Baking soda health remedies are remarkable for the many ailments that can be cured or relieved by this most basic, natural compound. Its usefulness makes sodium bicarbonate one of the all-important tools to keep in your natural home health kit.
Baking soda is derived from the natural mineral natron and has been used since ancient times for many purposes. Baking soda in its current form became popular over 150 years when it was produced in America by the Arm & Hammer company. Today, the many cleaning and cooking uses for baking soda are widely recognized.
But, are you aware of the amazing medicinal uses for baking soda?
7 Baking Soda Health Remedies that are Remarkably Effective
1. Stuffy Nose Relief
If you just can’t breathe because of a stuffy nose, you can clear your sinuses with just a little bit of baking soda. Not only will this remedy clear your nasal passages, but it can soothe inflamed sinus membranes as well.
Directions:
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Use a dropper and drop one or two drops in each nostril. You should feel relief shortly.
You can also add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to water in your humidifier to help alleviate congestion in your chest. (Baking soda offers the additional benefit of helping keep your humidifier clean.)
2. Help You Stop Smoking
If you’re trying to quit smoking, but need help in curbing the nicotine cravings, the Mayo Clinic states that baking soda may be effective. This can be helpful for short term use in reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Directions:
When you feel the cravings, add 2 teaspoons of sodium bicarbonate to 8 ounces of water. Drink the cocktail to help relieve the urge to have a smoke. (Don’t over-do, since too much sodium bicarbonate can cause over-alkalinity that can contribute to health problems. If you have questions, just check with your doctor.)
3. Bug Bites and Stings
For immediate relief of painful bee stings or insect bites, baking soda can come to the rescue. You will need a small box for this application. It’s a good idea to have a box or two on hand when you camp or enjoy prolonged outdoor activities.
Directions:
Mix about half a small box of baking soda with just enough water to make a paste that can be smoothed on the affected area. Let it dry. You can re-apply if necessary. (As an added bonus, this paste is exceptionally good for treating poison ivy and can dry up the blisters quickly while also relieving itching.)
4. Acid Indigestion and Ulcer Pain
This is probably the most well known health use for baking soda, and is still truly an effective natural remedy for calming upset stomach.
But, did you know that it can also relieve ulcer pain and discomfort? Baking soda can help to neutralize hydrochloric acid in the stomach which allows the stomach to calm and heal.
Directions:
Make your own natural antacid by mixing 1-2 teaspons of baking soda with an 8 ounce glass of water and drink. This solution is proven to neutralize stomach acid and is recommended by many health professionals as a quick remedy for discomfort.
Again, don’t overdo. You shouldn’t drink this more than two or three times a day at most, unless you wish to half the recipe and spread it out over the day.
5. Urinary Infections
If you often experience bladder infections, it may be that you need to alter your body’s pH levels. You can help to get rid of the infection by reducing acid in the urine. Treating a bladder infection with baking soda has provided relief for many sufferers of urinary tract infections.
You can easily test your pH levels by buying litmus pH paper at your local drug store to measure your saliva and urine. Urine pH levels in the morning should typically be between 6.0 and 7.4 before drinking anything. Urine should be about 6.0 to 7.0.
Test yourself for a few days to see results. If your pH levels are lower than these, just take the following recommendations to raise them to appropriate levels, then test again. This can go a long way in normalizing the urinary tract and avoiding infections.
Directions:
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 4 ounces of water and drink 4 times a day for 2 or 3 days. You can further enhance this treatment by drinking lots of natural cranberry juice and an additional 8-10 glasses of water a day.
5. Enhances Athletic Performance
Bet you didn’t know that drinking baking soda water is a common practice among elite athletes!
There have been at least 30 different studies performed on the benefits of drinking a baking soda beverage before exercise. These have shown that the natural properties in sodium biocarbonate help to curb the buildup of lactic acid during competition.
For sports that require maximum endurance and top speed, such as cycling or running, delaying accumulation of lactic acid allows for best performance. Even if you’re NOT an athlete, you can benefit from this after activities that cause sore muscles and tiredness.
Directions:
Studies have concluded that the overall best use of baking soda water is a concoction of between 0.3 to 0.4 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, if you weigh around 155 lbs., the proper amount to use is about 3 tablespoons (21 to 28 grams) per 33.81 fl oz (1 liter) of water. For better flavor, you add a little organic juice.
You should drink this about 60 to 90 minutes before working out or engaging in an athletic competition. It’s best to drink it slowly over this time period to avoid negative side effects. Some people may experience an upset stomach or diarrhea, so be sure to check with your trainer or healthcare specialist about its use.
6. Treat Common Burns
A great way to relieve the sting of burns and lessen blistering is by using this baking soda remedy immediately after injury.
Directions:
Wet a clean cloth in ice water mixed with baking soda. Apply continuosly until the heat diminshes. Blistering is less likely to occur if this remedy is applied as soon as possible. For larger area burns, like sunburn, you can add 1/4 cup of baking soda to luke warm bath water and soak in it until the water cools (or at least for 15 minutes).
7. Sore Throat
You can relieve your sore throat by gargling a soothing mixture of baking soda, aspirin and hot water.
Directions:
Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with 1/2 cup hot water. Stir in 1 aspirin already melted in 2 teaspoons hot water. Gargle as often as you need to relieve painful sore throat.
These are just some of the best in the huge array of baking soda home remedies that have been used for years to provide better health, save money and live naturally.
Remember, when using baking soda for health uses, be sure to choose only pure sodium bicarbonate, and don’t overdo its use, especially if ingested. As with any healing compound, always use common sense and check with your healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Let the relief begin!
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References:
A Brief History of Baking Soda
Q & A of Using Bicarbonate to Buffer Lactic Acid in Athletes
Drinking Baking Soda for Your Health
