Course Style

Don’t dive after a deep splinter with tweezers! This easy trick coaxes the splinter out on its own, resulting in less irritation. Make a soak by dissolving 1/4 cup baking soda in a cup of water. Then, soak the affected area until the splinter is easy to remove.

Baking soda is a natural antacid, which means it can neutralize the stomach acids that cause aches and heartburn. For adults, mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Sip slowly. Most popular over-the-counter effervescent tablets also contain some baking soda.

The hardest part with these appetizer recipes is saving enough room for the main course. Start the meal off with these delicious and festive beef appetizers.

Ingredients:
1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)
1 cup grated fresh zucchini
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 small onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 red bell peppers, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 green bell peppers, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.

Have a minor rash or pesky bug bite. The alkaline level of baking soda helps to neutralize toxins, which can relieve itching. Wash the bite with soap and water. Then, blend baking soda with enough water to form a paste and apply directly to the spots. (Mix with witch hazel for extra soothing relief.) Cover with a bandage and let the baking soda work its magic.

The proverbial box of baking soda in the back of the fridge is a pro at soaking up strong smells. We can actually zap smelly shoes with a sprinkle of baking soda! We can also use baking soda in the laundry hamper or to deodorize our workout bag between uses.

Baking soda doesn’t just mask odor—it actually absorbs it. Many natural deodorants rely on baking soda to banish odor without harmful chemicals. Make our own DIY deodorant at home: Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with four tablespoons cornstarch. Stir in six tablespoons of coconut oil to form a spreadable paste. Add a few drops of essential oils to add fragrance. This will keep indefinitely in a jar; apply with a finger as needed.

Exfoliating Face Mask, Boasting both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, baking soda can give skin a deep, exfoliating clean. Enjoy a soothing ritual by applying a DIY baking soda face mask.

If we’re not ready to give up the minty freshness of traditional toothpaste, we can still take advantage of the dental-polishing powers of baking soda. A teaspoon of baking soda dissolved into a half cup of water makes a refreshing mouthwash.

We may already use baking soda to scour and brighten countertops, and the same cleaning action applies with our teeth. Baking soda provides a gentle abrasion that cleans without the chemicals found in many mainstream toothpastes. To brush with baking soda, simply wet our toothbrush, add a sprinkle of soda, and brush teeth as usual. As always, use a soft brush and don’t brush too vigorously.

We probably already use it in the kitchen, and maybe even to tackle household cleaning projects. But have we heard of the benefits of baking soda for our beauty and health. Whether we’re running late in the morning or giving our hair a break from washing, dry shampoo absorbs grease and refreshes hair—no shower necessary. We can buy dry shampoo, but it’s easy to make at home.