Many of us think of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a handy kitchen staple best suited to leavening our baked goods. But this versatile powerhouse is capable of much more than producing a tasty dessert!
Clean, green and environmentally friendly, baking soda dates back to ancient Egypt where women used it as a base for cosmetics, cleansers and body care products.
Just a generation ago, our mothers and grandmothers recognized its virtues in treating everything from poison ivy to dandruff.
Today, with our growing appetite for simplicity and living green, baking soda is making a healthy comeback! Few products are as versatile, inexpensive, and effective as baking soda.
Here are the best home remedies for using baking soda in your own health and beauty regime…
If you suffer from sinus congestion, try a gentle baking soda rinse instead of a harsh over-the-counter nasal spray.
How to use: Fill an ear syringe or Neti Pot with 1 cup of warm water, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (the finer, the better), and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Upset Stomach
Baking soda is a natural antacid and can help relieve symptoms from heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach.
How to use: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 glass of water. Repeat every 2 hours, or as directed by your physician. (Read instructions on the box carefully before use.)
Bug Bites & Poison Ivy
Did you know you can reduce the itch and swelling of common bug bites with baking soda?
How to use: Apply a paste made of 3 teaspoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon water. Reapply several times a day until all symptoms subside.
How to use: Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda in a quart of water and apply to your skin with a washcloth. You can also add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a tepid bath for a soothing soak.
How to use: Combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup of warm water. Use as a mouth rinse. (Spit out completely after rinsing.)
Teeth Whitening
Baking soda cleans and whitens as good as any toothpaste minus all the added dye and artificial ingredients. Your best bet is to alternate between dry brushing and using this DIY baking soda toothpaste in order to protect the enamel on your teeth over time.
How to use: Make a toothpaste by combining water, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 to 2 drops of peppermint oil.
How to use: Mix one part peroxide and one part water. Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of baking soda. R
How to use: Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Gently rub in a circular motion to exfoliate the skin. This is gentle enough for daily use, but take caution if you are using other acne products.
How to use: Mix a small amount of baking soda with your favorite shampoo and wash hair as usual. If you need to remove chlorine build-up, mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 pint of water. Apply to your hair, then rinse.
Deodorant
Most deodorants contain strong chemicals that can irritate your skin and clog pores. Try mixing up a natural, fragrant deodorant powder instead using baking soda.
How to use: Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of cornstarch and a few drops of lavender oil. Pat lightly with a damp cloth and let dry.
Other Baking Soda Health & Beauty Uses
I like to help people find clever ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about "outside the box" Beauty Tips and Beauty Hacks that most people wouldn't think of. With beauty products (like hair care, skincare, and makeup) and personal care items (like teeth issues, body odor, undergarments, and <em>other</em> topics that very few people enjoy talking about)… I share my own honest firsthand experiences that I think others would appreciate hearing about and find helpful. Especially for topics that are usually very "private" and most people don't like to talk about publicly! When I'm not trying new beauty products and organizing all my "stuff", you'll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
