Your mother and grandmother relied on baking soda for more than keeping the refrigerator fresh. Baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda, has numerous household uses. It naturally deodorizes and it is slightly abrasive, but doesn't scratch most surfaces. It is a natural and safe home remedy for the symptoms of minor ailments and medical conditions. You can combine it with other products to increase its effectiveness as a home remedy.
Oral Hygiene
Whiten your teeth naturally when you brush with baking soda. The slightly abrasive texture helps remove common stains like coffee, tea and tobacco. The simplest way to apply baking soda to teeth is with a toothbrush. Pour the baking soda into the palm of your hand, then dip a wet toothbrush into the soda and brush all tooth surfaces. Rinse when finished. In addition to cleaning your teeth, baking soda freshens your breath.
MedlinePlus recommends using baking soda to treat canker sores. Mix baking soda and water to make a thin paste. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, then put the baking soda mix directly on the canker sore and leave it to dry.
Deodorant
Use baking soda as an underarm deodorant. The University of Illinois states that you can make a paste of baking soda and water, then apply it to your underarms after showering. If you prefer cream deodorant, make your own with equal amounts of baking soda, petroleum jelly and talcum powder. Combine 2 tbsp. of each in a double boiler, stir and heat slowly until creamy. Store your baking soda deodorant in an airtight jar.
Stomach Distress
One of the oldest home remedies for baking soda is relief from acid indigestion, heartburn and sour stomach. Your primary care physician may have prescribed an antacid medication, but when your stomach is bubbling from greasy foods, try a half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Drugs.com recommends this dosing for adults and suggests that this treatment is not for children.
Soothe Skin
Mayo Clinic suggests that you sprinkle some baking soda into a warm bath to relieve skin irritations. Soak for at least a half hour. When you emerge from the tub, your skin should be less irritated and it may feel softer. The New York Times Health Guide Library states that adding baking soda to your bath will also relieve sunburn pain.
Summer's insect bites call for a soothing solution. Use Mayo Clinic's recipe of 3 tsp. of baking soda to 1 tsp. of water. Mix and apply on the site of an insect bite or sting three or more times a day.
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