The Most Versatile Natural Remedy in the World

The title of this article makes a bold claim indeed. But I think you’ll agree that this substance wins the prize for being the most versatile natural remedy known to mankind. This substance has been used for thousands of years, is quite inexpensive, and I’m 99 percent sure that you have some in your home right now.

This mineral compound possesses almost countless varied and practical uses in the areas of: personal hygiene, natural health, household cleaning, and baking. But I promise you, there’s no hype in what I’m about to share with you. In fact, the only B.S. in this article is the abbreviation for this incredible substance known as Baking Soda!

Most of the world’s baking soda is mined in Wyoming. Its mineral form is nahcolite. By the time we get it for home use, it’s 100 percent sodium bicarbonate. So, let’s peruse some of the more outstanding benefits and uses of sodium bicarbonate, better known as baking soda.

Baking Soda for Personal Hygiene

The fact that the ancient Egyptians used sodium bicarbonate in their embalming process might initially be a turn-off for us. But when we consider that this mineral compound has the ability to arrest the decaying process (i.e., kill bad bacteria, parasites, and fungus), we sit up and take notice. With those properties, baking soda has plenty to offer the living as well! Here are just a few of the many uses for baking soda for personal hygiene:[1]

1. Cleans and whitens teeth.

You can create your own toothpaste by making a paste with baking soda and water. Simply mix the two to the consistency you like and brush away the germs and plaque. Brushing with baking soda will also leave your mouth and breath fresh and whiten your teeth! And if you’d rather not make your own toothpaste, many brands on the market include baking soda as a key ingredient.

2. Neutralizes body odor.

You can also make an effective, inexpensive, natural deodorant by mixing baking soda with water to create a milky solution and applying it to your underarms. It can also neutralize stinky feet!

3. Soothes and cleans your feet.

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with warm water for a soothing footbath. Baking soda kills bacteria, fungus, and treats your feet to a pleasant respite from a long, hard day.

4. Exfoliates your skin.

Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a half-cup of water and lightly scrub your face with a clean cloth. This is also a great way to rinse away oily substances and get rid of blackheads.

5. Calms and cleans your body.

Treat your whole body to a warm, relaxing bath. Add 1 to 2 cups of baking soda to your bath water and mix it in until dissolved. Augment your treatment with your favorite essential oil if you like. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Relieves itching, rashes, and kills bacteria and fungus. Pat yourself dry.

As you read those baking soda natural remedies for personal hygiene, the wheels of your mind are probably already turning for additional personal hygiene applications! But let’s move on to baking soda’s uses for natural health.

Baking Soda for Natural Health

Natural health is a category in which baking soda rolls up its sleeves and gets the job done in some amazing ways. If it weren’t for the fact that many doctors prescribe baking soda for these applications, we might view them with skepticism.[2]^, [3]^, [4]

1. Relieves itching, soreness, and swelling from insect bites, poison ivy, sunburn and chicken pox.

You can either mix baking soda with enough water to form a paste to apply to the affected area, or add 1 to 2 cups of water to a warm bath for a soak. (Consult a doctor before using on a child under two years old.)

2. Increases pH levels to fight cancer.

Studies with animals have shown that taking sodium bicarbonate internally increases the pH level of acidic tumors and inhibits metastasis. In his clinic, Dr. Whitaker administers 2 rounded teaspoons of baking soda mixed thoroughly in 2 cups of water. You can add a low-cal sweetener of your choice and sip the mixture at your leisure, do this three times per day. This is a safe dosage and is well-tolerated by the body “without upsetting the pH of the blood and healthy tissues.”

3. Relieves heartburn, sour stomach and indigestion.

Many over-the-counter antacids contain sodium bicarbonate anyway, so you can make your own more cheaply by mixing a half-teaspoon of baking soda with a half-cup of water. Drink this solution for relief of occasional heartburn or stomach upset. If you’re suffering from something more chronic, please ask your doctor.

4. Improves kidney function.

Kidneys that aren’t functioning optimally have difficulty processing acid. Baking soda increases the pH level in the kidneys keeping things more balanced and helping them function properly. Baking soda is also used as a treatment for kidney stones. Don’t overdo it, but simply follow the instructions above for cancer or heartburn treatment.

