What would food be without spices?  It'd be pretty bland, right?  Amazingly though, spices and herbs often have uses outside of the kitchen. We use them to heal ailments, bring pleasant smells into our homes, and help cleanse our bodily systems.

I recently discovered that one of my favorite spices (flavor-wise) is turmeric.  I've always loved Indian food, so I guess this doesn't surprise me. Turmeric is amazing.  I bought a big bag of it though, because I learned it can be used for all kinds of things!  It can be used in teas and even face masks.  Apparently, it will get rid of your dark spots, help clear acne.... (and this is what really got me!) and EVEN get rid of acne scars.  How amazing is that?  I'm hyped about trying it whenever I get the chance, even though I've never done a face mask in my life. haha.  I have plenty of scars that could be gotten rid of, and if you do it right, the turmeric won't stain your skin.

Here's just one tutorial on how to use it in a face mask: YouTube

What are some uses for other spices outside of the kitchen?  the more surprising, the better! 

mice hate pepermint!

nick9192 :  Wow, really?  Now this is amazing!  I never knew that. What do you do?  Lay leaves out on the floor or something (around baseboards, maybe)?

Singelli : pepermint oil!

Well I still keep it in the kitchen but the smell of apple cider vinegar attracts gnats, and in the warm season they get in the house a lot since we come in and out so much. Mix some of it with a little bit of dish soap and it'll keep them in there. Bam, much less of an issue for the whole place.
Also, lemon juice helps to lighten skin. However, I figure that is pretty well known, at least for anyone into natural beauty techniques and that lot. 

Well when your sick I've learned that a little bit of lemon juice, honey(both warmed up for about 30 seconds) with some cayenne pepper and ginger can get rid of whatever you have pretty fast. The lemon juice is just good for your system in general, the honey coats your throat, the pepper will clear your sinuses, and the ginger is great for headaches! 

Speaking of, peppermint/spearmint oil or leaves ground up and placed in the bathroom will oddly help clear out the smell. I've done it once or twice, just setting it on my counter, and somehow it works haha.