Friday, July 26, 2013

Baking soda... great for teeth, hair and skin

Another day to reach into the pantry and find an ever day household item that is great for your teeth, hair and skin. 


Baking Soda!

It all started with the ancient Egyptians who used natron, which is a natural deposit that consist of sodium carbonate decahydrate, and sodium bicarbonate. They used the natron in their soaps and as a deodorizer.

In 1846 The Arm & Hammer brand was created. In 1970 Arm & Hammer was the first sponsor of the first Earth Day and has since gained recognition for being an eco-friendly alternative to chemical cleaners.

Bicarbonate of soda is better known as Baking Soda, is a white powder with crystalline grains.  Its chemical formula is NaHCO3.  It is most commonly used as a leavening agent but over time it has grown in popularity because of it many usages. 

Lets talk about a few of those usages.  If you are looking to save a few dollars, you don’t like the taste of toothpaste, or want to move away for the chemicals in toothpaste such as sweeteners, emulsifiers, preservatives and artificial flavors then consider baking soda.

I remember growing up we would use baking soda in place of toothpaste from time to time.  I still do.  Just dip your toothbrush in baking soda and brush away.  You can amp it up a bit by using the following ingredients.

1/2 cup of baking soda
1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup of warm water

Mix all three ingredients together and store in a container so the ingredients do not dry out. Dip tooth brush in solution… brush!  If you have a squeeze bottle that is even better.

***remember to check with your dentist to make sure this a safe change to make for your teeth.

Tired of using costly hair shampoos that are filled with chemicals?  Try using 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 8 oz of warm water.  Use in place of your shampoo.  It will help remove the residue from shampoos, conditioners and styling products.   Your hair will feel lighter and more manageable.



Want a great mouthwash or better yet you want a mouth wash that you know what is in it? Rinse your mouth after brushing with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in half a glass of warm water. Swish and spit.

It is also great for soaking your retainer, mouthpieces, and dentures. Use 2 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 oz of water to help loosen food and neutralize odors.  It is also safe to brush these items with baking soda.

Looking for a safe, gentle and inexpensive scrub?  Mix 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water together.  Gently rub in a circular motion on your face to remove dry skin.  Your skin will be left soft and smooth.  Since this is a very gentle scrub you can be use it every day to remove make up and keep your skin feeling great.

Baking Soda is great in the bath.  Add ½ to 1 cup soda to your bath to neutralize the acid in your skin.  It helps wash away oils and perspiration that is on your skin and leaving it soft and smooth. You can also add Epsom salt, another inexpensive ingredient, to give your bath an extra boost.

Have sore ache feet?  Soak your feet in 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a bucket of warm water.  Make a little of the scrub paste mentioned about and give your feet a gentle massage with it.  You will have happy toes when you are done.

You can have great looking skin without a lot of expense.  You will be surprised with the compliments your get!

No comments:

Post a Comment