing to sunburn. Just dab on sunburned skin for relief. As well at bedtime sprinkle cornstarch between the sheets. Ths silky texture of cornstarch reduces sheet friction on inflammed skin.

I must say this next unusual use of cornstarch I never would have considered. If you are vegan this is a way you can continue to bake without using eggs. A mixture of cornstarch and water can replace an egg in many baked recipes. 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to 3 tablespoons of water is equal to the liquid portion of one egg. Just be sure to dissolve the cornstarch in water prior to adding it to your ingredients.

Growing up we rarely went to the doctor. Unless it was an injury that resulted in bleeding that could not be controlled, we were treated with ole school remedies passed down from the ancestors. To make a poultice from cornstarch that will relieve bug bite pain, try this remedy. Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. and gently smear over the spot. Let it dry, it may even be left in place overnight.

If you have a dog with long or curly hair, you have had the experience of matted fur. The tangles may pull on your pets skin, thus causing pain. To help get the tangles out, rub cornstarch generously into the coat, then brush gently from bottom to top with a slicker brush.

Have you ever needed to clean your hair quickly without shampooing?

Make a quick and economical dry shampoo using two parts cornstarch and one part baking soda. Dab the mixture close to your roots and brush thoroughly through your hair.

Sweat and friction create blisters. Keep your feet smooth and dry by sprinkling cornstarch in your shoes. This is most important if you don’t wear socks. If you still get a blister, cushion it with a bandage until it reabsorbs. If the blister is large use a donut bandage, one with a hole to fit around the blister. Keep in place with a large bandage.

A few months ago I posted a blog on using essential oils to clean with for a nontoxic environment. Add cornstarch to that list. It is a natural multipurpose cleanser. To shine dull silver rub on a thick water and cornstarch paste. Let it dry and buff with a soft cloth. To cleanse glass, spray on a thin solution, rinse with plain water, and dry for a nice sparkle. Sprinkle cornstarch on wood, and rub to remove grease and furniture polish build up.

Want a non chemical deodorant? Mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda, apply to your underarms using an oversized makeup brush or cottonballs.

Have some fun with the kids or Gbabies. Make Oobleck, similar to slime and named after a Dr. Seuss book. Mix one cup of water tinted with a few drops of food coloring with 2 cups of cornstarch. Press it with your hands into a slippery ball then watch it go back to liquid when you let it go. Squiggle through a strainer. Wash it up with warm water. To avoid clogging your drains dispose of your Oobleck in the trash.

Try some of these unusual uses of cornstarch to reduce your dependency on toxic substances. The more natural resources you use, the less toxic chemicals you are exposed to. That reduces inflammation in your body. Until next time, stay healthy!