Household Uses

• The peel of the banana contains a compound known as pectin. When an organic banana peel is used as an impromptu cleansing cloth, this thick, gelatinous substance removes grime and leaves surfaces clean and shiny. To return the luster to leather goods, plant leaves and silverware, rub the inside of a banana peel over the surface, then polish the item gently with a soft cloth. The naturally occurring compounds inside the peel will eliminate any dust or dirt and restore the item's sheen.
  
  

Garden Applications

• Like the fruits they protect, banana peels are an excellent source of potassium, phosphorous and other vital nutrients. To feed shrubs, flowers, fruits and vegetables, cut a peel into small sections and bury the pieces near the base of the plant. Additionally, organic banana peels make an excellent addition to the compost heap, just be sure to shuffle the peels into the center of the pile to help mask the scent; the aromatic peels tend to attract wildlife.
  
  

Skin Care

• Organic banana peels can also be used to treat a variety of skin conditions. For example, a small piece of banana peel can reduce the redness and swelling of a pimple, making the blemish less noticeable. At bedtime, place a piece of banana peel over the blemish and secure it with a bandage. Remove the peel in the morning and wipe the skin with a damp cloth; the pimple should be much less conspicuous. The same procedure can be applied to skin warts, though for the treatment to be fully effective it must be repeated each night for at least a week.
  
  

First Aid

• The oils found in organic banana peels have natural anti-inflammatory properties, making them a welcome addition to the home first-aid arsenal. To the relieve the redness and itchiness that often accompanies bug bites, poison ivy and other minor skin irritations, wipe the affected areas of the body with a piece of banana peel. Additionally, while it may sound odd, taping a piece of peel over a splinter and leaving it in place for 24 hours will extricate the unwanted fragment -- no needles or tweezers required.