Baking soda is a critical element in a lot of baked goods because it causes food to rise. Without it, all cakes and cookies would be flat bricks. You don’t need very much baking soda in any given recipe, but the box it comes in is relatively large. Wouldn’t it be nice to have another use for the product?
Well, there are actually a ton of things you can do with baking soda that doesn’t involve baking. It’s a pretty handy natural cleanser, for one thing. But even more exciting are 7 great things baking soda can do for your hair, skin, and body. Dollar for dollar and use for use, it is probably the most affordable and versatile health & beauty product around.
We feel confident in saying that these 7 uses qualify as actual life hacks. If you’ve ever been in desperate need of #4, you’ll know what we’re talking about.
1. Treat Heartburn
Heartburn is one of those relatively harmless conditions that make you feel like your chest is going to explode. Also known as acid reflux, heartburn occurs when stomach acid creeps up out of your stomach and enters the throat. Chronic heartburn can cause permanent damage to the esophagus, but even if you just get hit after overindulging in rich or spicy food, the pain is enough to make you crazy.
Baking soda can neutralize stomach acid and provide rapid relief from acid reflux. Just dissolve a teaspoon of it in some cold water and drink the mixture slowly. (Gulping it can lead to a lot of froth in your stomach that will make you feel bloated.)