Baking Soda in Health and Beauty
Handy to Know | Part 5
Believe it or not baking soda in health and beauty offer a budget-friendly solution to those expensive lotions and potions we are encouraged to buy. There are many ways you can use baking soda in your beauty regime or for some easy first aid in your home.
Very importantly please note that this post is not intended to and should never replace proper medical advice.
Burns
For minor burns make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water and apply to the affected area of skin to sooth and relieve the sting of a minor burn.
Eye Bath
When smoke, dust or pollution irritates your eyes mix 1/8 of a teaspoon of bicarb with 225ml (1 cup) sterile water (boiled and allowed to cool completely). Use an eyewash cup to bathe your eyes. Discard any unused solution and do not store.
Foot Bath
Soothe tired and aching feet by soaking in a baking soda foot bath. Add 3 tablespoons to a basin of warm water and soak feet in the solution.
Indigestion/Heartburn
A simple remedy for indigestion is to add 1/2 teaspoon of bicarb to a glass of warm water and drink.
Brushing your Teeth
If you run out of toothpaste bicarbonate of soda is a gentle abrasive that cleans your teeth. Apply a small amount to a damp toothbrush, brush as usual and rinse your mouth well with cold water.
Skin Irritations and Rashes
For small skin irritations (such as a sweat rash) run a bath of warm water and add a handful of baking soda. This solution can also be used to relieve the itching of chicken pox.
Bee Sting
Create a paste of bicarbonate of soda and warm water and apply to the bee sting. Gently hold a warm damp cloth over the sting to relieve the pain. If the sting becomes further inflamed or the pain does not go away seek immediate medical advice.
Blackheads
For areas on the face or body where blackheads occur mix a paste of bicarb and warm water and spread over the affected area. Leave for a few minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Gently squeeze the area to remove the impurities and blackheads.
This paste works by making the skin alkaline to loosen grease and sebum which causes spots and blackheads. To re-balance your skin after cleansing wipe gently with a mild toner.
Haircare
Sometimes after swimming in a chlorinated pool your hair looks dull and lifeless and smells of chlorine. Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to a pint of warm water and rinse your hair.
This will give your hair its shine back and get rid of the strong smell of chlorine.
Exfoliator
Use 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and mix with shower gel or body wash. Make sure the bicarb is completely dissolved and then apply to your skin in gentle circular movements. This exfoliator works well on elbows, knees, heels and any other rough skin on the body.
Beauty regimes and first aid need not cost a fortune. Try using baking soda in health and beauty as a budget and ecologically friendly solution. Best of all it is easily available in your kitchen cupboard when you need it. Whether it is to soothe, clean or remove odours bicarb for me is an absolute winner.
Remember to read some of our other posts on baking soda by following these links: Baking Soda in the Home, Baking Soda in the Bathroom, Baking Soda in the Kitchen and Baking Soda.
