The Many Uses of Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of those mystical substances that have so many different uses it gives cause to wonder just exactly what it is. Containing zero calories, zero grams of fat, zero carbohydrates, and zero protein, the basis of baking soda is sodium as it contains a whopping one hundred and fifty grams in each one eighth of a teaspoon.

Many of us have used baking soda for a multitude of purposes throughout the years. Besides the most obvious use of baking with it as a sort of leveling agent, I am here to tell you many other reasons to keep a large supply on hand for so many household uses as well as some relief from an occasional health symptom.

For the body, inside and out, I have used baking soda to sooth physical discomfort. After a spicy bowl of chili or a Mexican burrito with Tabasco enhancing the flavor, along with several other foods that can cause you to feel the burn, rather than spending a fortune on antacids or a visit to the doctor plus the painfully high cost of a prescription drug, I simply mix about a half teaspoon of baking soda in a shot of water. Just stir and drink it down. Within moments the pain has subsided and you are ready for dessert.

When my children had chicken pox, or one of us gets the chiggers (red bugs) from a romp in the woods, a half of a one pound box mixed in with the bath water will take away the irritation after a nice relaxing soak. This also relieves the effects of psoriasis and other rashy skin discomforts.

Although I used baby powder to control diaper rash when my children were still at that young age, baking soda works just as well. Maybe even better. Just boor some into a container with a shaker lid and keep on the changing table. It doesn't have that wonderful baby smell you get with the other powder, but it works great.

For the women out there who suffer from an occasional feminine discharge, try a little baking soda. It will not only dry the area so you will be more comfortable throughout the day, but it will also eliminate any odor and relieve the itch.