Benefits of Baking Soda

A brief history

Baking soda in its natural form is known as nahcolite , which is part of the natural mineral natron .

Natron has been used since ancient times and history tells us that it was harvested directly as a salt mixture from dry lake beds in ancient Egypt and has been used for thousands of years as a cleaning product for both the home and body. Blended with oil, it was an early form of soap. It also softens water while removing oil and grease. Undiluted, natron was a cleanser for the teeth and an early mouthwash. The mineral was mixed into early antiseptics for wounds and minor cuts. Natron can be used to dry and preserve fish and meat and it was an ancient household insecticide, and was used for making leather and as bleach for clothing.

This mineral was used in Egyptian mummification because it absorbs water and behaves as a drying agent. It was added to castor oil to make a smokeless fuel, which allowed the Egyptians to paint elaborate artworks inside ancient tombs without staining them with soot. They used natron as soap for cleansing purposes too and later reports throughout history suggest that some civilizations used forms of baking soda when making bread and other foods that required rising.

It wasn’t until 1846 that Dr. Austin Church and John Dwight began to manufacture and sell the compound we know as baking soda today. By the 1860s, baking soda was featured in cookbooks, and in the 1930s it was widely advertised as a “ proven medical agent .” By 1972, the idea to putting a box of baking soda in your fridge to keep food fresh caught on and is still widely used.

Baking soda was popularized by Arm & Hammer more than 150 years ago. Many people are aware of its versatile qualities for cooking and household use, but less people realize that it also has medicinal properties.


Medicinal Uses

There are some amazing remedies you can put together if you have baking soda handy. Some people drink baking soda as a laxative and as an acid-neutralizer. Others drink it to alleviate symptoms of heart burn and indigestion neutralizing the acidity associated with these conditions. It is important to note that baking soda should never be used for any medical application without consulting with a licensed physician first. Baking soda should not be used for children under the age of 6 without consulting a pediatrician and the usage of baking soda might be dangerous for those with allergies or health conditions that make them sensitive to sodium intake. Again, because it is a chemical, drinking baking soda for health conditions without medical consultation is not advisable.

5 reasons to drink a spoonful of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water

1. To improve your digestive system
Trouble with digestion is the type of thing that can derail your day (especially if you are one to get nervous). If you're prone to tummy woes or just want to boost your general health, Brandon advises dissolving a teaspoon of baking soda in an eight-ounce glass of water every morning "to help maintain a healthy pH balance throughout the digestive system for optimal digestion, minimized acid reflux, and healthy bowel functioning."

2. To promote cardiovascular health
A compromised cardiovascular system can lead to things such as decreased energy, and negatively impacted mental functions, digestion, and immunity, Brandon notes, adding that "circulatory issues can lead to the possibility of serious health conditions such as heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, and the development of various blood issues." A teaspoon of baking soda in an eight-ounce glass of water daily is said to improve blood flow by helping to break down blockages.

3. To reduce bloating
Once you know that you're dealing with a bloat and not inflammation, try relieving the uncomfortable situation with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in four to six ounces of water, according to Brandon. She writes that by "returning the pH to neutral levels, the body’s gases can be calmed and the digestive processes, acids, and enzymes can return to their natural state and foods can be broken down normally without issues and disruptions," which reputedly helps alleviate the issues causing your bloat.

4. To keep your kidneys healthy
The kidneys are obviously vital to your bodily functions (Brandon explains that they rid your body of toxins and promote healthy hormone production). And in a study conducted at the Royal London Hospital, 134 patients with advanced chronic kidney disease who had a daily dose of baking soda were able to, alongside regular treatment, slow the decline of their kidneys by two-thirds as compared to those who didn't have baking soda.

With a daily cup of water with a teaspoon of baking soda, Brandon says you can regulate your body's pH level and help improve your hormone balance, nutrient absorption, and blood quality—all of which can help your kidney stay healthy.

5. To combat acid reflux
If you chronically suffer from acid reflux, you might consider adopting certain diet shifts to help lower heartburn as a long-term solution. But when you're dealing with a bout of it in real time, half a teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of water can help you find immediate relief against gastric acid symptoms.

Remedies

Ulcer Pain: Baking soda will immediately neutralize stomach acid. Dosing is typically 1-2 teaspoons in a full glass of water.

Splinter removal: Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a small glass of water then soak the affected area twice a day. Many splinters will come out on their own after a couple of days using this treatment.

Sunburn remedy: Add ½ cup of baking soda to lukewarm bathwater, then soak in the tub for natural relief. When you get out, let your skin air dry, rather than toweling off the excess baking soda, for extra relief. You can also add a mixture of baking soda and water to a cool compress and apply it to the sunburn directly.

Deodorant: If you want to avoid the aluminum found in many deodorants and antiperspirants, try a pinch of baking soda mixed with water instead. This simple paste makes an effective and simple natural deodorant.

Plaque-busting tooth and gum paste: For an incredibly effective tooth and gum paste, use a mixture of six parts of baking soda to one part of sea salt. Place them in a blender and mix for 30 seconds, then place in a container to use. Wet the tip of your index finger and place a small amount of the salt and soda mixture on your gums. Starting with the upper outside gums and then the inside of the upper, followed by the lower outside of the gums then the lower inside, rub the mixture onto your teeth and gums. Spit out the excess. Wait 15 minutes then rinse your mouth thoroughly. This mixture is incredibly effective at killing bacteria.

