Baking Soda Should Be Our Currency

I keep it on hand

Last night we got all homework done, finished dinner and cleaned up, so we headed outside to ride scooters before bed.

Shelby was stung by a bee within minutes. We happened to be just talking about how she’s the only one in the family who hasn’t been stung by a bee yet, so instead of a hug…I gave her a high five. (Of course I watched her to make sure she wasn’t allergic) But, I’m that mom. Bee sting…high five.

We went inside because it was starting to hurt her. I grabbed an ice pack and ran to the fridge for the baking soda. I made a paste and let her put it on her sting.

Because that’s what my mom did. My mom also made us put it directly on our toothpaste to whiten our teeth. Not sure that worked, but we did it all the time.

Every time I get the baking soda 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 Baking Soda?

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.

From the site www.Care2.com

1. Make Toothpaste
A paste made from baking soda and a 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 baking 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 baking soda onto 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.