9 Health Benefits from Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is 100% sodium bicarbonate, which can be used as a leavening agent in baked goods. When mixed with an acid, baking soda reacts, making bubbles and giving off carbon dioxide gas, which causes dough to rise.

Anecdotal reports throughout history suggest that many civilizations used forms of baking soda when making bread and other foods that required rising. In its natural form, baking soda is known as nahcolite, which is part of the natural mineral natron.

Natron, which contains large amounts of sodium bicarbonate, has been used since ancient times. And many of the benefits still can be used today.

Here’s a few below:

1. Deodorant. Some people will just sprinkle on baking soda as a natural deodorant. For sensitive skin, try mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with water until it forms a paste then apply paste underarms. It lasts for at least 8 – 10 hours!

2. Pedicure. Just soak 1 1/2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 1/2 cups of water and put your fingers (up to the cuticles) in the mixture for 7-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterward and you’ll see the thin layers of dead skin come off. Also, after continued use, you’ll see how healthy your cuticles will look.

3. Sunburn. 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.

4. Fresh breath. Mix 1 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water. Swish, spit, and rinse. Easy mouth wash that neutralizes odors.

5. Skin exfoliator. Here’s a simple way to gently get rid of dead skin: Mix 3 parts of baking soda to 1 part water. Rub gently in a circular motion and then rinse clean.

6. Heartburn. Baking soda is a safe antacid. Add ½ teaspoon to ½ glass (4 fl. oz.) of water every 2 hours, or as directed by a physician. Dissolve completely in water — heartburn gone!

7. Insect bites. Make a simple paste of water and baking soda and apply as a salve onto affected skin.

8. Clean fruits and vegetables. Baking soda is the food safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse.
9. Skin irritation. Add a cup of baking soda to bathwater to soften your skin and relieve many skin irritations such as dry skin associated with eczema.