17 Surprising Banana Peel Benefits You’ll Want to Know

How many times have you eaten a banana and thrown the peel away? Every time, right?

Well, that’s where we often go wrong, as we are unaware of the numerous benefits of banana peels for treating a variety of health issues.

The peel is packed with essential nutrients and beneficial compounds, making it an effective remedy for several conditions instead of being tossed in the trash.

If you’re still wondering why banana peels are so significant for health, this article will clarify things for you. From common uses of banana peels for skin care to the amazing and lesser-known health benefits, this article answers your questions.

What are the Benefits of Banana Peel?

We all know that bananas are packed with amazing nutrients and benefits, making them one of the most commonly eaten fruits worldwide. However, we often overlook the peel, which protects the fruit from the harsh external environment.

Some of the common health benefits of banana peels include:

1. Teeth Whitening
2. Acne and pimples
3. Bruises
4. Cracked feet
5. Cellulite
6. Dark Circles
7. Eczema
8. Genital Warts
9. Headaches
10. Poison Ivy Rash
11. Weight Loss
12. Hemorrhoids
13. Dark Spots
14. Mosquito Bites
15. Psoriasis
16. Pain Relief
17. Warts

17 Astonishing Banana Peel Benefits

1. Whitens Teeth

Teeth whitening at a professional dentist’s office can cost you a fortune, money you could easily spend on something else. Banana peel, however, serves as a great, natural remedy for teeth whitening.

While there is limited scientific evidence to fully back these claims, many people believe that the minerals in banana peels are responsible for helping to whiten teeth.

To use banana peel for teeth whitening:

1. Rub the inside of the banana peel on your teeth before brushing.
2. Brush your teeth with your regular toothpaste.
3. Repeat this process daily for two to three weeks to see promising results.

2. Treats Acne and Pimples

If you weren’t aware before, banana peels are rich in several vitamins, notably vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as various minerals like manganese, potassium, zinc, and iron. This is why applying banana peel to the face can yield impressive results.

The benefits of banana peel extend to treating acne and pimples by reducing the inflammation and redness they cause. It also helps soothe irritation.

To use banana peel for acne treatment:

1. Cut a piece of the banana peel and gently rub the inside of it over the affected areas of the face.
2. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
3. Wash it off with water and face wash, if needed.
4. Apply some moisturizer to keep the skin soft and supple.

3. Bruises

Healing bruises and injuries is one of the beneficial uses of banana peels.

Are you surprised? Well, let me explain—this actually works and can provide amazing benefits for healing bruises from an accident.

Bananas contain a mixture of enzymes, which is believed to have a blood-thinning effect. This helps improve blood circulation beneath the bruise, promoting healing and reducing the redness around the bruise.

To use banana peel for healing a bruise:

1. Rub the inside of a banana peel over the bruise.
2. Hold it in place or secure it with a bandage.
3. Repeat the process until the bruise fades.

4. Cracked Feet

Like ripened bananas, banana peels are rich in amazing properties that are beneficial for treating cracked heels and feet. This is one of the most surprising uses of banana peels, and it has been tested and proven effective by many.

The benefits of banana peels for healing cracked feet come from their moisturizing and skin-healing properties. The peel helps soften the skin and promotes its healing over time.

To use banana peel for cracked feet:

1. Soak your feet in warm water to clean them and remove excess dead skin with a pumice stone.
2. Apply a cut piece of banana peel over the cleaned feet and heels.
3. Leave it on for a few minutes to allow it to absorb into the cracks.
4. Wash it off with water and follow up with a moisturizer or foot cream.

5. Fights Cellulite

Cellulite is a common concern, and while many encourage embracing it, it’s not always easy to do so. So, what’s the next best option? Trying to reduce it, and banana peel can help with that too.

Banana peel’s benefits extend beyond just facial treatments. It can also aid in reducing cellulite. The potassium content in banana peels plays a significant role in improving the appearance of cellulite.

To use banana peel for cellulite:

1. Peel a banana and rub the inside of the peel on the areas with cellulite.
2. Leave it on for a while, then gently rub it off with a wet washcloth.
3. Repeat this process daily, ideally twice a day, for best results.

