That box of baking soda sitting unused in the cupboard or in the back of the fridge has many health and beauty uses that can save you a bit of cash while leaving you feeling clean and fresh as well as smart for using such a simple product.
Here are some ways to cleanse the body both inside and out for about $1 a box:
1) Splinter Remover
Some splinters can come out with some simple tweaking with tweezers, but others stay lodged in the skin. Soaking the affected area can loosen things up. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a small glass of water, and soak twice a day.
2) Dandruff Treatment
As a gentle exfoliator, baking soda can be an effective remedy for excessive dandruff. Add baking soda to wet scalp while in the shower and scrub lightly, releasing flakes from the skin and clarifying scalp and hair. Use the treatment as needed, or once a month as a preventive measure. My husband uses baking soda for his scalp and it works like a charm!
3) Deodorant
If you find yourself reacting to store bought deodorant, this could help. Baking soda deodorizes and dries skin. Mix a light paste with water and apply to the skin.
4) Razor Burn and Aftershave Treatment
Do you suffer from razor burned bikini line or face? Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water, and apply to skin. Let the solution dry and then rinse the area with cool water. This treatment also works as a pre or after-shave for men. Avoid the eye area.
5) Facial Scrub
Mix a paste of three-parts baking soda to one part water, and gently scrub over your face. (3 tbsp baking soda, 1 tbsp of water). Exfoliate, rinse and enjoy! An effective and environmentally friendly solution.
6) Tooth Whitener
Arm and Hammer is onto something. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive on teeth, scrubbing away stains and plaque. Sprinkle some baking soda into your palm and dip your toothbrush into it. Brush your teeth with the paste for about 1 minute and rinse. Not to be used as a substitute for toothpaste, which has cavity-preventing fluoride.
7) Antacid
Baking soda can be used to help alleviate heartburn, indigestion and ulcer pain by acting as a base and neutralizing stomach acid.
Dissolve ½ a teaspoon in a ½ a cup of water, and take every two hours, as needed. Not to be used for chronic pain, as consuming excessive amounts of baking soda can cause serious electrolyte imbalances in the body. Always consult a doctor.
8) Sun Burn Remedy
Spent too much time in the sun? A soda bath can help relieve the pain of a nasty sunburn. Add ½ cup of baking soda to bathwater, and sit and soak. Let skin air dry once you’re out, to keep the benefits of the soda on your skin.
9) Anti-Itch Solution
If you sat in a patch of poison ivy, you might need this. Apply a paste made of baking soda and water to your skin, or rub the dry powder on directly to relieve itching. This is effective for minor itching as the baking soda neutralizes toxins and irritants on the skin’s surface. You’ll need something stronger for bad rashes.
10) Dry Shampoo
Need to look fresh but have about five minutes to get results? If you’re out of dry shampoo, sprinkle a couple of pinches of baking soda through your roots and brush it out for a freshened feel and look.
Photo credit: Geo-grafika/Shutterstock
