BAKING SODA FOR BEE STINGS, POISON IVY, TEETH WHITENING, UTIS AND ODORS

What it is: Baking soda typically comes in that familiar little yellow and orange box. It’s a crystallized form of the alkaline chemical compound sodium bicarbonate. It can be used for a variety of applications from deodorizing to neutralizing acids to baking.

How to use it: For bee stings and poison ivy, make a paste from water and baking soda to soothe the burn of the sting, ease the redness and itchiness, and alleviate the soreness. For tooth whitening, try making yet more baking soda paste or even adding a little to your toothpaste. It can feel a little gritty, but it polishes your teeth and removes stains. Baking soda can be used to soothe (not cure) urinary tract infections until you can make it to the doctor. Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and drink to neutralize the acid in your urinary tract, soothing the urgency. The antibacterial properties of baking soda also help hold the infection at bay, but again, this isn’t a cure. You still need to get to the doctor as soon as possible. Lastly, baking soda is great at absorbing odors, which is why you put the box in the back of your fridge, sprinkle it on carpets and more. So if you have foot odor problems, sprinkle baking soda in your shoes to combat odor and keep things smelling and feeling fresh.