The banana has long been used in jokes as a punch line and it has many benefits but many people aren't aware of the useful properties of the banana peel. We know bananas are healthy and provide a powerhouse of nutritional energy. They feed the natural acidophilus bacteria of the bowel; they are high in vitamins and minerals, especially potassium, which greatly benefits the nervous and muscular systems.
The sugars in bananas are quickly used for fuel and the pectin helps to heal ulcers and lower cholesterol. They are high in tryptophan which helps to promote sleep and eating two bananas in a row can help with depression.
Anitfungal and antibiotic properties are found in both the banana and peel - loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Bananas should be eaten every day. I eat four bananas every day. I take them hiking to eat for instant energy and keep the peel handy for mosquito bites and poison oak, ivy or sumac contact.
Here are some ways you can use the peel:
As a wart remover: You can use the inside of a banana peel to rub on warts. Then put a small piece of the peel with the yellow side facing out against the wart. Tape it on with surgical tape or a band-aid. The banana skin contains salicylic acid and will help to dry the wart out. This method has worked for many and it's reported that the warts don't come back. This is much better than burning them off or applying harmful chemicals.
Use the banana peel for mosquito bites: Just take the inside of the peel and rub it on the mosquito bite. It should reduce any swelling or irritation caused by the mosquito bite.
Use the banana peel for removing splinters: Just take a piece of the peel and cover the splinter with the inside of the peel. Tape it over the splinter. The enzymes will work the splinter out even dissolving it and sealing the wound.
If you have a rash from poison ivy, poison oak or sumac, you can rub the peel over the rash. Do this twice a day until the rash is gone.
These are just a few uses for banana peels; you may find other uses for them as well. It's always a good idea to take bananas with you to eat at events to prevent overeating of fatty or junk foods and to take along on walks, hikes, camping or outings for instant energy. Keep peels handy for oak, ivy or sumac. You may even encounter a splinter. There are many great uses for bananas and banana peels.
By Helen Hecker
