7 ways you can use baking soda to improve health, lose weight and many more

If you look around your house, especially in Indian households, there are so many things you can use to improve your health. Home remedies and natural medicine have been a part of Indian culture for a long time, and it would not be wrong to say that some home remedies actually work like magic. 
One such kitchen ingredient is baking soda or cooking soda. Used extensively in baking, baking soda can actually come in handy in various ways as a home remedy for certain health issues. Here are some uses of baking soda that will help you stay healthy, prevent and treat health problems.

Various uses of baking soda to improve health

1. As a teeth whitener – Many people use baking soda as a teeth whitener. If you have a yellow or brown tint to your teeth, due to coffee or tea, you can use a pinch of baking soda to brush your teeth. Baking soda has bleaching properties and is also a great cleaning agent. Baking soda can help in inexpensively whitening your teeth. 
2. For weight loss – Baking soda, along with apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular remedies for weight loss. Research backs the trend and has shown that apple cider vinegar along with baking soda can help in weight loss, and controlling blood sugar levels. 
3. As a home remedy for heartburn – Heartburn or acidity is a common concern among people. Baking soda can be used as an effective remedy against it. Baking soda helps in neutralizing stomach acid, which helps in relieving heartburn.
4. As a mouthwash – Baking soda has cleaning properties and also has anti-microbial properties. This helps in cleaning the mouth effectively and get rid of the bacteria that may cause smell, or growth of germs in the mouth.
5. As a skin treatment – If you are experiencing itchy or scaly skin, you can use baking soda as a skin treatment. Sunburns can also be treated with baking soda and can work as an effective remedy especially during this hot, summer season.
6.  As a deodorant:  Since 4 years, I stopped using store bought deodorant, as I'm a thyroid cancer survivor, our daughter-in-law said, why don't you make your own deodorant, so there will be less chance of you getting breast cancer. My deodorant is not only cheap, but I feel more effective than store bought, as even in peak sultry season, I don't smell bad now ! The simple ingredients are 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 tsp of coconut oil and 2 tsp of rose water, mix all well in a small container with a lid. I use my fingers ( which God has given us to use) to apply the mixture after my bath. Some people asked me if the oil doesn't stain, I didn't find such a thing. Those who like strong smell, can use any essential oils few drops as well.
7.  For insect bite: Often when my grandchildren come, mosquitoes or other insects bite them, they start itching. I've used baking soda 1/4 tsp, few drops of milk, mix well, apply the paste over the bite, it will soothe them and itching stops.
8. To improve the effect of shampoo or other ingredients for hair wash- I use now shikakai powder for hair wash, I mix 1/2 tsp of baking soda to 2 tsp of shikakai pdr, which helps it to increase in quantity and washes hair well.
9.  To whiten clothes- when I soak white clothes in hot water with soap, depending on the number of clothes you need 1/2 tsp for about 3-4 white clothes. I mix with soap pdr. and soak the clothes, I find it gets whiter. Once a week, I add 2 tsp of baking soda to my washing machine during wash and next day I use a cup of vinegar in the machine to remove the salts and scales from the machine.    
10. This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
    

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9 Tips to Help You Get Rid of Greasy Hair

Very few of us have the time to wash our hair on a daily basis, but sometimes, we just have no choice, as, by day two, our hair starts looking flat and oily at the roots. If you are one of those people whose hair gets oily very quickly and you end up losing volume and a clean appearance to your hair soon after washing it, the tips and tricks we’re about to share with you will come in handy. We will show you how to train your hair to produce less oil and give several handy tips and DIY tricks that can help reduce the appearance of greasy hair, so that you not only save time by washing your hair less often but also save money by having to use fewer haircare products.

1. Add salt to your shampoo
If your scalp produces too much oil, you can balance it out by simply adding salt into your shampoo. To use this trick, add 2 tablespoons of salt into a 16 oz (450 ml) bottle of shampoo, shake the bottle, wait for the salt to dissolve, and then use it as usual. You will see the effects of the salt after a few washes: your hair will not get oily as fast and you will also have more volume in your hair.
We prefer using Epsom salt, as it's higher in minerals, such as magnesium, and can nourish and promote the health of your scalp while making it less oily, but any salt will do the job just as well.