5. Enhances exercise performance.

This particular application caught my attention because I’m an avid bicyclist. But when I compete or push myself, I often experience severe leg cramps. Cramping during exercise is caused by lactic acid. Drinking a solution of baking soda mixed thoroughly in water increases the body’s pH levels and helps inhibit the production of lactic acid. Add ½ teaspoon baking soda to 4 oz. of water and mix thoroughly. Do not exceed this dosage more than 7 times within a 24-hour period.The results of a small controlled study also indicated that supplementing with a solution of baking soda and water can improve athletic performance.[5] Whitaker comments, “Topical use of baking soda is safe and nontoxic. Oral use is also safe, provided you do not exceed the recommended doses, as this could upset the body’s acid-base balance. Larger amounts can cause temporary nausea and diarrhea.”[6]

Next up: some of the amazing benefits of baking soda in household cleaning.

Baking Soda for Household Cleaning

1. Disinfects, freshens and cleans nearly all household surfaces.

Baking soda offers a great, natural, non-abrasive kitchen and bathroom scrub. Because sodium bicarbonate kills bacteria, fungus and molds, it provides an effective cleaning agent for those damp, tucked-away, hard-to-get-to places where mold and bacteria thrive. Simply sprinkle dry baking soda on the area to clean and scrub with a sponge or cloth. Rinse and dry to remove any residue.

2. Cleans and polishes pots and pans, stainless steel sinks and surfaces, and silverware.

Make your metal surfaces and your pots and pans shine with baking soda. Simply mix a paste using baking soda and water and scrub the dull, dingy hue away! Also, baking soda is a great way to remove tough coffee or tea stains from coffee/tea pots and cups.

3. Enhances and freshens your laundry.

Add ½ cup baking soda to a load of laundry “for fresher, cleaner clothes.”

4. Clears clogged drains.

Baking soda provides an earth-friendly way of clearing drains without the caustic chemicals in store-bought drain cleaners. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the clogged drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar. The combination of the two substances will create an intense foaming action. Let sit for at least 5 minutes before flushing with hot water. Repeat if needed.[7]

5. Deodorizes your carpet and fridge.

Especially if you own a pet, you know that over time your carpet begins to take on pet odors. You can clean and deodorize your whole carpet or localized spots by sprinkling dry baking soda on the affected area. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and then vacuum. Also, you may already have an open box of baking soda absorbing and defusing odors in your refrigerator. But if not, try this inexpensive, simple approach to freshen up your fridge.

In addition to all those amazing health benefits of baking soda, of course it also boasts countless baking applications. Here’s just one to tantalize your taste buds.

• Pinterest

Skillet Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups 15 ounces all-purpose flour
• 1 cup 4 ounces cake flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Whisk all-purpose flour, cake flour, sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt together in large bowl. Add softened butter and use your fingers to incorporate into flour mixture. Make a well in center of flour and pour in 1 ½ cups buttermilk. Stir with fork until completely combined. Add buttermilk one tablespoon at a time until all flour is moistened.
3. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and shape into a rough 6 or 7-inch round. Dough will look uneven and shaggy.
4. Place dough in a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Score a cross, about 5 inches by 5 inches and ¾ inch deep. Bake until lightly browned and knife inserted in the loaf comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Brush with melted butter, if desired.
5. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.[8]

There you have it. So much health and goodness contained in such a common, inexpensive substance! Try one of these home remedies or the recipe and let us know how you like it.

Speaking of natural products for your hands and body, here is a homemade whipped body butter recipe and a homemade deodorant recipe.  To rid your home of harsh toxins and industrial byproducts, try this disinfecting chemical free cleaner with essential oils. 

Sources:
[1] Dr. Josh Axe, “33 Surprising Baking Soda Uses & Remedies,” nd, https://draxe.com/baking-soda-uses/.
[2] Dr. Josh Axe.
[3] Dr. Joseph Mercola, “11 Amazing Health Benefits of Using Baking Soda,” February 2, 2015, https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/02/02/11-health-benefits-baking-soda.aspx.
[4] Dr. Julian Whitaker, “7 Baking Soda Health Benefits,” nd, https://www.drwhitaker.com/7-baking-soda-health-benefits/.
[5] Price, Moss, and Rance, “Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion on Prolonged Intermittent Exercise,” August, 2003, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12900682.
[6] Dr. Julian Whitaker.
[7] Sarah Aguirre, “Easy Ways to Freshen and Unclog a Drain with Baking Soda,” 10/23/17, https://www.thespruce.com/freshen-and-unclog-drain-with-baking-soda-1900466.
[8] Melanie, “Skillet Irish Soda Bread,” March 3, 2014, https://gatherforbread.com/skillet-irish-soda-bread/.