by Karen Jones

Created on: July 22, 2009   Last Updated: July 23, 2009

It is easy to spend a small fortune on cosmetics and over-the-counter products to treat skin conditions, heartburn and cure the symptoms of ailments such as cystitis without realising that many homes already possess the ingredient to make their own. With very little effort the same effects can be achieved at a fraction of the cost of commercial products by using the common household ingredient, baking soda. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Heartburn

Most heartburn remedies are just slurries of chalk (calcium carbonate) and water with a little added flavouring. It is the carbonate part of the chemical that neutralises the stomach acid, so you can just as easily relieve the problem quickly by using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) mixed with water. Between one and two teaspoons full stirred into a small glass of water is all you need. The remedy is cheap, effective and readily accessible. There is virtually no taste, so drink it quickly at the first hint of heartburn or indigestion.

Skin softener

Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to your bath water. You'll be surprised at how silky-smooth your skin feels afterwards.

Tooth care

For super shiny clean teeth dip your dry toothbrush into baking soda then add a little water. It will start to fizz. Brush this over all surfaces of your teeth and gums, then rinse thoroughly. You can also gargle with a dilute solution of baking soda in water to eliminate bad breath odours.

Dead skin remover

Baking soda can be used as a facial scrub, to remove dead skin cells, and is equally as effective as a hand cleanser. For a mini facial, wet your face and then dip your fingers into a little of the power. Massage your face gently, using your fingers, avoiding the eyes, lips and the inside of the nose. Rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry with a soft towel. Not only will your skin be clean, it will also be soft and have a healthy polished glow to it.

For hand cleansing, wet the skin then rub your hands together after adding a sprinkling of baking powder. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Deodorant

Add baking powder to a damp cloth and wipe carefully in the underarm area for an effective deodorant which doesn't clog your pores or damage your clothes. This neutralises odour rather than preventing perspiration altogether. This works well also as a feminine hygiene product.

Nail scrub

Forget expensive nail buffing products; thirty seconds of work can leave you with buffed and polished

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>