The Many Uses for Baking Soda (Part Three): Health and Beauty

   By KellyOEH  Jun 12, 2012

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I had previously shared the many ways in which baking soda can be used, not only in the kitchen, but all around the home. (See Part One and Part Two). In the third and final part of The Many Uses for Baking Soda series, I will be discussing the many health and beauty benefits of baking soda. 

So without further ado, let’s get started:

• Baking Soda helps to treat burns and blisters. Continually, apply a clean rag that has been dipped in an ice water and baking soda mixture, onto the burn until it cools down.
• Piggybacking off of #1, it also works wonders for sunburns. Use as a paste on the skin to cool off or soak in a bath infused with an even mixture of baking soda and cornstarch.
• Use a baking soda and water paste as a disinfectant for cuts, scrapes, and cracked skin. It will help to speed the healing, as well.
• Baking soda can also help relieve bug stings. Simply, form a paste with water and let it dry on the sting.
• Help relieve and soothe itchy dry skin by soaking in a baking soda infused bath. Drop about a cup into warm water. This also works well for rashes due to allergies and poison ivy.
• Use baking soda in place of medicated powders to help soothe heat rash. Just sprinkle a little on the problem areas. It could also be used as a regular talcum powder or for a sprinkle of deodorant.
• Form a paste of baking soda and water to rub on dry skin problem areas such as knees, feet, and elbows. It gently exfoliates, as well.
• Soothe achy and tired feet by soaking them in warm baking soda water.
• Create a warm water and baking soda bath for babies to help soothe diaper rash. This has also been known to bring down fevers. .
• Create a baking soda and water paste to apply to a baby’s head to help with cradle cap. Leave on for a little while, and then rinse clean.
• Use baking soda as an exfoliate wash for the face. Mix a few tablespoons with a tiny amount of water until it forms into a paste. Then gently rub onto the face.
• Help zap a pimple by forming a baking soda and water paste. Apply it to problem areas and let sit overnight.
• Help cool off razor burns using a baking soda and water paste.
• Baking soda can be used to clean hands and cuticles, while keeping them soft at the same time.
• Use a small amount of baking soda into a dollop of shampoo and wash your hair as usual to remove buildup.
• Clean hair brushes and combs in a baking soda and hot water solution. This can also work for make up applicators and brushes.
• Keep sneakers dry by adding a little baking soda into them.
• Baking soda makes a great homemade toothpaste. Just sprinkle or dip a little onto a damp toothbrush and your set. It doesn’t taste good, but it works. If you are worried about the bad taste, just add a few drops of natural peppermint extract. You could also dampen your toothbrush in flavored mouthwash instead of water, before you add the baking soda to it.
• Baking soda also makes a great disinfecting mouthwash and works wonders on sore gums. Again, it does taste awful, but works great! A little of that peppermint extract can help with the bad taste, if needed. A baking soda mouth rinse is also said to be great for fighting gingivitis and relieving canker sore pain.
• Soak dentures in a baking soda and water mixture to disinfect and clean them up.
• Baking soda works well for those with occasional antacid (it's sodium bicarbonate). Fill a cup or glass halfway with water. Add a half teaspoon of baking soda, mix, and drink quickly while it is still fizzing.
• Use a hot water and baking soda mixture as a gargle to help soothe a sore throat.
• Add a small amount of baking soda and water into a dropper to help clear stuffy noses.
• Help loosen up ear wax by using a small baking soda and water mixture into a dropper.
• Make your own electrolyte drink. Take to quarts of water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, a few tablespoons of sugar, and a packet of unsweetened powdered drink mix (be careful that the drink mix doesn't include artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, etc.)

Well folks, this concludes "The Many Uses for Baking Soda" series. I hope everyone can walk away with new and inventive ways, in which they could utilize baking soda.