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Top 12 Beauty Benefits Of This One Thing You Have In Your Kitchen Now
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Every single kitchen in America has this one item that can do wonders for your skin, hair, nails, and mouth. It is inexpensive, available everywhere, and can help you look your best from top to bottom. What is it? Baking soda!
Sodium bicarbonate, otherwise known as baking soda, is a natural substance with antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Baking soda, usually stuck in the kitchen, is a powerful medicinal tool that can help you look better, fight cold viruses, and fight skin problems.
Baking soda works best when used for short periods of time. You need to take a break as excessive use can actually damage your skin and hair. For short term or occasional use, however, you cannot beat baking soda its million and one uses.
We don’t have the space here to list a million and one, but we have created a list of 12 of the best uses for this natural substance. You will never look at that box of baking soda in your fridge the same way again!
1. Mouthwash
You don’t have to spend a small fortune on those alcohol-based, chemically-filled mouthwashes to get a fresh mouth. All you need is a little baking soda. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda and three drops of peppermint essential oil in one glass of water. That’s it! Instant mouthwash that will neutralize bacteria and freshen your breath in a heartbeat!
2. Fights Acne
If you have pimples or acne, you don’t need harsh chemicals or an expensive trip to the dermatologist — all you really need is baking soda. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic compounds of baking soda will treat the cause as well as reduce the symptoms of acne. Baking soda will balance the pH of your skin, reducing breakouts. Simply mix one teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to make a paste. You can use this as an all-over mask or simply dab it on the pimples. Allow this to sit for two or three minutes, and then rinse off with cool water. Repeat once a day for two or three days, then cut back and use it no more than twice a week.
3. Natural Body Scrub
This is a super hydrating and refreshing body scrub that will refresh your skin as it removes dead cells from the skin surface. It will also make your skin super soft and baby smooth. Mix three tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of oatmeal and three tablespoons of water. Mix well, then rub this paste onto your wet skin in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water. You won’t believe the results!
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4. Whitens Teeth
If you want your pearly whites to be exactly that — white — then you want baking soda. This substance is a mild abrasive that will remove stains from your teeth. Just sprinkle a bit of baking soda into your regular toothpaste and brush as you normally would. After two or three days, you should see a dramatic improvement in the color of your teeth.
Alternatively, you can make your own natural teeth whitening substance by mixing four tablespoons of turmeric powder with two teaspoons of baking soda and three tablespoons of coconut oil. Mix everything well and use small amounts of this solution to brush your teeth once a day for two or three days.
Don’t use baking soda for more than a few days as it is abrasive and can strip the enamel off your teeth.
5. Stops Nail Fungus
Nail fungus is downright ugly, not to mention uncomfortable. Nail fungus grows underneath the nails and results in some funky-looking, discolored, and distorted nails. Baking soda is alkaline in nature and prevents fungi from growing. To stop nail fungus, mix two tablespoons of baking soda in one cup of apple cider vinegar. Soak the affected nails in this solution for five minutes each day. Don’t rinse, simply pat dry with a paper towel. Throw out the paper towel when you are done.
6. Relieves Sunburn
During these hot summer months, always keep an extra box of baking soda on hand to help treat sunburned skin. Due to its highly alkaline nature, baking soda soothes sunburned skin and relieves the pain. To make a healing sunburn soak, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in one cup of cold water. Soak a washcloth in this mixture, and apply as a cool compress to the affected area for five or 10 minutes. Repeat two or three times each day. You can also add half a cup of baking soda to a tub of water and soak for 10 to 20 minutes.
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7. Stops Rashes and Itchy Skin
Dry, itchy skin or skin rashes are annoying and painful. Baking soda has a very soothing effect on the skin due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, so it will reduce itchy, swollen, and inflamed skin.
For small itchy patches, mix three parts baking soda with one part water. Apply this paste to the affected area, and allow it to sit for a minute or two. Rinse off with cool water. Do this once or twice a day until the itching stops.
For larger areas or all-over body itching and rashes, mix one cup of baking soda in a tub of cool water, and soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes each day.
8. Improves the Complexion
If you suffer from uneven skin tone, you are not alone. Baking soda is a great way to naturally brighten the skin and even out your skin tone. Baking soda will balance the pH of the skin and exfoliate it at the same time. Mix one or two teaspoons of baking soda with just enough water to make a paste. Apply this paste to your face and gently rub it in for one minute using only your fingertips. Don’t rub too hard! Allow to sit for one minute, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Do this two or three times each week until you get the results you want.
9. Stops Dandruff
Although sometimes it seems as though dandruff will never go away, baking soda can be the answer to your problem. Baking soda will help to clear off the flakes and restore the proper pH balance to your scalp. After washing your hair, rub a teaspoon or two of baking soda onto your scalp and wet hair. Massage in gently for one minute, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Do this only once per week, as the abrasive nature of baking soda can damage your hair if you use it more often.
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10. Treats Yellow Or Stained Nails
Nails that have been yellowed by frequent use of dark-colored nail polish or from smoking are ugly and embarrassing. Don’t hide your hands; try baking soda instead! Simply mix one tablespoon of baking soda with half a cup of water and one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. Stir until the baking soda is completely dissolved. Soak your nails in this mixture for two or three minutes, and then rinse with clear water. Repeat this once a week until your nails have been restored to their beautiful, natural color.
11. Stops Oily, Smelly Hair
If you suffer from an oily scalp then you know that besides being unsightly, it can also smell bad. This is a very embarrassing problem you can easily solve by using baking soda. This natural substance reduces oiliness and neutralizes smelly odors. Simply mix one part baking soda with three parts water. After shampooing, apply this to your wet hair and scalp. Rub it in very gently for one minute and allow it to sit for another two or three minutes. Then rinse with cool water. Repeat this no more than once or twice a month.
Baking soda also makes a terrific dry shampoo. Mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch. Sprinkle this on the roots of your hair and wait for one minute. Shake out your hair and brush well. Don’t use too much — all you need is a about a half a teaspoon. You will be amazed by the results!
SEE ALSO: 12Ways to Use Every Day Baking Soda as Medicine
12. Stops Body Odor
Baking soda is by far one of the best natural deodorizers around. It absorbs moisture, such as sweat, from the skin, and kills the bacteria that causes body odor. To make your own natural deodorant, mix a quarter teaspoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of water and a drop or two of any essential oil you like. Mix well, and then apply to your underarms or other areas of the body that tend to sweat excessively, such as the feet or under the breasts. Use this regularly to fight body odor and reduce sweating.
Baking soda is non-toxic and extremely effective. Once you start discovering all the ways that you can benefit from it, you will be telling everyone about your new beauty “secret.”
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