2. Use dry shampoo
Dry shampoos are powders that come either in aerosol cans or regular bottles that you spray directly onto the roots of the hair to reduce the appearance of oily hair without having to wash the hair. These products will help you extend the time between washes for a day or two, and they are widely available both online and in drugstores or beauty stores.
To use the dry shampoo, simply apply the product directly onto the areas of your hair that are the oiliest. If you have long hair, you might have to divide the hair into sections before applying the product. Let the dry shampoo sit in the hair for a few minutes to allow it to soak up the oils, and then brush through your hair to avoid any white residue being left behind.

3. Dry shampoo alternatives
If you don't feel like investing in dry shampoo, or you simply need a quick fix in a pinch but have no dry shampoo on hand, you can also use a small amount of baby powder, cornstarch, or cacao powder (for dark hair) as a replacement for dry shampoo. These products are typically not as effective as dry shampoo because they're not designed to be used on hair, but they do work.
Products that contain a lot of alcohol, such as hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, or even perfume can also be used to soak up the excess oils from your scalp. To use these, rub a small amount of the product onto the oily areas of the scalp, and after a few minutes - the product will evaporate and absorb the oils.

4. Wash your hair less often
The natural oils your scalp produces are there for a reason. Much like the sebaceous glands on the rest of the skin, the oil glands in your scalp produce sebum to moisturize and protect your scalp from damage. Shampoos strip the hair and scalp of these natural oils. The more you wash your hair, the more oils your scalp is forced to produce.
Many people find that by washing their hair less often, they actually experience less oil production in their hair. So, if you wash your hair every day, try doing so every other day, and this change alone may help train your scalp to become less oily with time.  

5. Not all hair care products are the same
Similarly to the way there are different skincare products that are targeted towards different skin types (oily, dry, combo, sensitive), hair care is manufactured to suit different hair types as well. If you have oily hair, using a shampoo or conditioner that is targeted at dry or bleached hair and contains more moisturizing ingredients may actually do you a disservice, especially if you use it all the time. Instead, occasionally use clarifying and volumizing shampoos that will help control the oil production and clarify your scalp.
It's also best to avoid styling creams or mousses if you have oily hair, as these often contain waxes and oils that can make your hair look even oilier and weigh it down. If your hair is oily at the roots, but dry at the ends, however, you can use hair oils and styling creams, but avoid applying them to the roots of the hair.

6. Don't apply conditioner on the roots
If you already have greasy hair, it means that the oil glands in your scalp are already doing an excellent job at moisturizing the roots of your hair, and using conditioner in the root area would only make your hair greasier. Instead, apply conditioner only at the ends. Also, if you have really short and oily hair, you can easily skip conditioner altogether.

7. Don't straighten your hair
If your hair is really oily, straightening it will only enhance the oiliness, as straight hair is much closer to the scalp than curly or wavy hair. For this reason, leaving a wave or curl into your hair can actually make your hair more voluminous, and hence - less oily. Occasionally, you can straighten your hair, but make sure to add dry shampoo right after styling your hair, as this will help keep your hair oil-free for longer.

8. Brush strategically
Like straightening, frequent brushing sleeks down your hair, which forces closer contact of the hair with the sebum of the scalp, so only brush your hair when you're styling it in the morning and then once more before bed.
Apart from that, the brush you use matters, too, as natural bristled brushes, such as wooden combs and boar bristle brushes actually absorb some of the oils from your scalp and help distribute them more evenly throughout the hair all the way to your ends as you're brushing your hair. This will not only help your oily scalp but will also make your entire hair shinier. 

9. Use scalp scrubs
Exfoliating your scalp is another excellent method to train your hair to produce less oil. There are many scalp scrubs that contain charcoal or salt that help absorb sebum available in stores today, but you can also make your own DIY scrub at home from ingredients you may already have at home.
To prepare your own scalp scrub, combine 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of honey and 3 drops of rosemary essential oil in a small bowl. Wet your hair before applying the mask onto your scalp and massage the scalp for a few minutes, then leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes, subsequently washing your hair with shampoo and applying a conditioner as usual.
Apart from making your hair less oily, this mask is excellent for hair growth, preventing dandruff, and increasing blood circulation in the scalp. It is recommended to use this mask once a week to see significant results.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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Amazing Uses Of Coffee

Coffee provides us with a quick boost of energy to start the day, or to stay up late at night. Most of us, however, discard old coffee grounds, but you may want to hold on to them after reading about their many practical uses here. There is also a bonus video at the end you won't want to miss.