Insect bites: Apply a paste made of baking soda and water to insect bites to help relieve itching. You can also try rubbing the dry powder onto your skin. This is also effective for itchy rashes and poison ivy.

Teeth whitener: For a natural way to whiten your teeth, crush one ripe strawberry and mix it with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Spread the mixture onto your teeth and leave on for five minutes. Then brush your teeth and rinse. This method should be used no more than once a week, as excessive use could potentially damage your tooth enamel.

Exfoliator: A paste made from three parts of baking soda combined with 1 part water can be used as an exfoliator for your face and body. It’s natural, inexpensive and gentle enough to use every day.

Detox bath: Baking soda and apple cider make a wonderful spa-like bath for soaking away aches and pains and detoxing. It also cleans the tub and the drain, as a bonus!

Eliminate Stinky Breath: Baking soda works wonders eliminating bad odors, including bad breath. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, to gargle.

Treat Bladder Infections: Bacteria love slightly acidic environments, which is why so many people get bladder infections. The environment in the bladder is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. You can effectively treat bladder infections by mixing baking soda and water, and drinking it daily until the infection is gone.

Deodorize Stinky Feet: Soaking stinky feet in a bowl of baking soda and water will neutralize bacterial acid, and eliminate the stink. Add three tablespoons of baking soda to a tub of warm water for an invigorating foot soak.

Protect Your Tooth Enamel: Some foods, like lemon juice, eat away at your tooth enamel. To protect your enamel, mix baking soda with water and gargle several times a day. Alternatively, brushing your teeth with baking soda toothpaste will protect your enamel as well.

Ease a Sore Throat: Gargling with a mixture of baking soda and water can help ease your sore throat because the remedy eliminates pain-causing acids. Gargle every four hours for best results.

Cleaning

Surface Soft Scrub: For the safe and effective cleaning of bathroom tubs, tile and sinks, even fiberglass and glossy tiles, sprinkle baking soda lightly on a clean damp sponge and scrub as usual. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. For extra cleaning power, make a paste with baking soda, coarse salt and liquid dish soap—let it sit then scour off.

Hand-wash, Dishes and Pots & Pans: Add 2 heaping tablespoons baking soda (along with your regular dish detergent) to the dish water to help cut grease and foods left on dishes, pots and pans. For cooked-on foods, let them soak in the baking soda and detergent with water first, then use dry baking soda on a clean damp sponge or cloth as a scratch less scouring powder.

Refresh Sponges: Soak stale-smelling sponges in a strong baking soda solution to get rid of the smell and staleness (4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water). For more thorough disinfecting, use the microwave.

Clean the Microwave: Apply baking soda on a clean damp sponge and gently clean the inside and outside of the microwave. It will never leave a harsh chemical smell. Rinse well with water.

Polish Silver Flatware: Use a baking soda paste made with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining sterling and silver-plate serving pieces.

Clean Coffee and Tea Pots: Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight in the baking soda solution and detergent or scrubbing with baking soda on a clean damp sponge.

Clean the Oven: Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the oven. Spray with water to dampen the baking soda. Let it sit overnight. In the morning, scrub, scoop the baking soda and grime out with a sponge, or vacuum, and rinse.

Clean Floors: Remove dirt and grime (without unwanted scratch marks) from no wax and tile floors using 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water–mop and rinse clean for a sparkling floor. For scuff marks, use baking soda on a clean damp sponge, then rinse. Read Natural Floor Cleaning for more tips on avoiding toxic floor cleaners.

Clean Furniture: You can make a homemade lemon furniture polish, or you can clean and remove marks (even crayon) from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.

Bath and Kitchen: Baking soda is great for scrubbing your bath and kitchen. Just sprinkle the baking soda on the surfaces and scrub. You may add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to this. Lavender and tea tree oil have potent anti-bacterial qualities also.

Clean Shower Curtains: Clean and deodorize your vinyl shower curtain by sprinkling baking soda directly on a clean damp sponge or brush. Scrub the shower curtain and rinse clean. Hang it up to dry.

Boost Your Liquid Laundry Detergent: Give your laundry a boost by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry to make liquid detergent work harder. A better balance of pH in the wash gets clothes cleaner, fresher and brighter.

Gently Clean Baby Clothes: Baby skin requires the most gentle of cleansers, which are increasingly available, but odor and stain fighters are often harsh. For tough stains add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your liquid laundry detergent, or a 1/2 cup in the rinse cycle for deodorization.

Clean Cloth Diapers: Dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda in 2 quarts of water and soak diapers thoroughly.

Remove Oil and Grease Stains: Use baking soda to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush.

Clean Batteries: Baking soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc, because it is a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water; apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and re-connecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Be careful when working around a battery–they contain a strong acid.

Clean Cars: Use baking soda to clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a baking soda solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs and tar. For stubborn stains, use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush.

With a wide range of uses, and several health and medical benefits, hygienic, and cleaning uses, baking soda is an inexpensive and useful compound to have in the house. However, like any other compound that can have health implications, the usage of baking soda for health benefits or medical treatments should be discussed with a physician beforehand. It is safe to use it for the previously mentioned hygienic purposes as long as it is not ingested in large quantities. Baking soda was one of the few products many years ago on the market for cleaning your teeth or settling an upset stomach. Today we have discovered many more choices and it still does the trick for these and dozens of other health and beauty tasks. Try it, its natural!

(From various sources)