It’s been known for centuries that baking soda is an excellent substance for cleaning, baking and numerous other household tasks, but did you also know that it has many medicinal benefits including relief from digestive issues, coughs, flu, sore throats, skin conditions and even muscle aches?
Some health-related baking soda benefits include:
Stomach problems: It can reduce heartburn and indigestion by adding a half a teaspoon of baking soda to two cups of water and drinking it. This neutralizes stomach acid and is also good for treating ulcers, gas and bloating.
Parasite infection: Baking soda is a natural remedy for parasitic worms which can infest the digestive tract. Drinking a quarter teaspoon of soda in warm water for three days helps remove parasites from the body.
Colds, sore throat and flu: It speeds up recovery of cold and flu symptoms. A quarter teaspoon each of salt and baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water will help to reduce bacteria growth and clear up congestion. You can also gargle with this same mixture to ease a sore throat and help clear mucus and bacteria from the throat and mouth.
Restoring pH balance: Bicarbonate is naturally produced in the body and helps keep your pH in check. A diet of processed foods can cause the body’s pH to drop below safe levels. This is called acidosis and it can lead to many serious health conditions including kidney disease, loss of bone density, and pancreatic malfunction. Baking soda can help to counter the effects of acidosis and bring the body’s pH back up to normal neutral levels when used with a doctor’s instruction.
Gout: Sodium bicarbonate is effective for inhibiting the formation of uric acid crystals by lowering the pH of urine. Gout pain and inflammation of the joints can be reduced by taking a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water after a meal.
Urinary tract infections and Yeast infections: Baking soda can kill Candida cells that lead to yeast infections. It can also reduce the pain, but can’t clear up the infections themselves, so see a doctor if those symptoms persist. Baking soda has also been found to be an effective antifungal agent.
Muscle pain and fatigue: Taking a warm bath in baking soda can help relieve muscle tension and pain, boost circulation and encourage muscle recovery.
Skin conditions – Baking soda balms can help to reduce pain from sunburn, allergic rashes, poison ivy, poison oak and insect bites. Mix a teaspoon with a small amount of water to create a paste to rub on your skin.
Dental care: Baking soda has antibacterial properties that kill Streptococcus mutans bacteria, a cause of tooth decay. A paste made from six parts of baking soda to one part of sea salt can be used to brush your teeth and kill off the bacteria.
The Side Effects: Baking soda is high in sodium. People dealing with edema, liver disease, kidney disease or high blood pressure should avoid taking baking soda internally. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children under five should also avoid drinking baking soda elixirs. Some prescription drugs and products may interact with baking soda, including aspirin, barbiturates, calcium supplements, corticosteroids, medications with a special coating to protect the stomach, lithium, quinidine, and diuretics. Always consult your physician if you think it may cause an interaction. Otherwise, baking soda is a cost-effective and natural healer.
