by Lindsay Jewell

Created on: July 24, 2010

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is found in almost every home, yet most of us remain ignorant of its full potential. However, with the recent changes in economy, people are moving away from unnecessary products that are full of toxic chemicals, and replacing them with greener and more economical alternatives. Baking soda, a highly versatile and earth-friendly salt, is one such option, and while most of us are familiar with baking soda's effectiveness as a household cleaner and kitchen item, its use also extends into the realm of health and beauty.

Listed below are some of the more common recipes for the mouth, head, and skin. Most solutions are made solely of baking soda and water, and the ratios can be tweaked around to suit your needs. General ratios and recipes are given to provide a starting point for those who are just beginning or unfamiliar with the product:

Mouth

1. To neutralize odors and bacteria, dissolve a spoonful of baking soda into 1/2 cup warm water and gargle for fifteen seconds.

2. To whiten teeth by removing tough stains from the enamel, make a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water, or sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over a toothbrush with wet bristles. Either way, a paste will form that you can use for brushing your teeth.

Head

1. Mix a small amount of baking soda with your regular shampoo before lathering over your hair. Repeat this step once or twice per month for a deep clean that will reduce any product build-up or chlorine damage that you may have accumulated.

2. Eliminate the need for shampoos and conditioners by replacing them with a solution comprised of baking soda and warm water. You can play around with the water-to-baking soda ratios to suit your preference, but remember to stir well before applying.

Regarding conditioners, they are created to restore the oils that are stripped from hair after washing with shampoos made with harsh detergents. The baking soda solution, however, will clean your hair well, and leave your natural oils intact. This eliminates the need for conditioners, but you may decide - if you have curly or damaged hair - to use a moisturizing product anyway. The choice is entirely yours.

Skin

1. Dissolve 1 cup of baking soda in warm bathwater before soaking to deodorize your body and soften your skin.

2. To soften calluses and relieve athlete's foot, soak feet in a solution of baking soda and warm water for about 15 minutes. Use around 1/4 cup baking soda for every quart of water.

3. For a natural deodorant, sprinkle baking soda under your arms. You can combine cornstarch and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio for a smoother texture.

4. To relieve burns, rashes, or poison ivy, make a paste with baking soda and water and gently spread over the affected areas. The water will evaporate, leaving a white residue that will flake off naturally.

Learn more about this author, Lindsay Jewell.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.