Sodium bicarbonate, or more popularly known as baking soda, is an important ingredient when baking. However, that's not its only use. It also has many household uses. It can be used to clean or deodorize a room. But wait, there's more! It also has many health benefits.
Baking soda has many uses around the house, but it also has health benefits you may not know about. Here are just some of them.
As a deodorant. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste. Rub the paste on your armpits or your feet.
As a natural Exfoliator. Add a teaspoon of baking soda in a half cup of water. Gently rub in a circular motion on your face then rinse. Caution: don't use this on your face too often because it might upset the pH balance of your skin.
Hand softener. To keep your hands clean and soft, add baking soda in warm water then rub it on your hands.
For itchy skin and sunburns. To relieve itchy skin or sunburns, make a bath by adding baking soda to lukewarm water. Make sure to completely soak the affected skin in the baking soda bath. For a more specific application, make a baking soda paste then apply to the affected area.
As a foot soak. To remove the bacteria that is causing foul foot odors and prevent toenail fungus, add a tablespoon of baking soda in warm water and soak feet.
As a teeth whitener. Make a paste using one tablespoon of baking soda and water. Apply this paste on your teeth for five minutes then rinse thoroughly. Do this at least once a week for better results.
As a treatment for insect bites. Mix your own paste to soothe insect bites by adding one part baking soda to three parts water. Apply on the insect bite for three times a day.
As a treatment for indigestion. Mix a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink. If symptoms persist after 2 weeks, call your doctor immediately. Do not drink baking soda two hours after taking other medications. You also shouldn't give it to a child who is less than 6 years old unless otherwise advised by a pediatrician.
As a DIY cleaning product. Scrub your kitchen with baking soda. Add a drop or two of lavender, peppermint, or lemon essential oil to add a natural fragrance to your kitchen. You can also use it to clean pots and pans by soaking them in baking soda for 15 to 20 minutes. It is an effective way to remove grime, grease, and food.
