Surprising Uses Of Baking Soda For Skin, Hair And Health

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You probably must have used baking soda in your kitchen for making homemade recipes. A pretty surprising fact is that this cheap kitchen staple can be used as a DIY alternative for many expensive products. Here are few suggestions for using baking soda for skin, hair and health.

Baking Soda for Skin:

1. Fights Acne

What all you need?

• Baking soda

Directions:

1. Mix one tsp of baking soda with little amount of water to form a smooth paste.

2. Apply on affected skin for one or two minutes.

3. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

4. Repeat daily for three days.

How it works:

Baking soda helps to reduce the symptoms of acne breakouts through its antiseptic agents. It balances out the skin’s PH levels to reduce the occurrence of skin breakouts.

Tip: You can reduce the usage of the solution to once or twice a week after three days.

2. Relieves Sunburn

What all you need?

• 1-2 tsp baking soda

Directions:

1. Press affected area with the cloth for 5-10 minutes.

2. Immerse a clean cloth in the mixture.

3. Mix one or two tsp of baking soda in a cup of cold water.

4. Wring out the excess.

5. Repeat twice or thrice a day for relief.

How it works:

Baking soda is soothing on sun burnt skin, and relives one from itching sensation. It contains mild antiseptic agents for drying out sunburn blisters.

Tip:

You can also add half a cup of baking soda to bathing water to get fast relief.

3. Skin Lightening and Brightening

What all you need?

• One tsp baking soda

• Four to five drops extra virgin oil

Directions:

1. Mix both the ingredients together.

2. Apply the solution on your face.

3. Leave it on for five minutes and rinse off with cold water.

4. Repeat twice or thrice a week.

How it works:

4. Facial Scrub and Body Exfoliant

What all you need?

• Three parts baking soda

Directions:

1. Mix three parts of baking soda to one part of water.

2. Rub gently in circular motions.

3. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

4. Repeat twice a week.

How it works:

Baking soda is a natural exfoliant and helps remove dead skin cells.

Tip: People with dry skin should try this natural exfoliant once a week instead of twice.

5. Removes Blackheads/Whiteheads

What all you need?

• One tsp baking soda

• ¼ cup milk

Directions:

1. Apply the mixture on your affected area and massage in circular motions.

2. Mix both the ingredients together.

3. Leave for five minutes and rinse off using warm water.

How it works:

Baking soda contains acid-neutralizing alkaline agents to treat blackheads and whiteheads, while milk has lactic acid to clean pores and exfoliate your skin.

Tip: This quick gentle facial is a great remedy for blackheads and whiteheads. However do not use it over squeezed pimples.

6. Heals Skin Rashes and Itchiness

What all you need?

• Half cup baking soda

Directions:

1. Mix half a cup of baking soda to your warm bathing water.

How it works:

This is one of the best ways to heal your skin rashes and ease off itchiness.

Tip: Over usage of baking soda can dry skin and increase itchiness. Therefore limit trying this remedy only when you have skin rashes.

7. Razor Burn Soother

What all you need?

• One tsp baking soda

• One cup water

Directions:

1. Use a solution of one tsp baking soda and one cup water.

2. Apply the solution onto affected skin for five minutes.

3. Rinse off using cold water.

How it works:

This solution can soothe your razor burned skin because baking soda has an alkaline nature.

Tip:

You can try this solution as an after shave or before shave solution as well.

Baking Soda for Hair:

1. Treats Smelly Oily Hair

What all you need?

• Quarter sized amount baking soda

Directions:

1. Mix a quarter sized amount of baking soda into your regular shampoo.

2. Wash and rinse off your hair using this solution.

How it works:

If your hair is limp because of product buildup then you should try this baking soda solution. Baking soda is a great remedy to make your hair shiner and manageable. Its alkaline solution can keep the PH level of the scalp clean.

Tip: Try out this remedy once or twice a month for best effects.

2. Dry Shampoo

What all you need?

• Baking soda

• Cornstarch

Directions:

1. Mix equal amounts of baking soda and cornstarch.

2. Massage the roots of your hair using a small amount and spread over entire hair.

3. Run a brush through your mane.

How it works:

We are often in dire need of dry shampoo during morning hours when we have overslept or similar emergency situations. Baking soda is a great solution to act as a dry shampoo to keep your scalp clean.

Tip: Try out this remedy once or twice a week.

3. Removes Dandruff

What all you need?

• Lemon juice

• One tsp baking soda

Directions:

1. Squeeze out the juice of one lemon.

2. Add one tsp of baking soda.

3. Apply this solution to your scalp and leave it for three minutes and rinse off using lukewarm water.

How it works:

Dandruff is a common hair problem and it is treatable with proper care and treatment. Baking soda is one effective treatment to clean scalp and remove flakes. It has alkaline to control the PH levels of scalp.

Tip: Try out this remedy for once a week to remove dandruff effectively.

