I use Bicarbonate of Soda for loads of things... As a paste to ease nettle stings, in a bath to soothe itchy skin (fab for chickenpox) nearing out of date I pop an open box of it in the fridge to keep it odour free, a teaspoon in a little water helps indigestion, a teaspoon in a large glass warm water helps Cystitis. A tiny pinch on your toothbrush helps whiten your teeth.