You already know that what you eat and drink directly affects your long-term wellness. But did you know that certain items in your refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, and spice rack can treat everyday health concerns such as colds, occasional stomach upset, skin blemishes, and tension headaches?

"For common ailments and 'owies,' " explains renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, author of "Herbs for the Home Medicine Chest," "home remedies often work better than drugs, with fewer potential side effects."

In fact, many of the world's healing traditions have their roots in the kitchen. India's millennia-old system, Ayurveda, for instance, holds that "common herbs, spices, and sweeteners are among the foundations of health," says Patricia Hansen, cofounder of the Rocky Mountain Institute for Yoga and Ayurveda in Boulder, Colorado.

And it's not just Eastern health systems. " 'Let food be thy medicine' was among the famed aphorisms of Hippocrates, known as the father of Western medicine," notes Gladstar. "When you look at how he practiced, it was water, vinegar, honey, and herbs. He believed in the simplest cures."

What's more, most kitchen cures are inexpensive and remarkably safe, notes Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., director of the Fellowship at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. Some of the food-based remedies that follow-favorites from Gladstar, Hansen, Low Dog, and other leading natural-health experts may be familiar; others might surprise you. (Who knew that you could use bananas for anything other than cereal and smoothies?) Open your pantry door, and discover the power of healing foods for yourself.

Blemishes, Rashes, and Burns:Turmeric
Turmeric's many healing properties make it effective for a wide range of skin conditions. "It's antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumoral," explains Hansen. Use it topically to bring pimples to a head quickly and soothe acne, scrapes, and sunburns. (In India, they even sell Band-Aids infused with the spice.) It stains, so be sure to wash your hands after use.

Try It
Add several drops of water or aloe-vera juice (available at health-food stores) to 1/2 teaspoon of powdered turmeric to make a thin paste. With your fingers, spread the mixture on blemishes, sunburns, or acne. Leave on for up to an hour, then rinse.

Sore Throat: Honey, Lemon & Cayenne
When you're having trouble swallowing, honey, lemon, and cayenne pepper can bring soothing relief, says Elson Haas, M.D., integrative medicine pioneer and author of the Staying Healthy book series. The lemon contracts inflamed tissues and provides vitamin C, the honey soothes and disinfects, and the cayenne stimulates circulation and encourages healing.

Try It
Fill a tablespoon halfway with honey, and then squeeze a lemon to fill the spoon with juice. Sprinkle on 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, put the spoon in your mouth, and suck on it slowly. Repeat as needed.

Toothache: Clove
If the dentist isn't close at hand, seek relief in the spice cabinet. "Clove will immediately numb the gum," says Gladstar. "It will also fight whatever infection might be brewing underneath."

Try It
Add a few drops of water to 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves to make a thick paste. Pack on the sore gum for 5 to 10 minutes, then spit out. Repeat as needed. Be careful not to rub your eyes after applying. Not for use on babies and toddlers (unless it's very diluted).