1. Exfoliate Your Pores with a Homemade Mocha Mask

Here is the recipe for a homemade Mocha-Frappuccino Mask:

What You Will Need:

    2 tbsp. of freshly ground coffee (use the finer grind if possible)
    2 tbsp. of cocoa powder
    3 tbsp. of whole milk, heavy cream, or yogurt
    1 tbsp. of honey

Directions:

    Mix all the ingredients together.
    Apply the mask to your face in the morning.
    Allow it to dry for 15-20 minutes.
    Wash the mask off in the shower, scrubbing very gently over the skin surface while rinsing.

2. Create an Aromatic Soap

Here is the easy-to-make recipe for an aromatic bar of soap:

What You Will Need:

    8 ounces glycerin soap
    1/4 cup used coffee grounds
    1 teaspoon vanilla
    1 teaspoon powdered milk (optional)
    Small saucepan
    Small metal or glass bowl
    Muffin tin
    Ladle
    Butter knife

Directions:

    Gather all the ingredients together.
    Fill a small saucepan with 1 cup of water, topping the metal or glass edges of the bowl to create a double boiler.
    Place over medium heat.
    Mix the soap into the bowl and let it melt completely with the aid of the steam from the boiling water below. This process should take you a few minutes
    Lightly grease 4 rounds of a muffin tin while the soap is melting.
    Pour a small spoonful of coffee grounds at the base of each muffin tin.
    Turn off the heat as soon as the soap becomes liquid.
    Add the vanilla, and add 1 teaspoon of the coffee grounds.
    Stir in the powdered milk.
    Carefully pour the soapy mixture into the muffin tin, filling each round to the top.
    Allow it to cool for several hours, and then scoop them out with a butter knife.
    Wrap in parchment paper and enjoy your wonderful-smelling soaps.

3. Homemade Coffee Salt Scrub

Here is the recipe for a homemade salt scrub:

What You Will Need:

    1 cup coffee grounds (dried)
    1 ½ cup coarse sea salt
    1 cup oil (your preference)
    5-15 drops of essential oils (your preference)

Directions:

    Fill a large bowl with 1 cup of coffee grounds and 1½ cups of coarse sea salt, and then stir.
    Stir in the cup of oil and about 5-15 drops of essential oils into a bowl. You can use cinnamon, lemon or Eucalyptus for the essential oils. They all work very well.
    Store the mixture in an airtight jar, and use the scrub as needed.

4. Keep Your Pots and Pans Sparkling Clean
The high acidity level contained in coffee acts as a natural cleaning abrasive, ideal for scrubbing dirty pots and pans. A couple of teaspoons of coffee grounds and a rag is all it takes to eliminate the unwanted grease stains.

5. Wash Your Hands After Chopping Onions and Garlic
Use coffee grounds to wash your hands after you've been dicing up onions or chopping garlic cloves. The grounds absorb all the strong odors in no time at all.

6. Give Your Dog a Flea Bath
Mix a tablespoon of used coffee grounds with your dog's shampoo during the bath. It will help keep those pesky little insects off your beloved pet.

7. Coffee Ground Garbage Disposal Cleaners

Here are the instructions for a coffee grounds garbage disposal cleaner:

What You Will Need:

    1 cup dry used coffee grounds
    1/2 cup Epsom salts
    1/2 cup baking soda
    3 tbsp vinegar
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
    Small mixing bowl
    Rounded measuring spoon or small melon baller
    Sheet pan
    Parchment paper

Directions:

    Measure and add the coffee grounds, Epsom salts, and baking soda to the mixing bowl.
    Slowly add the vinegar, which will bubble once it interacts with the baking soda.
    Add a little bit at a time until the mixture resembles wet sand.
    Add a little vanilla to the tiny garbage disposal cleaners for a pleasant smell.
    Cover a sheet pan with parchment paper, and use a rounded measuring spoon or melon baller to create the cleaners.
    Scoop the mixture and then press against the side of the bowl, packing the coffee ground filter together, and then tap onto the parchment-covered sheet pan.
    Let the cleaners dry overnight and then place in a coffee cup next to your sink.
    Drop one down your drain, turn on your garbage disposal and then the faucet. 
    You should have about 30 mini garbage disposal cleaners in total.

