by Liz Sinclair

Created on: August 09, 2009   Last Updated: August 25, 2009

Baking soda is a versatile, multi-functional product that contains many other benefits for people other than its use in baking. It has cleansing, antiseptic, deodorizing, disinfectant and anti-fungal properties that make it an excellent health and beauty product for the entire family, from babies, to the elderly, to pets. Baking soda can be used in the bath to soothe irritation and itching from skin conditions, insect bites, sunburn or diaper rash. It can also be used to clean teeth and hands, and makes a soothing foot soak.

Baking soda is good for gently cleaning hairbrushes and combs, as well as being an efficient booster for shampoo to remove dirt, oil and residue from hair. Because of its anti-fungal properties, baking soda can help get rid of dandruff as well.

Baking soda is safe to consume and can treat common internal complaints, like indigestion or urinary tract infections. It is safe for the environment, so you can wash it down the drain without worrying about toxic ingredients. As an added advantage, baking soda will clean and disinfect your drains as well, and leave them smelling fresh.

If you start using baking soda in the bathroom and around the house, you will soon find that it can replace many pricier health, beauty and wellness products in your family's daily routine. Here are some easy ideas and simple recipes for using baking soda everyday:

In the Kitchen:

1) Putting a small pinch of baking soda into brewing coffee or tomato sauce while cooking will reduce acidity.

2) Adding baking soda to soaking water for dry beans will ensure the beans cook faster and produce less flatulence.

3) Baking soda is also a good meat tenderizer: just rub some directly on the meat, then rinse off or add to stews while cooking.

4) Use baking soda to wash pesticide residue or dirt from fruit and vegetables before cooking or eating. Soak produce in water sprinkled with some baking soda, then rinse.

5) Wash out water bottles, lunch boxes or other plastic food or drink containers with a solution of baking soda and water.

6) Soak baby bottles and nipples overnight in a solution of 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 quart of water.

In the Bathroom:

1) To freshen and clean your mouth, gargle with teaspoon of baking soda in glass of water. This mouthwash will also alleviate the pain of canker sores.

2) Sprinkle baking soda on your wet toothbrush and brush your teeth and dentures with it. You can also soak retainers, dentures or mouth

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