Baking soda has myriad uses beyond tossing the occasional teaspoon into brownie batter or popping an open box in the refrigerator to absorb food odors. You may have noticed this ingredient listed in everything from your tube of toothpaste to your carpet cleaner. This handy white powder is more than a kitchen staple -- it's a jack-of-all-trades.
Throw it in Baby's Bath
Not only will 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a warm bath likely clean your tub, it's a simple, all-natural treatment for your baby's diaper rash. If your child's delicate skin is irritated, try running a tepid bath with a bit of baking soda until his skin heals, advises Texas Children's Hospital.
Oral Uses
Baking soda can be used in a pinch if you run out of toothpaste. It can also be used as a mouthwash for bad breath. The antibacterial powder is also recommended by the National Institute for Health as a treatment for mouth irritations such as canker sores. Mix your baking soda with a bit of water and apply it directly to the irritated area to soothe inflammation.
On the Skin
If you have accidentally disturbed a wasp nest or a bee's hive, relief is as close as your cupboard. A paste made of 3 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water works well applied to the skin if you have been stung by ants, bees, wasps or hornets, according to the Mayo Clinic. Apply the paste directly to insect bites to ease their burning and stinging.
Lifestyle
Baking soda can treat many small irritations of the body and aid with a variety of bodily ills, but it is no substitute for visiting your doctor. Consult a medical professional before starting any new treatments or therapies. If irritation persists for more than a few days, be sure to seek medical help.