8. Alter the Color of Your Hydrangeas
The pH balance of the soil can negatively affect your precious Hydrangeas. Not to worry, a few old coffee grounds should help do the trick. Coffee grounds reduce the pH balance of the soil and transform pink flowers into blue ones.
9. Snack on a Few Coffee Energy Bites

Snack on a few bite-sized coffee energy treats to give you a boost during the day. Peanut butter may be substituted for almond butter, but it must be the creamy variety. Here is the delicious recipe:

What You Will Need:

    1 cup dry whole grain oatmeal
    1/2 cup ground flaxseed
    2 tbsp fresh ground unbrewed coffee beans
    1/2 cup creamy almond butter
    1/4 cup of honey
    1 tsp vanilla
    1/4 cup chocolate chips
    1/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

    Stir the oatmeal, flaxseed, and coffee granules together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed.
    Add the almond butter, honey, and vanilla.
    Fold in the chocolate chips and cranberries once everything is combined, and stir well. 
    Allow the mixture to chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. 
    Roll them into tiny balls after they've finished chilling.
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 1 week.

10. Enjoy a Coffee-Rubbed Pork Roast for Dinner

Did you know that you can cook your favorite pork meal with coffee grounds? Here is the mouth-watering recipe:

What You Will Need:

    3.5 lbs. Boston Butt or Pork Shoulder
    1 oz. (approx 3 tbsp) coffee beans
    ½ cup brown sugar
    ½ tbsp. cayenne pepper
    ½ tbsp. salt
    15-20 cranks cracked black pepper
    1 tsp. minced garlic
    ½ tsp. smoked paprika 

Directions:

    Begin by grinding the coffee beans to powder. Select the “espresso grind” if possible.
    Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
    Gently pat the mixed dry rub on all sides of the pork roast.
    Put the pork roast into a slow cooker, gather up any coffee grounds that might have fallen off, and sprinkle them into the slow cooker.
    Set the heat to low, tighten the lid of the cooker, and let it cook for 8 hours.
    The roast should be nice and tender afterward and should shred easily with a fork.
    Use a bit of caution when lifting the roast out of the slow cooker and onto a serving platter. Enjoy your meal. 

11. Use Them to Make Homemade Coffee Candles

Here are the instructions on how to make a few wonderfully smelling homemade coffee candles:

What You Will Need:

    Small paper coffee cup
    1-2 tbsp. used coffee grounds
    Paper towel
    1 cup wax candle remnants
    Candlewick
    Scissors
    Small saucepan
    Small metal or glass mixing bowl

Directions:

    In order to create the base of the candle, add 1 cup of wax candle remnants to a small metal or heat-safe glass bowl.
    Place the remnants over the top of a small saucepan, and fill it halfway with water. This should give you a double boiler.
    Allow the water to simmer and observe carefully until the wax has completely melted. The process should take about 5 minutes or so.
    Clean the paper coffee cup thoroughly and wipe it down to make sure it's dry.
    Place the coffee grounds in a paper towel, and squeeze to release any extra liquid.
    Place the wick in the center of the cup, and sprinkle a layer of the coffee grounds at the base.
    Gently pour in half of the melted wax over the coffee grounds, while saving the rest of the wax for the top of the candle.
    Allow the wax to harden for 20 minutes.
    Add the cooled wax with extra spoonfuls of coffee grounds to create the second layer of the candle.
    Reheat the wax in the double boiler, and top off the candle.
    Allow the candle to cool off for about an hour.
    Cut away to reveal the finished candle.
    Smooth the edges with a paper towel if needed, and trim the end of the wick to fit the candle. Enjoy.