6. Removes Dark Circles Under Eyes

If you’ve been reading about the benefits of banana peel for the face, you’re likely aware of its amazing effects on the skin.

Banana peel is also effective in reducing the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. The high concentration of potassium in the peel helps diminish both the darkness and puffiness around the eyes.

To use banana peel for dark circles:

1. Cut a piece of banana peel and gently rub it around the eyes in circular motions.
2. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then wipe it off with a makeup remover wipe.
3. Repeat this process daily until you see visible results.

7. Cures Eczema Rash

Eczema, a skin condition characterized by red, splotchy marks, irritation, and itching, can be effectively treated with banana peel, one of its many benefits.

Banana peel helps heal the dryness, flakiness, and redness often accompanying eczema. It is believed to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation and the burning sensation commonly associated with eczema (R). The moisturizing, healing, and nutritional benefits of banana peel make it a visible aid in treating eczema.

To use banana peel for eczema rash:

1. You can apply a banana peel directly to the affected area for immediate relief.
2. You can also make a paste using banana peel and a teaspoon of coal tar and apply it to the eczema-affected areas. 

This helps reduce itchiness and irritation while providing a soothing effect.

8. Removes Genital Warts

Although there is limited clinical research to support the effectiveness of banana peel in treating genital warts, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may indeed help.

Warts are skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), leading to the development of fleshy bumps on the skin’s outer layer. It is believed that the minerals and nutrients found in banana peels may aid in reducing or eliminating genital warts.

To use banana peel for genital warts:

1. Cut a slice of a ripe banana peel and rub the inside of the peel over the warts, leaving it on for a while. 
2. You can then wipe off any stickiness with a wet wipe. 
3. Repeat this process several times throughout the day for best results.

9. Relives Headaches

Would you believe if I told you that the banana peel you just threw away could actually help treat your headaches? You’d be surprised, wouldn’t you?

This is one of the lesser-known uses of banana peels, apart from their common benefits for the skin.

To use banana peel for headaches:

1. Place a banana peel on your forehead to allow the skin to absorb potassium from the peel. This will provide relief from a pounding headache. 

Try this remedy the next time you’re struggling with a bad headache.

10. Cures Poison Ivy Rash

Contracting a rash from contact with poison ivy may not seem like a big deal at first, but the aftereffects can be painful and irritating if left untreated.

Banana peels are an effective remedy for alleviating the symptoms of a poison ivy rash.

Applying a banana peel can help moisturize the affected area and neutralize the irritation and burning sensation that often accompany the rash.

To use banana peel for poison ivy rash:

1. Simply cut a piece of banana peel and gently rub it over the rash. Be careful not to cause any tears or lesions that could lead to infection.
2. After a few minutes, wash it off, and if necessary, apply a mild cooling ointment for additional relief.

11. Aids in Weight Loss

Banana peels are the secret weapon for your weight loss regimen that you may not have even known about.

While you’ve been enjoying the fruit and discarding the peels, the potential health benefits of banana peels have gone to waste.

Banana peel benefits extend far beyond skincare—there are many other advantages you should be aware of.

The peel contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, and E, along with lutein, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. Together, these elements help boost metabolism and promote weight loss. Additionally, banana peels can help you feel fuller for longer, which is an added bonus.

To use banana peel for weight loss:

1. You can blend a few chunks of banana peel into your regular morning smoothie. 
2. You can also chop them into small pieces and add them to a stir-fry for lunch.

12. Treats Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids often cause a sense of fear when it is time to defecate, primarily due to the pain that accompanies the process. While several over-the-counter remedies are available, isn’t it always better to choose a solution that ensures no potential side effects? 

Banana peel is one such natural remedy. You can check out more natural remedies for hemorrhoids as well.

The health benefits of banana peel for hemorrhoids come from its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce swelling around the anal region and also eases the associated pain.

