Alternative uses for eggs you've never thought of -

World Egg Day is acknowledged every year on the second Friday in October.  It's celebrated around the globe and helps raise awareness of the benefits of eggs and their importance in human nutrition. But there's a lot more to an egg than meets the eye. 

For example, did you know that egg white can be used as a natural skin care solution, or as a glue? And that egg yolk can help revitalize nails, and also works as a hangover cure?  

Bet you didn't. So, here's a chance to get all egg-cited as you browse through the gallery and take a look at some amazing alternative uses for eggs. 

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Hair conditioner - How much do you spend on hair products? A small fortune, no doubt. But next time you condition your hair, try this alternative: whisk up egg yolk with a dab of honey and a dash of olive oil. Leave it on your hair for 30 minutes before rinsing. Your hair care routine will never be the same again.

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Nail revitalizer - Did you know that eggs promote nail growth? Bathe them in a cup of warm milk and one egg yolk for healthier looking, nourished nails.

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Under eye mask - Fed up looking like a panda? Whether due to lack of sleep, stress, or eating certain foods, the dark rings that gather like storm clouds under your eyes aren't likely how you want to start your day. Minimize puffiness and swelling by dabbing a couple of coats of egg white under your peepers. You'll look lighter and fresher for it!

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Egg white skin care - Egg white is well known for tightening skin. Its healing properties also extend to shrinking pores, and reducing the excess grease that leads to oily skin. In effect, egg white is a natural and soothing anti-ageing cleanser.

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Yolk moisturizer - Two whisked egg yolks mixed with water and applied liberally to your face imbues your skin with an energizing shot of vitamin A.

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Hangover cure? - This one's debatable. However, there are those who swear that mixing one raw egg with salt, pepper, and a sprinkling of Tabasco works wonders on the night before.

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First aid kit - Cut yourself? Boil an egg. Not to eat, at least not straight away, but to peel off the shell to extract the thin membrane. The membrane acts as a make-shift Band-Aid and is effective in stemming blood. It also has scar-fighting nutrients. Now you can eat that egg.

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Fabric whitener - Gather up those discarded eggshells, tie them up in cotton bag, and pop them into the laundry. They whiten your whites better than any chemical.

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Nutrient-rich water - How many times have you boiled an egg and dumped out the water afterwards? Don't! Let it cool and give the plants a drink. The used water is nutrient-rich and full of good things for their health.

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Blackhead removal strip - Rid yourself of blackheads by whisking a drop of lemon juice with two egg whites and applying the mixture to a clean face. Peel the mask off after 15 minutes and at the same time unclog those hair follicles for a smoother-looking you.

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Sulfur for silver -

Is your silver jewelry lacking luster? Boil an egg, break up the hard-boiled yolk, and place it in a sealed container next to your broach, ring, necklace, etc., and leave it for a day. The sulfur released will oxidize the precious metal, leaving it looking shiny and new. Wash afterwards with soap for an extra sheen.  

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Kitchen-top cleaner - Ground eggshell makes for an ideal and nontoxic abrasive for those grubby kitchen table tops. Add a handful to warm, soapy water and you're away!

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Pan cleaner - Likewise, fine, pulverized eggshell makes short work of dirty pots and pans. Again, mix with soap and watch the grease dissolve.

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Natural glue - As egg whites dry they become increasingly sticky. This is rather handy if you're into arts and crafts, as it becomes a natural adhesive to work with.

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Eggshell sculpture - Many artists have turned to the humble egg for inspiration. This incredible likeness of Winston Churchill was created using only crushed eggshell.  (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Eggshell mosaic - Don't throw out those broken eggshells. Let the kids use their imagination to design a mosaic, perhaps of their favorite Muppet or Sesame Street character. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Leather cleaner - The thick and sticky base of egg white makes it excellent for cleaning leather. Next time your boots need a wipe, crack open a couple of free range.

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Fortify pet food - You can fortify pet food by grinding washed and dried eggshell into a powder and adding it to the mix for a super healthy calcium supplement. But always talk to your vet first for the lowdown on your pet's dietary requirements.

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Egg cartons as seed boxes - Hold on to those empty egg cartons—they make fantastic seed boxes. And you can watch your zero-waste credentials grow in the bargain!

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Mini plant grower - On the other hand, the shells themselves make excellent plant pots.

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Eggshell candleholder - How about this for a birthday celebration idea? Place a tea candle in half an eggshell and you've got the anniversary festivities cracked.

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Pest repellent - Crumble eggshell and sprinkle on soil or near plants to fend off hungry critters such as slugs, snails, and worms. No need to use toxic pesticides!

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Natural deterrent - Here's a little-known fact. The sulfur-like odor released by crushed eggshell can deter deer, who really don't appreciate the smell. 

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Crushed eggshell compost - How does your garden grow? Much better if you add crushed eggshell to your compost. This will help boost calcium content to leave the soil richer and draw in extra nutrients.

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Egg yolk cookie decoration - Next time you bake some cookies, consider mixing up some egg yolk with water to create an edible paint suitable for decorating your sweet treats.

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Festive treat - Eggnog, or egg milk punch, is prepared with milk, cream, sugar, and whipped egg whites and yolks. A dash of spirit—brandy, rum, bourbon—gives the Christmas concoction its bite.

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Hand-painted Easter egg -

The Christian custom of decorating eggshells at Easter goes back centuries. It's a great seasonal opportunity to reuse the shell in a creative and inventive manner. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

See also: Everyday food that aren't what you think. 

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