Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate soda, is a mineral called nahcolite. It can be found in the water of naturally occurring mineral springs, evaporated lake beds, and ancient saline deposits. Chemically, it is a base that reacts with acids and creates carbon dioxide, which causes it to bubble.

Scientific studies have shown baking soda to be anti-bacterial, with the ability to kill streptococcus mutans. This is one of the main germs living in the saliva, plaque, and biofilm of th mouth, which causes cavities. Baking soda effectively removes plaque and whites teeth.

Studies have shown that baking soda neutralizes the acidity of cancerous tumors, thereby inhibiting the growth of the tumors.

Baking soda can neutralize stomach acid, when there is too much. However, symptoms of reflux and heartburn are often a result of too little stomach acid. Never use baking soda on a full stomach. This can result in gastric rupture.

Baking soda has been shown to enhance athletic performance. It reduces the amount of lactic acid in the muscles, which causes muscle fatigue.

Studies have shown baking soda enhances muscle mass.

Baking soda has been known to treat athlete's foot and other fungal infections. It also stops the itch of the infection as well as bug bites. Simply make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the area for 15 minutes, then rinse. For fungal infections, start at the first sign of infection and repeat daily for several weeks until the infection is gone.

Baking soda is an effective deodorant. It can be applied directly to the arm pit while dry or mixed with a small amount of water to make a paste. It doesn't take much to work.

As a room deodorizer, simply add a tablespoon of baking soda to a bottle of water and shake. Spray into the air to eliminate odor.

Studies have shown that baking soda leads to significant improvement in people with chronic kidney disease and metabolic acidosis.

Studies have shown that baking soda can treat most urinary tract infections. Urine is usually acidic in UTIs. Baking soda alkalizes the urine, and eliminates the symptoms.

Baking soda has been shown to help with side effects from chemotherapy. Often, chemo patients experience problems in their mouth from the treatment. Mixing baking soda and water, and rinsing, can ease the mouth discomfort.

Nail and foot fungus can be treated by soding in water mixed with baking soda. Soak daily for several weeks until the fungus is gone.

Soaking in a warm baking soda bath can ease sunburn.

Soaking in a baking soda bath detoxifies the body.

Recipes and How-To

Caution

Because baking soda neutralizes stomach acid, ingesting it regularly may cause digestive issues, like nausea, vomiting, indigestion, etc. If you use it daily, be sure to take apple cider vinegar before each meal or eat sauerkraut at the beginning of your meal to replace the acidity.

Avoid rubbing the skin after taking a baking soda bath. Pat dry instead.

Resources

1) Antibacterial activity of baking soda. (1997). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12017929/
2) Dugue, C., BA, Baiyasi, M., MD, Jackson, S., BS, Tolliver, S., MD, & Daveluy, S., MD. (2025, August 6). Baking soda and the skin: A review of baking soda in dermatology. Journal of Integrative Dermatology. Retrieved November 13, 2025, from https://jintegrativederm.org/doi/10.64550/joid.xph19q87
3) Valkenburg, C., Kashmour, Y., Dao, A., Van Der Weijden, G. A., & Slot, D. E. (2019). The efficacy of baking soda dentifrice in controlling plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 17(2), 99–116. https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.12390
4) Baking soda benefits, including 34 uses - Dr. Axe. (2024, June 28). Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/nutrition/baking-soda-uses/
5) Yang, M., Zhong, X., & Yuan, Y. (2020). Does baking soda function as a magic bullet for patients with cancer? a mini review. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 19, 1534735420922579. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735420922579
6) Grgic, J., Pedisic, Z., Saunders, B., Artioli, G. G., Schoenfeld, B. J., McKenna, M. J., Bishop, D. J., Kreider, R. B., Stout, J. R., Kalman, D. S., Arent, S. M., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Lopez, H. L., Ziegenfuss, T. N., Burke, L. M., Antonio, J., & Campbell, B. I. (2021). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: sodium bicarbonate and exercise performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 61. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00458-w
7) Yang, Ting-Ya1; Lin, Hong-Min1; Wang, Hsien-Yi2,3; Chuang, Min-Hsiang2; Hsieh, Chia-Chen1; Tsai, Kang-Ting1,4; Chen, Jui-Yi2,5. Sodium Bicarbonate Treatment and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease with Metabolic Acidosis: A Meta-Analysis. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 19(8):p 959-969, August 2024. | DOI: 10.2215/CJN.0000000000000487

Benefits

Kills germs that cause cavities
Removes plaque from teeth
Whitens teeth
Inhibits the growth of cancerous tumors
Eliminates odors
Can be used as a deodorant
Enhances muscle mass
Eliminates symptoms of UTI
Slows progress of kidney disease
Eases mouth discomfort from chemotherapy treatment
Kills nail and foot fungus
Helps with diaper rash, eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy, yeast infections, hives, etc.

Herbal Actions

Antibacterial (inhibits growth of bacteria)
Anticancer (inhibits growth of cancer)
Antifungal (combats fungal infections)
Anti-Inflammatory (controls inflammation)
Antitumorigenic (counteracts the formation of tumors)