12. A Natural Way to Dye Fabrics

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to dying out fabrics using old coffee grounds:

Instructions:

    Wash and dry the fabric to remove any excess dirt and oil, which can keep the dye from penetrating evenly. This step is especially important on brand new fabrics that are coated with a finishing spray.
    Place a large pot on your cooktop. You will need a pot that is large enough to submerge your fabric. A regular stockpot will do just fine. 
    Prepare several pots of coffee and pour into a larger pot, one cup at a time. You will need a large amount of coffee to cover the fabric completely once it is placed in the pot.
    You can achieve darker color fabrics with a stronger coffee brew.
    If you plan on preparing several batches of coffee, you will need to fill the stockpot with water and allow the instant coffee to dissolve inside.
    Bring to a boil after pouring all of your freshly prepared coffee into the pot.
    Turn the heat off once the coffee reaches a full boil.
    Add the fabric to the stockpot.
    Submerge the fabric into the stockpot after you've turned the heat off and the coffee has stopped bubbling.
    Get rid of any air pockets by stirring the coffee grounds with a wooden spoon for a few seconds or so.
    Allow the fabric to steep for about a half hour, and longer if you desire a deeper tint.
    Rinse the dyed fabric under cold water in the sink. Once the water runs clear, the excess dye has been removed.
    Alternatively, if you still want the fabric to be a darker color after rinsing it, you can bring your coffee dye back to a boil and steep the fabric again.
    Beware, the coffee dye may stain your pot if you don't drain it and wash immediately after the dyeing process is finished.
    Gently wash the fabric.
    Wash the fabric infrequently and use a mild detergent such as Woolite to protect against fading.

13. Get Rid of Foul Odors in Shoes
Just put a few old coffee grounds into the shoes and allow them to work their magic. The unpleasant smell should leave right away.

14. Polish Unfinished Wood Flooring 

Transform old unfinished wood with wet coffee grounds and steel wool. Here's how to do it:

What You Will Need:

    Steel wool
    1 tbsp. coffee grounds
    White vinegar
    A sealable container

Directions:

    Place the steel wool and coffee grounds in the container, and fill it with the vinegar.
    Allow it to sit for 24 hours.
    The vinegar should begin to dissolve the steel wool at this point.
    The coffee grounds will give the stain a bit of a brownish color.
    Take a plastic glove, and fish the steel wool out of the container.
    Rub the steel wool all over the piece of wood, dipping it back into the container for more liquid as necessary.
    Coffee grounds will be all over the floor but don't worry about the mess, you can just wipe it after it dries.
    Allow the first coat to dry for about 1 hour and then do a second layer.

15. Cover Unwanted Scratches with Coffee Grounds
Use coffee grounds to cover up scratches or dark stains on wooden furniture. You can make a thick paste out of the coffee grounds and water and then rub the paste into the scratch. Your furniture should look brand new afterward.

16. Wash Your Hair with Coffee Grounds
You can add old coffee grounds to your shampoo or conditioner to get rid of oil and build-up. Beware that it turns light-colored hair darker.

17. Create a Non-Toxic Playdough for Kids

Here are the instructions for turning old coffee grounds into a mud-like, non-toxic Playdough for kids:

What You Will Need:

    2 cups of flour
    1/2 cup of coffee grounds
    1 tbsp of instant coffee (if it isn't dark enough)
    1 cup of salt
    2 teaspoons of cream of tartar
    1 cup of boiling water
    2 tbsp of oil

Directions:

    Add all the dry ingredients together, followed by 1 cup of boiling water, and stir. 
    Allow the mixture to sit for a while so it thickens.
    Stir some more, and presto, you now have a pleasant smelling, non-toxic Playdough substance.

18. They Can Be Used as a Fertilizer Mist for Your Garden
Fill a spray bottle with half a cup of coffee grounds and warm water. Spray your flowers and plants with the mist to keep your garden chemical-free. 
19. Prevent Stray Cats from Entering Your Garden
Cats do not like the smell of coffee at all. Once they pick up the strong scent, they will leave the premises right away. You can sprinkle a few coffee grounds around your garden to keep cats from destroying your beautiful plants and flower beds.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement