Baking Soda: the Ultimate Home Remedy

Baking soda was a staple in households long before the convenience of the corner drug store chains, and before big box stores became a modern phenomenon. Historical home remedies for this simple product are abundant, with claims that it will cure everything from stinky feet to cancer. So, I begin this article with an admonition that this article should not be considered a substitute for seeking real medical advice from a licensed doctor or health care professional. Home remedies are great when you are just a little bit sick, or bothered by a minor ailment, but always consult a modern doctor when your illness worsens or lingers more than a few days. I note that those who do not tolerate the ingestion of salt should use baking soda with caution, due to the high sodium content.

Top Twenty Baking Soda Home Remedies:

Mix three tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of salt into a pan of warm water to use as a relaxing foot soak. It also neutralizes the bacteria which causes feet to stink.

Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Coat mosquito bites, bug bites, poison ivy, or other itchy skin problems with the paste to relieve itching.

Mix baking soda with salt and water to make your own toothpaste. It whitens teeth without strong chemicals, and reduces cavity causing bacteria. Use the paste with a toothbrush, or rub the paste on your teeth and gums with a finger, and rinse.

Add a half teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water or apple cider for a great antacid.

Add a half cup of baking soda to a warm bath to relive dry, itchy skin, and to relieve achy muscles. Air dry, instead of using a towel, to continue the refreshing effect. As an added bonus, your bathtub will be clean and freshened, too!

Add one teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. Use the solution as a gargle for fresher breath.

Mix three tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water, and use as a facial scrub to prevent acne, and to exfoliate your skin.

Use a baking soda and water paste to scrub dirty toenails, and to discourage fungal growth.

Wet your hair, and rub dry baking soda into your scalp. Let sit for ten minutes, then rinse, to prevent dandruff, and remove buildup from shampoos.

Add one tablespoon of baking soda to a glass of water, and soak a finger in the solution for a few minutes every day to loosen a splinter.

Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a half cup of very cold water. Soak a wash cloth in the solution and use the wash cloth to relieve a sun burn.

Mix baking soda with water, and use as a deodorant. This is an alternative to the national deodorant brands that contain aluminum.

Take one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water once a day, for several days, when you are trying to develop a UTI infection, in an attempt to avoid landing in a doctor’s office. Don’t forget to drink lots of water, too.

Mix one part moisturizing liquid body soap with two parts baking soda for a luxurious spa style body scrub.

Prevent hair split ends by adding a little baking soda to your favorite hair conditioner.

Old wives tales claim that drinking a half teaspoon of baking soda in an eight ounce glass of water for several days will ease or even “cure” a variety of ailments including gout and cancer. These are serious medical conditions. Seek a doctor’s advice before trying this “cure”.

Gargle with warm water, baking soda, and salt to sooth a sore throat. If your sore throat lingers or is very severe, be sure and visit a doctor’s office to get a strep test.

Add a half teaspoon of baking soda to an eight ounce glass of water, and drink, several times a day (careful of the total sodium!) to avoid catching the flu.

Add a half teaspoon of baking soda to an eight ounce glass of water, and drink daily for a few days, to stabilize your ph, and rebalance a body that is developing yeast or fungus infections

Mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Use the paste to “dry up” minor skin infections.