33 Surprising Uses and Remedies with Baking Soda

Many of us think of baking soda merely as a cooking ingredient—or something that helps keep our refrigerators odor-free—but baking soda is surprisingly beneficial for both health and home.
This inexpensive product has multiple uses, from basic hygiene and household cleaning to soothing digestive problems, stomach pain, coughs, and sore throats.

A Brief History

Throughout history, baking soda has been used as a leavening agent because, when mixed with acid, it forms bubbles and releases carbon dioxide gas, making dough rise.
Chemically known as sodium bicarbonate or nahcolite, it’s part of the natural mineral natron, which has been used since ancient times as a deodorizer and cleanser.

Health Benefits of Baking Soda

While baking soda is widely known as a cleaning and stain-removing agent, it also offers various health benefits, such as:

• Relieving stomach pain
• Aiding digestion and reducing bloating or gas
• Neutralizing acid
• Combating fungi, mold, and parasites
• Minimizing coughs and sore throats
• Reducing cold and flu duration
• Supporting pH balance and kidney health
• Alleviating gout symptoms
• Treating urinary tract infections
• Reducing muscle pain and fatigue

Baking Soda for Skin and Face

1. Natural Deodorant: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to form a milky paste. Rub under your arms or on your feet to neutralize odor.‍
2. Facial Exfoliant: Combine one teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of water, gently massage your face in circular motions, then rinse to remove dead skin cells.‍
3. Hand Softener: Mix baking soda with warm water and rub it on your hands to remove dirt and odor naturally.‍
4. Foot Deodorizer: Soak your feet in warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda to remove bacteria, odor, and help prevent nail fungus.‍
5. Itch Relief: Make a paste with baking soda and water to soothe sunburns, allergic rashes, and insect bites.‍
6. Splinter Removal: Soak the affected area twice a day in warm water with baking soda—after a few days, the splinter will naturally come out.
7. Sunburns: Add half a cup of baking soda to a warm bath or mix it into your favorite body lotion for relief.

Baking Soda for Hair and Teeth

1. Hair Care: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to your shampoo to remove residue and buildup from hair products.
2. ‍Brush and Comb Cleaner: Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one cup of water and use the paste to clean brushes and combs.
3. ‍Homemade Toothpaste: Baking soda helps remove plaque and freshen breath—mix it with your regular toothpaste a few times per week.
4. ‍Teeth Whitener: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with water to create a whitening paste. Apply once a week for five minutes before rinsing.

Baking Soda for Health

1. Heartburn and Indigestion: Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to two cups of water and drink it about an hour after meals to relieve symptoms.
2. ‍Kidney Support: Baking soda helps balance body pH when the kidneys struggle to remove excess acid.
3. ‍Ulcer Pain Relief: Drink a glass of water mixed with 1–2 teaspoons of baking soda to neutralize stomach acid.
4. ‍Exercise Recovery: Baking soda helps absorb lactic acid buildup in muscles, reducing fatigue and improving performance.
5. ‍Cancer Support: Some research suggests that baking soda can raise the pH around tumors without affecting healthy tissues, potentially helping immune and nutritional support. (Always under medical supervision.)

Household Uses for Baking Soda

1. ‍Natural Degreaser: Sprinkle baking soda on kitchen surfaces and scrub with a sponge. Add lemon or essential oils for fragrance.
2. ‍Pan and Pot Cleaner: Soak cookware in baking soda for 15–20 minutes to loosen grease and grime.
3. ‍Carpet Freshener: Sprinkle baking soda over carpets, let sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum to remove odors.
4. ‍Baby Clothes Softener: Add one cup of baking soda to laundry for a natural, gentle cleaner.
5. ‍Fruit and Vegetable Cleaner: Mix baking soda with water to remove dirt and bacteria.
6. ‍Silverware Cleaner: Create a paste with baking soda and water, apply, let sit 20 minutes, then rinse.
7. ‍Microwave Cleaner: Wipe down with a damp cloth sprinkled with baking soda.
8. ‍Drain Cleaner: Mix baking soda with apple cider vinegar, let bubble for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
9. ‍Dishwasher Booster: Add baking soda to your regular wash cycle to remove grease buildup.
10. ‍Fire Extinguisher: Pour baking soda on small kitchen fires—it smothers flames instantly.
11. ‍Shoe Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes to eliminate odor.
12. ‍Coffee Maker Cleaner: Mix ¼ cup baking soda with 1 liter of warm water and scrub to remove coffee or tea stains.
13. ‍Shower Curtain Cleaner: Rub baking soda with water on curtains to remove mildew stains.
14. ‍Closet Freshener: Place an open box or cup of baking soda inside your closet to absorb odors.
15. ‍Car Cleaner: Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with 1 cup of warm water to clean your car’s surfaces.
16. ‍Cat Litter Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the litter box and over the top layer to neutralize odors.

Baking soda truly is a multi-purpose wonder—simple, inexpensive, and powerful for your health, beauty, and home.

‍

Dr Axe

Alimentos y Medicina

http://draxe.com/baking-soda-uses/