Baking Soda: the Ultimate Home Remedy : 21 Steps

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:

Step 1:

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.

Step 2:

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.

Step 3:

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.

Step 4:

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

Step 5:

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!

Step 6:

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

Step 7:

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.

Step 8:

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

Step 9:

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.

Step 10:

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.

Step 11:

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.

Step 12:

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

Step 13:

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.

Step 14:

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

Step 15:

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

Step 16:

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”.

Step 17:

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.

Step 18:

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.

Step 19:

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