To use banana peel for hemorrhoids:

1. You can rub a piece of banana peel on the hemorrhoids four to five times a day.
2. You can also cut a piece of banana peel and leave it on the affected area, securing it with a bandage and allowing it to stay overnight.

13. Lighten Dark Spots

The wide array of vitamins and minerals in the banana peel helps reduce dark spots on the face and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. The presence of vitamins A, B, and E assists in lightening the unwanted darkness often caused around the face and other parts of the body.

Rubbing a banana peel on the face can help diminish dark spots, which may have resulted from various causes.

To use banana peel for dark spots:

1. Cut a piece of banana peel and rub it over the affected area with dark spots. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes to allow the vitamins to absorb into the skin for noticeable results.
2. Afterward, wash it off, pat your face dry, and apply moisturizer if needed.

14. Cures Mosquito Bite Bumps

Mosquito bites often leave behind inflamed, red skin that can become itchy after some time. While there are generally no serious issues, the irritation can be bothersome. The banana peel is an excellent solution if you’re looking for an easy remedy.

With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, banana peels help reduce redness and inflammation around the bite. They also alleviate irritation and itchiness.

To use banana peel for mosquito bite bumps:

1. Cut a piece of banana peel and rub it over the mosquito bite. Leave it on for a few minutes for relief.

15. Treats Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a painful and irritating skin condition that can cause extreme discomfort, including aching and itchiness. The banana peel might be a helpful alternative if you’ve tried several remedies without success.

Although there are no specific studies to fully back these claims, many people believe that banana peels have worked effectively in treating the symptoms of psoriasis. Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are thought to help reduce redness and alleviate itchiness associated with the condition.

To use banana peel for psoriasis:

1. Cut a piece of banana peel and rub the inside over the affected psoriasis area until the peel turns brown. 
2. Repeat this process at least twice a day until you notice improvement. 

The soothing and moisturizing properties of the banana peel can help heal the area over time.

Also Read: Essential Oils to Relieve Psoriasis

16. Relieves Pain

The direct application of banana peels can help relieve pain, making it one of the most sought-after uses for banana peels due to its potential effectiveness. The potassium content in the peel is believed to aid in pain relief, though this has not been definitively proven.

To use banana peel for pain relief:

1. To use it, rub the inside of a banana peel on the painful area and secure it with a bandage for 20-30 minutes. 
2. Afterward, remove the peel and wipe off any stickiness with a washcloth.

17. Removes Warts

The benefits of banana peels for the face are well-known, and they also have amazing uses in treating warts. Although there is no concrete explanation of how it works, persistent application is believed to help gradually cause the wart to fall off.

To use banana peel for warts:

1. To use it, scrape the inside of a banana peel and apply it directly to the wart. Cover it with a bandage and leave it on for a few hours. 
2. Repeat this process several times throughout the day for best results.

Nutritional Value of Banana Peels

According to the nutritional facts calculated, the health benefits of banana peel can sometimes surpass those of the fruit itself.

Some of the nutritional values and constituents of a banana peel (from a medium-sized banana) include:

• Crude Protein: 1.95%
• Crude Fat: 5.93%
• Carbohydrate: 11.82%
• Fiber: 20–30%
• Starch (Green Plantain Peels): 40%
• Free Sugars (Ripe Banana Peels): Up to 30%
• Minerals:
  • Phosphorus
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Sodium
  • Zinc (low concentration)
  • Copper (low concentration)
  • Potassium
  • Manganese (low concentration)
• Polyphenols: 200–850 mg tannic acid/100g
• Vitamin C: 17.83 mg/100g (in some varieties)

Statistic reference: (R)

Conclusion

Banana peels are so much more than just garbage—they are a goldmine of health benefits that can treat a range of diseases. From acne reduction treatments to teeth whitening and relief for bruises, headaches, and even psoriasis, banana peels are a natural remedy for many everyday afflictions. 

The essential nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties of banana peels make them a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to commercial products. Therefore, before discarding your banana peel, consider its potential benefits and utilize this often-overlooked natural resource.

• Jun 2018
  Written by Somapika D
• Jan 2025
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri