There used to be a time when a man could pop the hood of his car, tinker with the carburetor and get a stalled engine to start right up. Nowadays, car engines are so complex that most guys wouldn't dare touch them. All types of sensors, computer chips, and electronics makes the job a little more difficult. The same could be said for other types of technology such as computers and telephones. Even window blinds are more complex these days.

But there are a few home-based remedies men can still rely on to help counteract various problems. Whether those problems are physical ailments, or home repair items -- here are 8 manly fixes you can try:

1. Smelly Feet: Soak those big honkers in tea or a dose of Listerine.

   Use black or green tea leaves in 2 quarts of boiling water and soothe away that odor after about 15 minutes.

   We all know that Listerine is a mouthwash, but it's also an antiseptic. Other mouthwashes such as Scope and Act are good breath fresheners, but they don't contain the active ingredients that kill bacteria and germs. Listerine does and it's these same ingredients that help stifle those stinky feet. To help prevent odor from reoccurring, wear thick socks (cotton) which better absorb moisture. If you can help it, try not to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Give them time to breathe by alternating between different pairs.

2. Bad Breath: If you haven't found any solutions to this one, it might explain why people don't get so close to you anymore! Bad breath can be caused by a number of things: bad oral hygiene, your diet, and medical conditions such as diabetes and stomach ulcers. Try brushing your tongue and gums with parsley or powered cloves.

   Another remedy consists of mixing a few tablespoons of lime juice with a half cup of water and gargling a few times a day.

3. Muscle Strain: Been throwing around the iron in the gym? Take an Epsom salt bath. Epsom salts contain magnesium, a mineral which relaxes muscles when absorbed through the skin. Dump about 2 cups of Epsom salts into a tub filled with warm water and soak for 20 minutes. Your muscles should feel a bit more eased after a while. But the absolute best remedy for strained muscles is old-fashioned rest. Stay away from heavy duty work for a while, and those muscles will repair themselves in a few days.
4. Clothes Stains: Try to remove stains from dress shirts as quickly as possible. If it's wine that you've spilled on it, blot the stain (don't rub) with carbonated soda water until the stain is gone. On tougher fabrics like denim jeans or Polo-style shirts, use cold water; a stain remover (liquid or powder detergent is good); and brush the stain gently with a toothbrush. Be careful -- brushing too hard may disrupt the fabric pattern or spread the stain to other areas.
5. Corrosive Car Batteries: If you've ever tried cleaning the corrosion from your car battery you know that it can be a tough task. Run to the grocery store and grab a can of refreshing Coca-Cola. Try soaking an old t-shirt in Coke and wipe the battery terminals thoroughly.

   If that's not powerful enough, try pouring a few tablespoons directly onto the battery terminals. The carbonic acid in Coke is good for removing some stains and dissolving rust deposits. (You can drink the rest of the Coke when you're done!)

6. Razor Bumps: This is a common ailment among Black men. To help prevent razor bumps from forming, use clean razors and be sure to shave in the direction of hair growth. If possible, use one of the newer style razors like the Mach 3 or Gillette's Fusion. These have multiple blades (The Fusion has 5) which provide a cleaner, more even slice when trimming facial hair.

   Also be sure to read 8 Great Shaving Tips For Black Men for more detailed information about how to battle razor bumps and prevent new ones from forming.

7. Dandruff: This is a real tough one for guys. As skin grows (both head and body), the top layer dies and eventually flakes off. Most flakes are too small to see, but others are more noticeable. We call this dandruff. Dandruff results from an oily scalp, but can also be a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or a possible fungal infection.

   To help fight dandruff, mix 1 cup of witch hazel with lemon juice and apply it to your scalp. Do this immediately after you've washed it and while your hair is still wet. Apply the witch hazel/lemon juice solution to as much of your scalp as possible. Repeat often until the dandruff has disappeared.

8. Toenails: Did you know that there is a certain way you should trim your toenails? It's true -- and how you trim them can mean the difference between clean, healthy nails -- and rock hard, curled in spikes that can become very uncomfortable.

   Using large toenail clippers, trim toenails straight across and not on an arch. A natural tendency is to follow the outline of the top of the toe, especially if your toes have rounded tops. A rounded cut causes the edges of the toenail to dig into the soft surrounding skin tissue. Be sure cut the nail straight across, but not too short. Also, remove any sharp edges with a nail file to reduce the risk of the nail curling back into the skin.

PRINT THIS PAGE    E-MAIL PAGE    DISCUSS ARTICLE    ALL ARTICLES    TAKE A QUIZ

Web www.mybrotha.com