by Wendy Lafond

Created on: July 21, 2009   Last Updated: July 23, 2009

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, began as a simple leavening agent, but the longer it has been around the more uses have been found for this little miracle mineral. New health and beauty treatments are being revealed that are much safer than previous treatments and most often much less expensive. As with all holistic remedies, consult with your physician before beginning treatment.

Health Remedies

One of the first known health uses for baking soda was for the relief of insect bites and bee stings. Mix three parts baking soda to one part vinegar and apply the paste topically. Any skin rash can be soothed with a baking soda bath, just add one cup to a warm bath and relax. Shake a small amount into shoes and socks to eliminate odor and moisture and help prevent the outbreak of athletes foot.

Also a know remedy for heartburn and acid indigestion, one to two teaspoons of sodium bicarbonate, dissolved in a 6oz. glass of water will calm most upset stomachs. This same dosage has now been proven to alleviate urinary tract infection symptoms in a few short hours. What once took a antibiotic regimen can now be cured with a simple dose of baking soda. Care must be used when ingesting baking soda as adverse reactions can happen if mixed with some medications.

New studies in London are showing that a daily dose of baking soda can slow down the decline of kidney function in patients suffering from advanced chronic kidney disease. There will be further studies done, but this could be a tremendous breakthrough in the treatment of kidney disease.

Beauty Aids

Acne sufferers may want to pay heed here. New tests have proven that baking soda is an effective and cost efficient treatment. Mixed with water or apple cider vinegar until a spread able paste is formed, it is then applied as any other facial mask. Allow to stand for a few minutes then rinse well. Be sure to use a good moisturizer as this can cause dry spots.

Baking soda works amazingly well as a tooth whitener. If the cost of all the whitening remedies is getting to be too much, try the old fashioned clean of sodium bicarbonate. It is a great aid in the fight against bad breath, too.

Love that deep clean feeling and want it for your hair? Whether you mix baking soda in with your regular shampoo and conditioner or just mix it with water or vinegar to make a thin paste, baking soda will deep clean your hair leaving it soft and vibrant with none of the harsh chemicals found in traditional shampoos.

We have long known the deodorizing properties of baking soda in our refrigerators, sinks, and drains; but it can also be used as a deodorant. Mix a cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of cornstarch for softening, add a large make-up brush as an applicator and keep it near you shower or bath. You can even add a pinch of crushed, dried herbs for a subtle scent.

These are only some of the amazing treatments, cures, and potions that can be made from simple baking soda that can create lasting and beneficial changes in our everyday lives.

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