Cream of Tartar Natural Remedies

According to OChef.com, cream of tartar is the common name for potassium hydrogen tartrate, an acid salt that is most commonly found in kitchens for baking and cooking purposes. However, cream of tartar has also been used as a home remedy for various ailments over the years. While supporters of these natural remedies claim that they have seen results, these treatments have not been approved by the FDA, so consult your doctor before trying any on yourself.

According to Jethro Kloss, author of "Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies Since 1939,” a mixture of cream of tartar and lemon juice can be consumed daily to help reduce high blood pressure. To make this mixture, combine ½ tsp. cream of tartar with ½ tsp. lemon juice in an 8 oz. glass of water and stir until the cream of tartar dissolves. Drink this mixture three times per day with meals unless it bothers your stomach or causes adverse side effects. Larger portions of this mixture can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 48 hours if you wish. Note that this treatment should not replace conventional treatments for high blood pressure.

According to Jude C. Todd, author of "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies: Natural Health, Beauty and Home-Care Secrets,” Epsom salt and cream of tartar can be added to warm bathwater to help reduce pain caused by arthritis. To use Epsom salt and cream of tartar, fill your bathtub halfway with warm water and add 2 tbsp. Epsom salt and 3 tbsp. cream of tartar. Get in the tub and continue filling until mostly full. Soak in the tub for 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water to remove the mixture from the skin. This treatment can be repeated up to 3 times per day as long as it does not irritate your skin. Note that this treatment is to be used only as a natural pain reliever, and it should not replace medical treatments for arthritis.

According to Jethro Kloss, author of "Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies Since 1939,” 1 Tbsp. of cream of tartar can be dissolved in an 8 oz. glass of water and consumed three times per day before meals in order to combat a urinary tract infection. Kloss recommends dissolving the cream of tartar in lukewarm water for best results, as it is difficult to dissolve the powder in cold water. Larger portions of this mixture can be made in advance at the same ratio and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours as long as your stir the mixture to recombine the ingredients before you drink it. Note that this treatment is not intended to replace medical treatments, as urinary tract infections can be dangerous if not properly treated.