Baking Soda Is Pretty Cool

I keep baking soda on hand, and not just on hand, but in the Costco sized package. Have you really stopped to think about all of the things we can do with baking soda? I could geek out for a very long time on the history of this salt product. The ancient Egyptians used it in the mummification process, to start.

Every time I get it out for something, I wonder…..WHAT IS THIS STUFF!!? Sodium Bicarbonate is the strangest ingredient ever. Seriously, it is so valuable for so many different things, why isn’t there more of a to-do about this magic powder?

In our home, I’ve used it for bee stings, getting crayon stains of off walls (totally works), sitz baths for the girls, gentle mouthwashes, chocolate chip cookies, to freshen the fridge…and a castor oil concoction cocktail to induce labor with baby number two (Thank you doula….totally works). I have yet to show my children one of the the best science experiments ever….

I Googled baking soda this morning… I found THIS WEBSITE…… they had 51 uses listed in Personal, Cleaning, Deodorizing and Miscellaneous.

I’m telling you….strangest. stuff. ever. (Here’s my favorite cookies using baking soda)

Amazing Uses For Baking Soda

1. Make Toothpaste
A paste made with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes. (Or here’s a formula for a minty version.) You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.

2. Freshen Your Mouth
Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit and rinse. Odors are neutralized, not just covered up.

3. Soak Oral Appliance
Soak oral appliances, like retainers, mouthpieces and dentures, in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water. The baking soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors to keep appliances fresh. You can also brush appliances clean using baking soda.

4. Use as a Facial Scrub and Body Exfoliant
Give yourself an invigorating facial and body scrub. Make a paste of 3 parts soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use. (For a stronger exfoliant, try one of these great 5 Homemade Sugar Scrubs.)

5. Skip Harsh Deodorant
Pat it into your underarms to neutralize body odor.

6. Use as an Antacid
Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach and/or acid indigestion. Refer to baking soda package for instructions.

7. Treat Insect Bites & Itchy Skin
For insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower. For specific tips on bee stings, see Bee Stings: Prevention and Treatment.

8. Make a Hand Cleanser and Softener
Skip harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, or 3 parts baking soda to gentle liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean. You can try this honey and cornmeal scrub for hands too.

9. Help Your Hair
Vinegar is amazing for your hair, but baking soda has its place in the shower too. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly–baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.

10. Clean Brushes and Combs
For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the 51 ideas for baking soda at www.Care2.com.