9 Uses of Baking Soda

Chemicals,  toxins, there are, sadly, way to many of these in the environment. Did you know that you can cut some of them out by using baking soda? WHAT?!? Yep. Here are 9 Uses of Baking Soda from the thealternativedaily.com. Check it out! Go to the link above to see the whole article. 

Toxic personal care products

As of today, our government does not require health studies or any pre-market testing of the chemicals in personal care products, even though we are ‘eating’ them on a daily basis.

Household cleaners dangerous as well

According to the National Research Council, “less than 20 percent of chemicals in everyday use have been tested for acute effects and less than 10 percent have been tested for chronic, reproductive or mutagenic effects.”

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that about one third of substances used by the fragrance industry are toxic. Moreover, fragrance manufacturers do not have to list the ingredients that they use on labels, as they are considered ‘trade secrets. ‘For this reason, be suspect of anything labeled ‘fragrance.’

Baking soda to the rescue

Not only can baking soda replace many harsh household products, but it also deserves some space in your cosmetic bag. Using baking soda in place of some dangerous commercial products is a great way not only to stay toxin-free, but also a way to help reduce environmental toxins.

What exactly is baking soda?

Turns out that sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is a chemical salt that, in its natural form, is the mineral nahcolite.

...Either way, both methods produce an environmentally friendly product. The only caution we have for consumers is to stick to an aluminum-free brand of baking soda when possible.

Sodium bicarbonate helps to regulate pH. It keeps substances from being too acidic or too alkaline. Its ability to neutralize the pH of any substance it comes in contact with makes it highly effective for so many things. Baking soda can also help keep pH balance steady – a process known as buffering.

Here are nine ways you can put baking soda to work for you today:

Exfoliate

Baking soda mixed with a little warm water is an excellent exfoliator for the face and other parts of the body. The baking soda will smooth the skin, remove dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling fresh and vibrant. You can even dab a little paste on acne spots. It will help to draw out toxins and reduce redness.

Relieve gout

Gout is a very painful and uncomfortable condition that is caused by uric acid that is overproduced by the body until it builds up to very high levels and settles in the joints. This causes painful swelling and inflammation. Mix two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with a teaspoon of baking soda and drink up! The baking soda will alkalinize the urine and neutralize the uric acid.

Wash fruits and vegetables

Baking soda is a safe way to remove dirt and residue from fresh fruit and vegetables. Sprinkle a little on a clean sponge, scrub and rinse.

Rid hair of build-up

If you use a lot of product in your hair and want the true “squeaky clean” feel, try baking soda. Combine one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of warm water and apply to damp hair. Comb through and rinse well.

Clean coffee and tea pots

To remove tea and coffee stains and reduce bitter taste left in mugs, use a solution of ¼ cup baking soda and 1 quart warm water. Some stubborn stains may require overnight soaking in the solution or some scrubbing with a soft sponge. Either way, you are left with a sparkling clean coffee pot and mugs.

Clean floors

To remove dirt and grime without scratching no-wax and tile floors, mix ½ cup baking soda in a bucket with warm water and scrub. Rinse clean after scrubbing. To remove scuff marks, put a little baking soda on a damp sponge, scrub lightly and rinse.

Deodorize drains

Nothing neutralizes odors better than baking soda. To keep your tub and sink drains smelling fresh, pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain while running some warm tap water down the drain. You can also pour some down your garbage disposal and run some warm water while running your disposal. Add a little baking soda to your dishwashing detergent to help fight stubborn stains and bacteria.

Ease itchiness and swelling

Skip the commercial creams and lotions and try baking soda for your itchy or irritated skin. You can ease uncomfortable itchiness and swelling from poison ivy or oak, as well as bug bites, with a little baking soda. Make a paste with a little baking soda and water and apply to the irritated area. This will work for bee stings and chicken pox as well.

Car cleaner

Why pay a whole lot of money for a variety of different products to clean your car when all you need is a box of baking soda? You can use baking soda to clean the lights, windows, tires, floor mats, vinyl seats and more without fear of scratch marks. Simply mix ¼ cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water and apply with a clean soft rag or sponge. For really difficult stains, use a soft brush.

The next time you are at the store and you pass the baking soda, think twice. It may be inexpensive and seemingly unworthy, but in reality, baking soda is a wise, environmentally friendly and healthy thing to stock up on.

-The Alternative Daily