4. Clarifying Shampoo

What all you need?

• One part baking soda

• Three to four parts of water

• Vinegar

Directions:

1. Mix one part of baking soda with three to four parts of water to form a smooth paste.

2. Apply this solution on your hair and scalp.

3. Allow it to sit for one or two minutes.

4. Rinse off as usual.

5. Use vinegar as last rinse

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How it works:

Baking is paraben, DEA, dye, sodium laurel sulfate, and fragrance free. It contains one single ingredient that is all natural.

Tip: Shake the solution well before use. Avoid getting it in your eyes.

5. Treats Hair Loss

What all you need?

• 2 to three tsp baking soda

• 1 cup lukewarm water

Directions:

1. Mix two to three tsp of baking soda to a cup of lukewarm water.

2. Stir the mixture well to form a smooth paste.

3. Apply the mixture on your scalp using your fingertips.

4. Allow it to sit for 10-20 minutes.

5. Rinse off using cold water.

How it works:

Baking soda can be used as a replacement of shampoo to combat hair loss. Its alkaline nature can control the pH levels of your hair to treat baldness.

Tip: Apply baking soda solution on your hair once a week. You can prepare this mixture in large batches and store in containers.

6. Lighten Hair Color

What all you need?

• 2 tsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp baking soda

Directions:

1. Combine both the ingredients in a bowl to form a smooth paste.

2. Apply the solution on your hair or colored parts alone.

3. Leave this solution for 20 minutes before shampooing your hair out.

How it works:

Baking soda can clarify and fade hair color, while lemon has natural bleaching properties to lighten hair colour.

Tip: You can try this remedy three to four times a week for effective results.

Baking Soda for Nail/Hand/Feet:

1. Nail Cleaner

What all you need?

• Nail brush

• Baking soda

• Water

Directions:

1. Dip a nail brush into a paste of three parts baking soda and one part water.

2. Scrub your nails in a circular motion.

3. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

How it works:

Baking soda contains natural antiseptic agents and prevents foot infection while cleaning your nails. It has no side effects and therefore safe to use.

Tip: Try this remedy once or twice a week for effective results.

2. Foot Care

What all you need?

• Baking soda

• Water

Directions:

1. Mix three parts of baking soda to one part of warm water.

2. Soak your feet for 10 minutes.

3. Apply lotion over your legs and feet.

4. Wrap a cloth, and keep it for five minutes.

5. Pat dry.

How it works:

Baking soda can soften skin, and when it comes to foot care, it is one of the best solutions to remove roughness. Soaking your feet in baking soda mixture can also eliminate foot odor. If you need a spa treatment, then try this home based foot soak.

Tip: After you take out your feet from the water, you can also exfoliate your feet using sponge or brush.

3. Hand Softener

What all you need?

• Liquid hand wash

• Baking soda

Directions:

1. Mix three parts of baking soda to one part of liquid hand wash.

2. Wash your hands using this solution.

How it works:

Using this baking soda based hand wash can soften and smoothen out your skin. It can gently remove dead skin cells.

Tip: You can also use a mixture of honey and lemon juice to baking soda mixture for softening your hands.

4. Treats Nail Fungus

What all you need?

• Warm water

• Baking soda

• Essential oil (lavender or rosemary or tea tree oil)

• Vegetable oil or whole milk

Directions:

1. Soak your feet in a basin of warm water.

2. Add three tsp of baking soda to the water and stir up the water.

3. Add few drops of the essential oil and one tsp of vegetable oil or whole milk.

4. Mix it well using your hands

5. Allow your feet to soak for 20-30 minutes

6. Take your feet out and pat dry.

How it works:

You can treat toenail fungus using baking soda. This remedy can treat and remove damaged toenail. It also prevents damaging fungus from coming back again.

Tip: Follow up with a good foot cream. You can also apply an essential oil and leave it on overnight. Put your socks on. Any fungal growth on nails can be treated well as the essential oil can penetrate well into the skin.

Baking Soda for Health:

1. Teeth Whitening

What all you need?

• Four tsp turmeric root powder

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 3 tsp extra virgin coconut oil

Directions:

1. Prepare a mixture using all of the ingredients.

2. Use this mixture to brush your feet once daily.

How it works:

Baking soda is a great remedy for keeping your teeth pearly white. It acts as a natural abrasive to remove yellow stains from teeth. Also, it can prevent plaque by neutralizing acids.

Tip: Make use of this solution only for few days. Overusing baking soda can strip natural protective enamel of your teeth.

2. Mouthwash

What all you need?

• ½ tsp baking soda

• Half glass warm water

Directions:

1. Add half tsp of baking soda to half a glass of warm water.

2. Gargle using this solution.

How it works:

Baking soda can neutralize your mouth odor. It contains alkaline PH to balance acids produced by bacteria in your mouth.

Tip: For a store like mouthwash flavor, mix one drop of peppermint oil for getting a minty fresh breath.

