9 Secret Medicinal Uses For Baking Soda (you might be surprised by)
We all know of the usefulness of baking soda ( bicarbonate of soda) around the home and its versatility when used for cooking, baking and cleaning around the kitchen. But did you know that long before any of us were born, the Victorians were using baking soda for medicinal purposes?
Curious about the quirky, unexpected ways baking soda can save the day? Buckle up, this article is about to sprinkle some soda magic into your life! Some of these are a bit wild and wacky, but others you might just find fascinating. Consider your curiosity piqued, let’s get right into the bubbly brilliance of baking soda!
Before We Get Into It…
Our research has uncovered some quite interesting and peculiar uses for baking soda. Many have been handed down since Victorian times and some are only included for their intrinsic interest and your delight.
Before we proceed, a quick PSA: these tips are for your curiosity and entertainment. Always check with a doctor before turning your kitchen cupboard into a medical kit!
Now we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get right on with the fascinating uses for baking soda in the medical cupboard.
9 Unusual & Unheard Of Uses For Baking Soda
Let’s look at nine ways baking soda can be used in place of other more medicinal products;
#1 Face Wash
If you have greasy skin and find you often break out in an irritating or painful rash on your face, a mild solution of baking soda and warm water can help. It can clean the pores and help prevent the outbreaks from occurring.
Who needs a cabinet full of expensive cleansers when your trusty baking soda is sitting there, ready to clean up more than just spills?
#2 Acne Treatment
Acne is a prevalent skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become blocked by a combination of oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This blockage leads to the development of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and occasionally painful cysts, most commonly found on the face, chest, and back.
Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, are the primary cause, though factors such as genetics and increased oil production can also contribute to its onset. Any teenager that has suffered from acne will tell you how they desperately searched for a cure or at least some relief.
Using a mild solution of baking soda and warm water as a wash, can help alleviate the symptoms of acne and go some way as a preventative measure. As with the general face wash, the solution helps to clean out blocked pores which can help to prevent outbreaks from occurring.
Goodbye overpriced acne creams, your new BFF in the war against breakouts costs less than your morning latte.
#3 Foot Odour Eater
Got funky feet? Baking soda to the rescue, because your shoes shouldn’t announce your arrival before you do. Foot odour is caused by a combination of sweat, bacteria and in some cases fungus. It turns out that there are more sweat glands in the feet than in any other part of the body.
That sweat can build up in shoes and socks especially if they’re not breathable. This leads to bacteria forming which is where the smell is produced. Eventually a fungal infection follows which can also add to the smell. There are a number of ways to cure this common complaint which include;
- Washing feet daily
- Exfoliating feet to remove dead skin
- Wearing moisture wicking socks
- Changing socks regularly
- Replacing shoe insoles when they become worn or smelly
- Disinfecting shoes regularly
A good way to get this process underway is by using baking soda. Get a bowl of warm water and add four tablespoons of baking soda and soak your feet for around 15 to 20 minutes.
Once the feet have been dried, sprinkle them with baking soda in place of talcum powder. You can also sprinkle baking soda into each shoe and leave it overnight to neutralise any bad smells.
#4 Bee Sting Soother
Bee stings can be quite painful and can last a long time even after the sting has been removed. To relieve this pain, make a paste from baking soda and water and apply directly to the swollen sting area.
Be sure to cover with a plaster or bandage and leave for at least 15 minutes (longer is better).
This works by neutralising the acid in the bee sting. Bee stings are acidic, they inject an acid into the skin which causes pain and irritation. As baking soda is an alkali, it neutralises the effect of the acid.
Bee stings are no picnic, but baking soda can turn the pain into yesterday’s buzz.
However, if you suffer from anaphylaxis, you must seek medical advice immediately. Also if the swelling doesn’t go down you need to contact a medical professional.
#5 Ease Insect Bites
Bug bites biting back? Baking soda to the rescue, because you’ve got better things to scratch off your to-do list. Just like bee stings, many insect bites or stings are acidic in nature and can be eased by applying a paste made from baking soda and warm water.
Simply apply the paste to the affected area and leave on for at least 15 minutes. Then rinse off and if the bite is still bothering you, apply more of the paste. You can reapply baking soda/water paste as often as is required.
#6 Splinter Remover
Some splinters are painful while others are just annoying. Whichever type of splinter you have, it can be removed with the help of baking soda.
All you need to do is mix up a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Then cover with a plaster or bandage and leave overnight.
