Health Benefits of Baking Soda & The Many Uses of Baking Soda

Health Benefits of Baking Soda & The Many Uses of Baking Soda
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Baking Soda. Who knew the unpretentious orange box could house so many benefits? Representing relief for ailments, and assisting with endless cleaning chores.

History of Baking Soda

Arm & Hammer brand baking soda has been a household commodity for over 155 years, and still continues to be—despite the popularity of many newfangled products. Perhaps the popularity of baking soda is due in part to its price. The old fashioned favorite still retains an old fashioned price tag. And because the product is environmentally friendly, many desiring to go-green can use the product proudly.

Health Benefits of Baking Soda

Baking soda can be ingested and applied to the skin. Here are some health benefits that can be attributed to baking soda:

  • Relief from skin irritations such as poison ivy, bee stings, and chicken pox
  • Aids with digestion, or use as an antacid
  • Teeth whitener
  • General oral health

Oral Care

In addition to whitening the teeth, using baking soda may be a good ritual for routine oral care. The National Cancer Institute recommends following good dental hygiene practices before and after cancer treatments for reducing complications such as mouth sores and infections. A homemade rinse can be made using part salt, baking soda, and water. The recipes, as well as other tips, are listed on the site.

As an Antacid

Because baking soda may neutralize excess stomach acid, it can be used to treat sour stomach, heart burn, and acid indigestion.

Skin Irritations

For skin irritations such as eczema, chicken pox, and poison ivy, a warm bath with baking soda may soothe the skin. In addition, acne sufferers may benefit from baking soda as an exfoliate ingredient. Gentle scrubbing can help the skin shed dead surface cells that can clog pores and lead to acne.

For bee stings, a paste made with baking soda and water can be applied to neutralize the bee venom and provide comfort and relief. Allow this formula to sit on the affected area for twenty minutes.

The Many Uses of Baking Soda

Baking soda is a chemical leavening agent that causes batter to rise when baked. Many biscuits have been crafted and recipes concocted with the addition of baking soda. Other quick kitchen tips include:

  • Tenderize meat. To tenderize meat, rub baking soda on the meat several hours before cooking. Rinse and cook.

  • Purify your produce. Dissolve several tablespoons of baking soda in cold water. Add produce and wash. The baking soda will neutralize some of the impurities.

  • Clean out your coffee pot and other kitchen appliances. Cleanse with a mixture of baking soda and water. Scrub with a sponge or brush. This is a chemical-free way to clean most kitchen appliances, including the microwave.

  • Deodorize. Shake inside your dishwasher, to remove odors. Place an open box in your refrigerator to absorb pungent food smells. Freshen lunch boxes.

  • Extinguish kitchen fires. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when it’s heated; carbon dioxide is a fire suppressant. So, for small grease or electrical kitchen fires, baking soda can be thrown onto the flame to extinguish it.

  • Scour your sinks, pots and pans. And keep kitchen cutting boards chemical free by cleaning with baking soda.

These examples represent a mere fraction of the functions of baking soda. Perhaps the next century will unveil many more…