Unexpected Ways To Use Bicarbonate Soda:
The Household Handyman

Bicarbonate of soda has a funny way of reminding us of cakes and baking. That small little box of white powder instantly recalls for us our mothers, grandmothers, or aunts.

Who could have ever imagined the number of benefits this substance has? Only with time and increasing health awareness did we start to realise the benefits of all those small boxes stacked in the household cupboard known as bicarbonate soda.

Bicarbonate soda, commonly known as baking soda, is a white, crystalline chemical compound found in the mineral nahcolite that is a staple in many homes for cleaning and baking. There is a good chance that people are not taking full advantage of all that bicarbonate soda has to offer (Lansky, 2014).

Bicarbonate soda is best used for short periods of time together with other nutritional supplements to inhibit nutritional imbalances.

You will be shocked by the myriad of cures you can whip up if you have a box of baking soda in your home.

Different uses of bicarbonate soda

Ulcer pain: Most antacids contain some form of bicarbonate, which neutralises stomach acid, remarkably effective at relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even ulcer pain immediately as it is applied. Dosing is normally one to two teaspoons in a full glass of water.

Deodorant: To avoid the aluminium and parabens found in many antiperspirants and deodorants, apply a pinch of baking soda mixed with water instead. This paste makes a simple and effective natural deodorant.

Enhance sport performance: The alkali sodium carbonate increases blood pH. When taken before intense exercise, sodium bicarbonate buffers the lactic acid that builds up in hard-working muscles, delaying fatigue and enhancing athletic performance.

Kidney diseases: Alkaline baking soda can buffer acids and help maintain body pH. In individuals with kidney disease, often caused by hypertension or diabetes, kidneys struggle to remove acid from the body, resulting in a condition known as metabolic acidosis.

Insect bites and poison ivy: Apply a paste made of bicarbonate topically to insect bites or rashes to help relieve itching.

Oral health: Bicarbonate is a popular ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpastes, shown to enhance plaque removal. Of course, you could just dip your toothbrush in bicarbonate, but beware of its abrasive qualities: it may wear down your enamel over time.

Occasional heartburn and indigestion: Most over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums, Rolaids, and Alka-Seltzer, contain some form of bicarbonate. A more cost-effective way to relieve occasional heartburn and indigestion is to stir half a teaspoon of baking soda into half glass of water and drink it an hour or two after meals.

Sunburn remedy: Add half a cup of bicarbonate to lukewarm bathwater and soak in the tub for natural relief. Instead of towelling off the excess baking soda, let your skin air dry for extra relief. You can also apply a mixture of bicarbonate and cool water directly to the sunburn.

Splinter removal: Soak the affected area twice daily using half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a glass of water. Many splinters will come off on their own after a couple of days of this treatment.

What is a spiritual cleansing bath?

A spiritual cleansing bath is different from normal baths, because its purpose is to cleanse not the physical but the heavy energies in your body. It’s a purification process that needs presence of mind and spirit.

First, take your normal shower with soap, then fill the bath with warm water and put in a small cup of sea salt (you can read about its benefits in our home remedies) and a small cup of bicarbonate soda.

Second, soak for just ten or fifteen minutes, not more, then rinse with clean water and pat your body dry. This clearing bath helps you wash the negative energy and stress away. If you can’t stand the silence, we usually recommend an affirmation or calming music.

After this clearing bath, you might need to go to the toilet more, which means your body is detoxing emotions. If you feel drained, just lie down, as we don’t expect you to go party or drink alcohol after this spiritual purification process. You will be surprised at how relaxing and beneficial is this simple bath of home remedies.

A final secret tip: after one of those long, wild weekends, when you’ve had a tad too much to drink, if you basically can’t move your body or if the acid reflux rushes up to your throat reminding you of that teeny, weeny overindulgence. Mix a teaspoon or two of bicarbonate soda in a bottle of water and drink it, which alkalises the acidity and stabilises your upset stomach.