by Jane Grimshaw

Created on: August 18, 2009   Last Updated: December 02, 2009

Baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), has been widely used as a household cleaner and a health and beauty product for a number of years. It is a natural cleaner that is both inexpensive to buy and kind to the environment, and it can be used alone or mixed with other ingredients to clean, deodorise, and alleviate a number of uncomfortable health problems.

Drink up

Yes, that's right! Baking soda can be just as good for the inside of the body as it is for the outside. A healthy sports/rehydration drink can be made by mixing a quart of boiled water with 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 5 teaspoons of sugar and 1 packet of children's soft drink mix, such as kool-aid. Once mixed, refrigerate and use as required.

You can also use baking soda as an antacid preparation to relieve the misery of indigestion and heartburn by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water.

Alleviate skin problems

A paste using baking soda and water can be applied directly to insect bites, spots, razor burns, windburn and sunburn. If left on for a few minutes and allowed to dry, it will reduce redness and irritation.

Dissolving two cupfuls of baking soda in a bath of cool water will help to sooth hives on the body caused by chicken pox, measles and allergic reactions. It can also help to cool down your body if you have spent too long in the hot sun. To avoid allergic reactions occurring, try adding a cup of baking soda to your laundry, along with your usual detergent.

Beautify your body

Start by exfoliating and refreshing the face by making a thin paste of baking soda and water and rubbing it over the face. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse off. You can freshen the feet in the same way or, alternatively, you can soak tired feet in a bowl of water containing 3 tablespoons of baking soda.

Take a relaxing bath and soothe away the aches and pains of the day and emerge with beautifully soft skin by adding half a cup of baking soda to the water. Whilst you're in the bath, your hands will also benefit from soaking, and applying a little baking soda to a cuticle brush can help to clean nails and soften cuticles.

Keep your hair in great shape too by removing the build-up of excess hair products, such as wax, moose, or gel. Simply add a small amount of baking soda to your shampoo, wash your hair and rinse out. If your hair gets greasy easily and you haven't got time to wash it, apply some baking soda to the roots and comb through - this

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