Baking soda is an ingredient that is commonly used in the kitchen as well as for health purposes. It is both functional and beneficial and is a great substitute for harsh chemicals since it provides many health benefits too. Here are a few ways to use baking soda.
Oral health and hygiene
Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive so it is great for whitening teeth and removing stains and plaque but it also protects them from destruction. To use it mix a little baking soda with your toothpaste and put it on your brush then proceed washing your teeth as usually for 2 minutes. You should do this method at least once a day. Note: You shouldn’t use baking soda too much or too often as it could remove the natural defensive teeth enamel.
Skin care
This remedy also provides excellent benefits for the skin. It eliminates acne, soothes itchiness and sunburn and also enhances the overall epidermis complexion. Here is how to use baking soda for each condition:
Acne
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with water to make a paste, then apply it on the problematic area and leave it on for about 2 minutes. Rinse with cold water and repeat 2 times a week.
Epidermis complexion
Baking soda acts as a great exfoliator and cleans the skin from dead skin cells, helps your pores remain clean longer and also balances the pH levels. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda with several teaspoons of water until you create a paste. Apply this paste on your skin and massage with your fingertips. Then rinse off with water. You can repeat this procedure 1-2 times a week.
Rashes and itchiness
Skin irritation and itchiness can be successfully reduced with using baking soda due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Make a mixture of baking soda and water in 1:3 ratio. Apply the mixture on the skin and leave it for a while. Then rinse off with cold water. In case there is a larger area on your body to treat you can always prepare bath by adding 1 glass of baking soda in the water. You should soak in the tub for 10 minutes and then rinse.
Sunburn
Baking soda provides a soothing relief therefore it is great for alleviating pain due to sunburn. Add 1 glass of baking soda in a bathtub and soak for 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, pat your body dry or allow the skin to air dry. Repeat the procedure for a couple of days.
Nail care
Baking soda is a great treatment for nail fungi, distorter and discolored nails. To create the remedy, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 cup of unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Soak your nails in the mixture for 5 minutes then pat dry them with a towel. You should repeat this treatment twice a day.
Body odor
Baking soda is excellent in absorbing sweat and reducing the odor caused by sweating. For this purpose mix 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water and a few drops of any essential oil. Apply the mixture to your armpits using a cotton ball.
Hair care
As we already mentioned baking soda is great for balancing pH levels, so it helps your scalp to become alkaline and thus eliminate dandruff. Mix baking soda and water in ratio of 1:3 and apply it on wet scalp. Leave it for 5 minutes then rinse off. Repeat this procedure twice a month.
Muscle pain
Drinking 1 glass of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking soda will provide a relief from muscle pain.
Other than this, drinking baking soda mixed with water every day will provide the following benefits:
- Relieve indigestion and heartburn
- Prevent cancer
- Treat kidney disease
- Treat urinary tract infections
- Soothe sore throat
- Prevent colds and flu