Discovered in the 1930's, baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) which is found naturally in mineral deposits, lake sediments and groundwater is mined from a mineral called Trona.
All baking soda in the United States, comes from the largest mine found in Green River, Wyoming.
Baking soda is also manufactured naturally in the human body and helps maintain correct Ph of the bloodstream and is found in our saliva which neutralizes plaque acids in the mouth to prevent teeth from dissolving.
This amazing mineral also neutralizes stomach acids to prevent ulcers and even works as a fire extinguisher on grease or electrical fires and yet it is environmentally benign.
Some of the following uses of baking soda that you will learn, come from my mother who was raised on a farm in the 30's and 40's, when there was none of the modern products of today.
*Medical Purposes
To remove the sting of a sunburn, use 1/2 - 1 box of baking soda in luke-warm bath water.
To dislodge ear wax and prevent buildup, mix baking soda and water to liquid form and put into ears using an eyedropper.
For a stuffy nose, mix 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon water and put 1 - 2 drops in each nostril.
Why spend a fortune on throat sprays? For a sore throat, melt 1 aspirin in 2 teaspoons of hot water - add 1 teaspoon baking soda and add another 1/2 cup of hot water and mix - gargle and spit.
As an ant-acid, mix 1/2 level teaspoon of baking soda to 1/2 glass of water and drink.
For whiter teeth, blend 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Use a cotton swab to apply to teeth - brush clean with water, then rinse. (Occasional use only). Removes tobacco, tea and coffee stains from teeth.
For bug bites and stings, make a paste of baking soda, apply to area and let dry.
Immediate attention to burns is critical to prevent blistering. Flush area with cool water immediately, and sprinkle with baking soda or apply cloth dipped in ice water with baking soda until the burn has no heat.
*Kitchens
Cutting boards which can harbor a multitude of bacteria and contamination, can be eliminated completely by sprinkling baking soda and vinegar on the board. Allow the combination to quit bubbling, then rinse off with hot water.
To clean the blender, fill 1/2 full with water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 drop of detergent. Blend solution and rinse. (Remember to put on the lid).
For any crystal ware, pour baking soda into warm water and soak for 5 minutes and rinse.
To clear a clogged drain, pour 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of hot vinegar down the drain. Wait 5 minutes and flush drain with a quart of very hot water. Repeat if necessary.
Hard water stains on faucets can be eliminated by squeezing a small amount of toothpaste on an old toothbrush with a small amount of baking soda on top - just scrub and rinse.
*Bathrooms
For bathroom grout, make a paste of baking soda and warm water and use a toothbrush to scrub.
For shower heads, use 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar in a strong sandwich sized bag. Tie over shower head for 1 hour. Remove bag and turn on shower for 10 seconds. Dump contents of bag into toilet bowl.
For septic systems, flush 1 cup of baking soda once a week to restore Ph in septic tanks.
*General Use
As a general scouring powder, mix 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of Borax and 1 cup of salt.
For window cleaning, sprinkle baking soda on a wet sponge and wipe clean, dry with paper towels or cloth.
Nail holes in walls are a snap by making a paste of baking soda and water to fill holes or baking soda and white glue.
Crayon stains are a nightmare to remove, however, sprinkle baking soda on a wet sponge and scrub gently - (washable walls only).
For woodwork, walls and appliances, use 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 gallon of warm water. Spread on surfaces with a wet sponge or damp cloth. Wait 5 minutes and wipe off.
Smoke damage is not as daunting as you think. Use a damp rag or mop using a strong solution of baking soda and water. Not only will you remove the black soot, but the smell of smoke as well.
Believe it or not, you can remove rust from nuts and bolts. In a pan or small tub, cover items first with baking soda. Pour vinegar over them and allow it to sit until the bubbling stops, then just scrub with a brush.
As a de-icer for your porch and steps, just sprinkle with baking soda to provide traction and melt the ice.
These are just a few of the myriad uses of baking soda that can be applied on a daily basis instead of running to the store and spending a fortune on products.
Try a few (as I have), they work and the cost for a box (or boxes), is much less than one dollar.
Additional Source:
Baking Soda by Vicki Lansky