3. Treating Heartburn or Indigestion

What all you need?

• Baking soda

• Water

Directions:

1. Adults or teenagers should take ½ tsp dissolved in four ounces of water. Repeat the same after two hours.

2. Take the advice of a doctor of correct dosage for children.

How it works:

Baking soda can treat acid reflux because of the presence of its ingredient sodium bicarbonate. Our pancreas produces sodium bicarbonate for protecting our intestines. This ingredient can also help to neutralize stomach acid and relieve one from acid reflux.

Tip: You should consume certain amounts in 24 hours. If you are over 60 years do not consume more than 3 ½ tsp. Children under five years should be given this dosage. Lastly, take the advice of a doctor or pharmacist for correct dosage.

4. Treating Urinal Infection

What all you need?

• One tsp baking soda

• One glass water

Directions:

1. Add one tsp of baking soda to a glass of water.

2. Drink this solution once or twice a day.

How it works:

Baking soda can help to increase the acid balance of acidic urine, while relieving you off the pain. It can also speed up healing process because of its ability to neutralize the urine acidity.

Tip: UTI should never be treated with this baking soda solution alone. You are also required to take antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing urinary tract infection.

5. Treating Kidney Diseases

What all you need?

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp organic apple cider vinegar

• One glass water

Directions:

1. Mix ½ tsp of baking soda and two tsp of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.

2. Stir well until the mixture is fully dissolved.

3. Drink the mixture twice or thrice daily to get relief from kidney diseases.

How it works:

Baking soda can help to treat acidic nature while apple cider vinegar can cleanse the internal system. Drinking this solution can allow one to treat kidney diseases.

Tip: Alternatively add one tsp of raw honey to the mixture for best effects.

Other Uses of Baking Soda:

1. Deodorant

What all you need?

• 3 tsp shea butter

• 3 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp corn starch

• 2 tsp cocoa butter

• 2 Vitamin E gel caps (squeeze out the oil)

Directions:

1. Melt all the ingredients keeping aside the oil and mix well.

2. Add in the oil.

3. Pour the mixture into a container or empty deodorant stick and keep it in the fridge to set.

How it works:

Baking soda helps to fight body odor and also prevent wetness.

Tip: You can also mix one part of baking soda to six parts of cornstarch. Dust this mixture a little on your underarms.

2. Detox Bath

What all you need?

• ¼ cup sea salt or Himalayan salt

• ¼ cup Epson salt

• ¼ cup baking soda

• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

• 10 drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil

Directions:

1. Mix salt, Epsom salt, and baking soda in a vessel container hot water.

2. Keep it aside.

3. Fill your tub with warm or hot water and mix apple cider vinegar.

4. Mix in the salt mixture and add essential oils.

5. Soak in the bath water for 30 minutes.

How it works:

This detox bath is perfect for soothing irritated skin, improving magnesium levels in your body, and overall detoxification.

Tip: Do not try this detox bath when you are feeling tired or lightheaded.

3. Cleaning Hair Brushes and Makeup Brushes

What all you need?

• 2 tsp baking soda
• Water

Directions:

1. Fill a container with water and add the baking soda.

2. Place your hair brushes or makeup brushes inside the bowl.

3. Allow it to soak for three hours.

4. Remove from water. Allow it to dry naturally by keeping in a cool place.

How it works:

This solution can help to remove dirt from the brushes including germs and bacteria.

Tip: Practice this home remedy once every fortnight.

4. Washing Fruits and Vegetables

What all you need?

• Baking soda

Directions:

1. For soft skinned fruits and vegetables, sprinkle baking soda over fruits and vegetables. Scrub it well. Rinse under cold running water until the baking soda gets fully rinsed off.

2. For leafy greens sprinkle baking soda over leafy greens. Allow it to sit for two minutes before rinsing off.

How it works:

Baking soda is an effective solution for removing dirt and pesticides from fruits and vegetables. It can also be easily rinsed off as well.

5. Keeping Flowers Fresh

What all you need?

• One tsp baking soda

Directions:

1. Add one tsp of baking soda to vase water for lengthening the life of fresh flowers.

How it works:

Baking soda minimizes the growth of bacteria, enhance flower’s longevity, and nourish the plants.

Prevention and After Care:

• People with sensitive skin should avoid using baking soda because its alkaline substances can further irritate the skin.

• Baking soda can add shine to your hair locks but overusing it can cause frizzines, tangles, and breakouts.

• Baking soda contains a high content of sodium, and increases blood pressure; worsen heart diseases, leading to swelling of feet and legs.

• It can also lower potassium in our body and lead to weakness, faintness, numbness, and tingling sensation.

• Baking soda can decrease the blood acidity from body muscles.

Few people experience an allergic reaction to baking soda leading to itching, hives, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, mouth swelling, and skin turning blue. In worst cases, it might call for medical emergencies.

Images Source: pinterest