Wouldn’t it be great if we can reduce our dependency on off-the-counter drugs for everything from headache, cold and flu, hay fever, dandruff to cuts and bruises? What if there was one kitchen ingredient that was versatile enough to cure everyday maladies, and has multiple other uses too. Well, there is such an ingredient which is a wonderful combination of old-wives-tales and DIY treatments. Enter Baking soda. A staple at most homes, this ingredient is used for an array of things such as cooking, baking, beauty treatments among other home remedies. Though there are side effects of baking soda too, it is always best to read the instructions on the cover before using.
Here are some old-wives-tales cures of baking soda that are pure genius-
1. Teeth whitener and mouth freshener
For sparkling white teeth, sprinkle some baking soda on your toothbrush, and brush your teeth. In a few weeks you will have pearly whites.
And for fresher breath, gargle and rinse your mouth with this mixture.
2. Face scrub
Make a baking soda scrub using 1 tablepsoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon water. Gently massage your face with this mix, and leave it on to dry for about 15 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. This helps remove excess oil from your face aside from preventing acne, and getting rid of the dead skin cells.
3. Pedicure
To relieve yourself from itchy and smelly feet, make a foot soak using 3 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon peppermint essential oil and 1 tablespoon salt and warm water. Soak your feet in this liquid for about 20 minutes, and then see the difference.
4. For insect bites
In case of bee sting, insect bites or itching from poison ivy, mix baking soda with water to make a thick paste and apply to the affected areas. Wash it off after 15 minutes.
5. For muscle pain
After a rigorous workout session, drink a mix of baking soda and water to get relief from muscle ache.
6. Nail cleaner
On a moist nail brush sprinkle some baking soda and scrub your nails, it will help remove all the grime and nail fungus.
7. For treating urinary tract infection
When there is a case of urinary tract infection, make a mix of half a teaspoon of baking soda with 3 tablespoon water. Drink this twice a day, and in a week’s time the infection would be cured.
8. A natural cure for acidity
1. For relief from acid reflux or heartburn, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoon of water, and drink it up.
2. Another cure for acid reflux is to mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar or fresh lemon juice. Use a tall glass to make this mix as it will froth up. Now drink it up at once. The natural therapy neutralises the body’s pH balance and cuts the formation of acidity.
Image: mycoconutoildiet
Take precaution
The use of this ingredient is believed to interfere with the prescription drugs that you may already be using. So, it is always advisable to check with your pharmacist first. Always mix the baking soda with one form of liquid or another, never consume it in its raw state. Since it is capable of depleting your body of certain necessary vitamins and minerals, it is best to not prolong your baking soda-based treatment to over two weeks, unless you have already clarified that with your family doctor. Not to mention, pregnant women should not use it in any form, as should children under the age of 5.
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