As college students, time beyond homework and studying is often difficult to come by. The “poor college kid” characteristic of the undergrad demographic is perpetuated by the inability to work many paid hours a week, a predicament which prevents many opportunities to splurge on high-end hygiene products. And as the warmer weather sets in on students, we might all appreciate everyone staying up on those hygienic practices.
Baking soda, the simple sodium bicarbonate compound likely to have been stored in grandma’s refrigerator, possesses many different body-care benefits as a natural substitute for harsh synthetic shampoos, deodorants, toothpastes, medicines and facial cleansers, helping to save extra money.
Soda shower:
Dissolving a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water creates an instant “shampoo” that will cleanse the scalp and hair without the aid of countless unidentifiable chemicals. It will also leave no product residue behind, as many professional products tend to do. Be sure to comb through the hair and rinse attentively, as the baking soda solution is rather thick.
Soda deodorant:
Most traditional deodorants contain a myriad of chemicals, including aluminum, parabens and propylene glycol. To avoid utilizing these toxic compounds throughout the daily routine, adding four tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of essential oil creates a potent homemade remedy for smell, though it will not prevent perspiration.
Soda toothpaste:
Like many deodorants, toothpaste is teeming with synthetic ingredients meant to combat bacteria and preserve freshness.
Both fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate are active in toothpastes and contain alleged carcinogenic properties known to cause skin irritation and various other health problems when ingested. Using baking soda as a replacement for the common toothpaste is a much saltier, more basic alternative, which also produces a significant whitening effect.
Soda medicine:
Similar to the effects of seltzer remedies, mixing baking soda in a glass of water provides an immediate solution for an upset stomach by neutralizing the excess of acid causing nausea or general discomfort. Add a teaspoon to warm water and expect relief within a number of minutes.
Soda exfoliant:
Honey is also abundant with antibacterial healing properties, and mixing one tablespoon with one teaspoon of baking soda results in a naturally advantageous, gently exfoliating face scrub. Rub the two together in the palm and administer all over, coating the face in a moderate layer. It will moisturize skin without eradicating the topmost layer, as many more severe exfoliants do.
Baking soda has remained a key element of domestic and personal care for decades, and while modern times are stocked with endless brands to choose from at the grocery store, its multi-use properties keep it an influential household ingredient. By creating so many natural substitutes for daily necessities, the use of baking soda is also helpful in saving cash typically spent on store-brand items.
