Eggshells may seem like a waste product, but they’re actually packed with surprising benefits that make them worth holding on to. From improving soil to boosting your health, eggshells have a wide range of uses that many people don’t know about. Here’s why you shouldn’t throw them away and how to make the most of this often overlooked treasure!
- Rich Source of Calcium for Plants
Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, which is vital for plant growth. Calcium helps strengthen plant cell walls, preventing issues like blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers. Crushed eggshells can enrich the soil, giving your plants the nutrients they need to thrive.
How to Use:
Crush clean, dried eggshells into small pieces.
Sprinkle the crushed shells directly into the soil around your plants or mix them into potting soil to enhance its nutrient content.
- Natural Pest Repellent
Eggshells can help keep pests like slugs, snails, and cutworms away from your garden. The sharp edges of crushed eggshells create a barrier that deters these pests from reaching your plants, providing a natural and eco-friendly solution.
How to Use:
Scatter crushed eggshells around the base of your plants to create a protective barrier against pests.
- Boosts Compost Quality
Eggshells are a valuable addition to your compost pile. They help balance the pH levels of compost and add essential minerals like calcium. Over time, the eggshells break down, contributing to a more nutrient-rich compost that benefits your garden.
How to Use:
Add crushed or powdered eggshells to your compost bin. Be sure to wash them first to avoid attracting animals or insects.
- Natural Cleaning Scrub
The abrasive texture of crushed eggshells makes them an excellent natural scrub for tough cleaning tasks. Whether you’re cleaning pots and pans or removing stains from hard surfaces, eggshells provide a gentle, non-toxic cleaning solution.
How to Use:
Mix crushed eggshells with a bit of water or dish soap and use the mixture to scrub stubborn stains and grime from your cookware and surfaces.
- DIY Calcium Supplement
Eggshells are composed mostly of calcium carbonate, the same form of calcium found in many over-the-counter supplements. If prepared correctly, eggshells can be used as a natural, homemade calcium supplement, supporting bone health and preventing calcium deficiency.
How to Use:
Boil eggshells to sterilize them, then bake them in the oven until dry.
Once dried, grind the eggshells into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or blender.
Add the powdered eggshells to smoothies, yogurt, or food as a natural calcium supplement. A teaspoon contains about 800–1,000 mg of calcium.
- Skin Care Benefits
Eggshells contain membrane proteins that have been shown to support skin regeneration and wound healing. You can use eggshell membranes as a natural face mask to tighten and rejuvenate your skin.
How to Use:
Carefully peel the inner membrane from a clean eggshell and apply it to your face as a mask.
Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water for firmer, smoother skin.
- Strengthens Homemade Broth
If you’re making homemade bone broth, adding eggshells to the pot can boost its mineral content. The calcium from the eggshells leaches into the broth, making it more nutritious and beneficial for bone and joint health.
How to Use:
Simply toss clean, dried eggshells into the pot when simmering bones for broth. Strain them out when the broth is finished.
- Crafts and DIY Projects
Eggshells can also be used for fun and creative DIY projects. From making delicate mosaics to using eggshell halves as seed starters, the possibilities are endless for turning eggshells into practical or decorative crafts.
How to Use:
Clean and dry the eggshells, then use them for art projects like mosaics, ornaments, or miniature plant pots.
Conclusion
Eggshells are far from waste— they’re a valuable resource you can use in your garden, home, and even for your health. Whether you’re improving soil, repelling pests, or adding a calcium boost to your diet, eggshells are truly worth their weight in gold. Start saving those eggshells today and make the most of their surprising benefits!