by Anonymouse

Created on: July 22, 2009   Last Updated: September 10, 2009

Baking soda is an incredible household tool. Even if you've already discovered its cooking and cleaning powers, chances are you've only scratched the surface. Baking soda stops itching, relieves pain, exfoliates skin, whitens teeth, freshens breath, and even soothes heartburn. It turns out baking soda meets an assortment of health and beauty needs.

Everyday Exfoliant

Rough patches of skin can easily be smoothed away with the right baking soda solution. Combine 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to make a paste, and massage it onto problem spots in a circular motion. Baking soda exfoliant is gentle enough for everyday use.

A Handy Cleanser

You can also eliminate odors with the exfoliant mixture: 3 parts baking soda, 1 part water. If you start using baking soda to rinse potent smells from your hands after cooking, you'll never have to reek of garlic or fish again. Plus your hands will feel softer when you're finished washing them.

Refining Bath Soak

Bathing with baking soda is great for the skin. While most soaps and shampoos leave residue behind, baking soda cleanses without getting messy. It even neutralizes acids on the skin. Simply mix 1/2 cup of baking soda into your bathwater, and soon you'll be the squeakiest kind of clean.

Hair Care Solution

Baking soda can solve a handful of hairy situations. To help remove residue from styling products when you wash, add 1tsp. of baking soda to your shampoo. You can also sprinkle it on oily hair for a more polished look. Baking soda can even improve chlorine-damaged hair!

Makeshift Toothpaste

Brushing your teeth with baking soda will also neutralize odors and freshen breath. This makeshift toothpaste will help keep your pearly whites healthy. However, baking soda doesn't contain fluoride to fight cavities, so make sure to use fluorinated water when you brush.

A Natural Antacid

Heartburn and indigestion can both be relieved with baking soda. Dissolve exactly 1/2tsp. in 4oz. water every 2+ hours. People over age 5 should take no more than 7 doses per day, and those over 60 should stop at 3 doses daily. Consult a doctor first if you have any health concerns.

Anti-Itch Agent

Poison oak, ivy, and sumac all cause itching beyond belief. Baking soda offers quick relief so you can finally stop scratching! Mix 3 parts baking soda with one part water and apply to the affected area. Then keep still so your homemade anti-itch agent doesn't flake off.

Pain Remedy

Sunburn, windburn, bee stings, and mosquito bites are among nature's many painful side effects. To relieve soreness caused by such problems, apply a thick paste of baking soda and water. The baking soda that crusts on your skin may be unsightly, but the pain relief will be well worth it.

Kidney Protection

Most patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) have declining kidney function. However, one daily dose of baking soda can help change that. Baking soda can also make the development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) less likely, preventing the need for dialysis.

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