First, let’s be clear that baking powder is not baking soda. Baking soda is 100 % sodium bicarbonate that can also be used as a leavening agent in baked goods. That’s all that baking powder does, and there is evidence that some brands may contain aluminum. Remember that aluminum is very toxic and more evidence is accumulated daily that it can cause Alzheimer’s.
Most of what I’ll put forth below, have previously been touched upon in the blog, but I think they’re worth repeating.
You can purchase a box of baking soda for less than one dollar, making it one of the least expensive home remedies to keep on hand. In addition to using it for minor accidents and injuries, baking soda can become a part of your regular hygiene routine.
- KEEP YOUR THE BODY ALKALINE
It is a known fact that pathogens and cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment. It is sometimes difficult to adhere to an alkaline diet; call baking soda to the rescue. I drink a teaspoon of baking soda, water and lemon juice every morning and a teaspoon mixed with water and apple cider vinegar before bed every evening. My urine pH is close to 8; that’s very alkaline.
- FIGHT AN ONCOMING COLD
When your nose starts stuffing up and you feel your throat getting scratchy, you know that you will soon be in the grips of a cold.
Here’s what you do: The first day, mix a teaspoon full of baking soda in water and drink it; do this 6 times. The second day, 4 times and after that 2 times. Your cold should stop before it begins.
Note: 3 drops of hydrogen peroxide in each ear, twice a day, will hasten the disappearance of your oncoming cold.
- NATURAL DEODORANT
If you want to avoid the parabens and aluminum found in many deodorants and antiperspirants, as you should, try a pinch of baking soda mixed with water instead. You can also simply brush some dry baking soda under your arms.
- INSECT BITES AND POISON IVY
Apply a paste made of baking soda and water to insect bites to help relieve itching. You can also rub the dry powder on your skin. This is also effective for itchy rashes and poison ivy. Baking soda helps to relieve minor skin irritation and itching by neutralizing toxins and irritants on your skin’s surface.
- HEARTBURN, INDIGESTION, AND ULCER PAIN
Most over-the-counter antacids contain some form of bicarbonate. Baking soda works by immediately neutralizing stomach acid, helping to relieve heartburn, indigestion and even ulcer pain. It is unbelievably effective. My lovely wife has stomach problems after ingesting eggs; a teaspoonful of baking soda and it’s all gone.
- FOOT SOAK AND EXFOLIATOR
Add three tablespoons of baking soda to a tub of warm water for an invigorating foot soak. You can scrub your feet with a baking soda paste for additional exfoliation.
- SPLINTER REMOVAL
Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a small glass of water, and then soak the affected area twice a day. Many splinters will come out on their own after a couple of days using this treatment. I’m, of course, talking about deep splinters that you cannot tweeze out.
- SUNBURN REMEDY
Add ½ cup of baking soda to lukewarm bathwater, then soak in the tub for natural relief. When you get out, let your skin air dry, rather than toweling off the excess baking soda, for extra relief. You can also add a mixture of baking soda and water to a cool compress and apply it to the sunburn directly.
9. ENHANCED SPORTS PERFORMANCE
Distance runners have long engaged in a practice known as “soda doping” – or taking baking soda capsules – before races to enhance performance. It’s also been shown to improve speed among swimmers.
10. TOOTH AND GUM PASTE
Baking soda has a mild abrasive that helps to remove plaque and polish, clean, and deodorize your teeth.
Baking soda also has antibacterial activity and has been found to kill Streptococcus mutans bacteria – a significant contributor to tooth decay. For an incredibly effective tooth and gum paste, use a mixture of six parts of baking soda to one part of sea salt. Place them in a blender for 30 seconds, then place in a container to use. Wet the tip of your index finger and place a small amount of the soda and salt mixture on your gums. Rub the inside and outside of your teeth and gums thoroughly, then spit out the excess. After 15 minutes rinse your mouth.
Don’t overdo this, as baking soda can be abrasive on your enamel. Furthermore, overdoing it can damage your oral microbiome and be counterproductive.
11. TEETH WHITENER
For a natural way to whiten your teeth, crush one ripe strawberry and mix it with ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Spread the mixture onto your teeth and leave on for 5 minutes. Then brush your teeth and rinse. Don’t do this more than once a week, as excessive use could potentially damage your tooth enamel.
Remember that you can use baking soda as a natural cleanser throughout your home.
That’s it for now; see you next week.
