Most of us discard eggshells without a second thought, but did you know they’re packed with incredible benefits? Eggshells are rich in calcium and other valuable nutrients that can be used in various ways to improve your health, garden, and even home. Instead of throwing them away, here are some surprising reasons why eggshells are worth their weight in gold.

1. Boosts Bone Health

Eggshells are composed of 95% calcium carbonate, the same type of calcium found in our bones and teeth. This makes eggshells an excellent natural supplement for bone health. By grinding eggshells into a fine powder, you can add a small amount to your smoothies, juices, or food to boost your calcium intake. This helps strengthen bones and prevent conditions like osteoporosis.

How to make eggshell powder:

• Boil the eggshells for a few minutes to sanitize them.
• Let them dry completely, then grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or blender.
• Store the powder in an airtight container and use about half a teaspoon a day in your meals.

2. Fertilizes Your Garden

Eggshells are a fantastic, natural fertilizer for your plants. The calcium in eggshells helps strengthen plant cell walls, promoting healthy growth. Crushed eggshells can be added directly to the soil, or you can steep them in water to create a calcium-rich “tea” for watering your plants.

How to use eggshells in your garden:

• Crush clean, dry eggshells into small pieces.
• Sprinkle the crushed shells around the base of your plants or mix them into the soil.
• Alternatively, steep crushed shells in water for 24 hours and use the water to nourish your plants.

3. Repels Garden Pests

Eggshells can also act as a natural pest deterrent. The sharp edges of crushed eggshells help keep slugs, snails, and other pests away from your plants without the use of harmful chemicals.

How to repel pests:
Simply scatter crushed eggshells around the perimeter of your garden or plants to create a barrier that pests won’t want to cross.

4. Makes a Natural Scrubber

Eggshells can be used as a gentle abrasive cleaner for tough-to-clean pots, pans, and surfaces. The rough texture of the crushed shells helps scrub away dirt and grime without scratching delicate surfaces.

How to make an eggshell scrubber:

• Crush the eggshells into small pieces.
• Mix them with a little dish soap or baking soda.
• Use the mixture to scrub tough stains in the kitchen or bathroom.

5. Nourishes Skin

Eggshells can even benefit your skincare routine! The calcium and minerals in eggshells can soothe irritated skin and promote cell regeneration. Some people use eggshells to make a DIY face mask by mixing powdered shells with egg whites or honey for a natural exfoliant.

How to make an eggshell face mask:

• Mix powdered eggshells with egg whites or honey.
• Apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water for soft, nourished skin.

6. Enhances Compost

Eggshells break down quickly and are a great addition to compost piles. They provide calcium and help balance the pH level of your compost, making the final product more nutritious for your plants.

How to use in compost:
Add crushed eggshells to your compost bin regularly to enrich your compost with valuable minerals.

A Simple Treasure

Next time you crack an egg, don’t throw away the shells! From improving bone health to boosting your garden, eggshells have a range of valuable uses that can benefit your home and health. With these easy tips, you can start making the most out of this often-overlooked treasure.