The following day gently remove the splinter using sterilised tweezers. The baking soda solution creates a slight change in the osmotic pressure which causes the skin around the splinter to swell slightly.
This pushes the splinter closer to the surface making it easier to be removed. Who knew baking soda could make splinters disappear faster than your uncle at a family reunion?
#7 Wart Treatment
There is a really old remedy that probably dates back way further than the Victorians. It says that to remove warts simply apply a few drops of white vinegar to the wart and sprinkle some baking soda on top.
Allow the mixture to work its magic and remove after 15 minutes or so. This can be repeated several times a day until the wart has gone. Wave goodbye to warts with a Victorian era trick that’s weirdly satisfying.
#8 Sunburn Treatment
Too much fun in the sun? Chill out with baking soda, it’s like a spa day for scorched skin. Overexposure to the sun can result in painful sunburn.
This can be alleviated by our old pal, baking soda. Simply make a paste from baking soda and water (preferably cold) and apply to the affected area.
Leave in place for around 15 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Or you could have a bath in tepid water to which one cup of baking soda has been added.
Soak in the bath for around 15 to 20 minutes then get out and allow your skin to dry naturally. The baking soda works by reducing inflammation and itchiness by rebalancing the skin’s pH levels.
#9 Razor Burn Treatment
If you’re suffering from razor burn, baking soda can reduce the pain and alleviate the symptoms. Mix up a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the affected area.
The baking soda paste provides a cooling effect on the skin. It also acts as a gentle exfoliant and will remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. The irritation causes acidity in the skin which is neutralised by the alkaline baking soda.
This paste is great for razor burn symptoms experienced in underarm areas as the baking soda also acts as a mild and gentle deodorant as well.
Razor burn? Don’t let shaving rain on your parade. Baking soda’s got your back, and your underarms.
Other Unheard Of Medical Uses For Baking Soda
Just when you start to think that’s all it can do, here are a few more:
Cold Sore Treatment
Cold sores can crash your smile party, but baking soda is here to help send them packing. While it’s important to note that baking soda is not a cure for cold sores, it can help alleviate the pain caused by them.
You see, when cold sores break out they are fed by acidity from the mouth. Now applying a paste of baking soda and water will reduce inflammation and pain associated with the cold sore by neutralising the acidity.
This paste can be reapplied as often as needed, but be warned, in some rare cases, baking soda can cause a slight burning sensation when applied to cold sores.
Cystitis Treatment
Cystitis, often referred to by its common name of a “water infection”, happens when the lining of the bladder becomes inflamed. This can cause discomfort and pain when passing water and the feeling of needing to urinate almost continuously without producing much urine.
You can alleviate the symptoms by bathing in a warm bath to which one cup of baking soda has been added. But it’s vitally important that nothing else is added to the bath water. Some seemingly innocent products can aggravate the problems associated with cystitis.
It’s also important that you drink plenty of water to cleanse the urinary system. You can also drink a glass of water into which one teaspoon of baking soda has been dissolved. This should be repeated every four hours to reduce the acidity of your urine.
It’s a pee in peace solution from the pantry, because who wants their bathroom visits feeling like a battle?
If symptoms persist, you really should consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Acid Indigestion Treatment
Heartburn relief, courtesy of baking soda: a pocket sized firefighter for that fiery stomach. Baking soda treats acid indigestion by neutralising excess stomach acid due to its alkaline pH level. It can be used to relieve symptoms of heartburn and sour stomach.
All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water and drink the contents. The alkalinity of the baking soda allows it to counteract the acidity of the stomach, which can provide temporary relief of the symptoms.
However, whilst temporary relief can be achieved, baking soda is not a cure and you should consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
It should also be noted that baking soda should never be given to any children under the age of six years. Children over six can be given a half teaspoon of baking soda mixed into a full glass of water after meals.
Restore The Balance Of Urine
The production of too much uric acid can lead to the formation of kidney stones. You can naturally reduce the acidic nature of your urine by drinking a glass of water which has had a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved into it.
Baking soda: turning acidic urine into a mellow masterpiece. However, this is not a permanent solution and you will need to seek medical advice for this condition long term.
Clean Skin Abrasions
Scrapes and scratches meet their match with a little fizzy TLC from baking soda. Baking soda can be used to help clean skin abrasions by acting as a mild exfoliator.
Removing dead skin cells and dirt and debris from the wound. It also has mild antibacterial properties which can help reduce the risk of infection.
Mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply directly to the wound. It will absorb excess moisture and create a slightly alkaline environment that will promote healing.
However, never apply baking soda neat to the wound, always dilute with water first to prevent any skin irritation.
Bath Bombs
A good way to apply baking soda to skin abrasions is by bathing in a warm bath to which one cupful of baking soda has been added. Or, you can make your own bath bombs from three parts baking soda to one part citric acid and add a few drops of your favourite essential oils for sweet smelling bath bombs.
Mix the ingredients together well, roll into small balls and leave to dry in an old egg carton. When needed simply drop one of your homemade bath bombs into the bath water.
Who needs a spa when your DIY bath bombs turn bathtime into a fizzy celebration?
Gum Massage
Gums should be massaged to improve blood circulation, to help deliver much needed nutrients and oxygen to the gum tissue. This helps prevent gum disease by helping to remove plaque and food debris.
It can also help reduce any inflammation and strengthen the outer layer of the gum to help protect against bacteria. You can make a great gum massage using baking soda and salt in equal measure. Simply apply this mixture onto the gums using your finger.
Treat your gums to a massage they didn’t know they needed. Alternatively, you can just sprinkle baking soda onto your toothbrush and brush as normal.
Stomach Ache Easer
Belly woes be gone! Baking soda’s like a miniature mixologist for soothing relief. If you are suffering from a case of the belly ache, you can relieve it by reaching for the baking soda.
Simply mix together one teaspoon of baking soda with three tablespoons of cider vinegar. Once they stop fizzing, fill the glass with water and down the lot. You should soon feel relief.
Nappy Rash Treatment
If your baby is suffering from nappy rash, it can be alleviated by adding a tablespoon of baking soda to the baby’s bathwater. The alkalinity of the baking soda will neutralise the acidity found in urine and babies stools as well as remove any pathogens present.
If the rash is severe, consider applying a paste made from baking soda and water directly to the affected area. This should be rinsed away during the next nappy change.
However, if your baby is very young, baking soda could be too harsh, always consult your doctor before using any remedies on a baby. Even your baby’s bum can benefit from the brilliance of baking soda. (But check with the doc first!)
Dry Shampoo
When water’s out of reach, sprinkle some soda magic for a quick hair refresh. Nowadays, we all have access to some means of washing our hair. But if you’re camping or there’s a shortage of water in your area for any reason, baking soda comes to the rescue once more.
Simply sprinkle baking soda into your hair and rub it in. Then comb it out and allow your hair to dry in warm air. However, there have been some reports of hair becoming too dry using this process. Leaving the hair dry and frizzy.
Which is why this tip is best only used by those who suffer from greasy hair.
Hand Cleaner
If you’ve been painting, preparing fish or cutting onions, your hands might not smell as fresh as you would like. Sometimes no amount of hand washing can get rid of those strong smells.
Try sprinkling baking soda onto your hands and rubbing them together before washing in soapy water. The mild abrasive action helps to lift dirt and grime from the skin’s surface while the antibacterial properties help remove any germs.
Paint, fish, onions? No match for baking soda. Your hands deserve to smell like victory.
Having said that, you should exercise some caution when using baking soda on your hands because excessive use can irritate sensitive skin. And you should always rinse your hands thoroughly after use.
Hand Softener
If you have dry, hard skin on your hands our old friend baking soda can soften them. It works by gently removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
All you need to do is put two tablespoons of baking soda into a bowl of hot water. Soak your hands in the bowl for around 15 to 20 minutes gently rubbing them together from time to time.
Then dry your hands and apply your favourite hand cream and put on a pair of clean cotton gloves (clean socks will do) and rest for another 15 to 20 minutes.
Baking soda: because even hardworking hands deserve a spa moment.
That’s A Wrap
Baking soda might just be the most underrated superhero in your pantry, quietly waiting to rescue you from all manner of everyday annoyances. From soothing sunburns to tackling tough stains on your hands, its versatility is nothing short of amazing.
The Victorians were clearly onto something, and now you are too! Why not put these tips to the test and see how this humble powder can sprinkle a little magic into your life?
Have you tried any of these surprising baking soda remedies? Or do you have your own quirky use for this wonder ingredient? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
And don’t forget to hit that share button, because who doesn’t need a little more baking soda brilliance in their life?
SEE ALSO: 30 Day Deep Cleaning Challenge!
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