Baking Soda Remedies: Simple and Effective Treatments for Nasal, Throat, and Tooth Pain – and More!
Baking soda — or sodium bicarbonate — is one of the most versatile, affordable, and widely available remedies in any home. For generations, it has been used not just for baking, but as a natural treatment for various health issues. From sore throats and coughs to insect bites and foot fatigue, this simple white powder is a powerful ally for your family’s everyday health.
In this article, we’ll walk through several tried-and-true home remedies using baking soda that can help relieve pain, support recovery, and promote overall well-being — without the need for expensive medications.
1. Baking Soda for Cough Relief
If you grew up with a spoonful of baking soda dissolved in warm milk when you had a cough, you’re not alone. This traditional remedy has stood the test of time — and for good reason.
How it works:
Baking soda helps loosen mucus and thin out phlegm, making it easier to expel. It also has mild anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it ideal for dry or irritated throats.
Recipe:
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 cup of hot (but not boiling) milk
Instructions:
Stir the baking soda into the hot milk until fully dissolved. Drink at night before bed for best results. This remedy can help calm nighttime coughing and promote restful sleep.
Alternative option – Steam Inhalation:
If you don’t like milk, a baking soda steam inhalation works just as well:
Boil 1 liter of water
Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda
Inhale the steam with a towel over your head for 10–15 minutes
This can help open nasal passages and ease chest congestion.
2. Baking Soda for Sore Throat
Few things are more soothing for a sore or scratchy throat than a baking soda gargle. It’s gentle, effective, and safe for both adults and children (under supervision).
Recipe:
1 glass of warm water (about 250 ml)
2 teaspoons of baking soda
Instructions:
Mix until dissolved and gargle for 30 seconds. Repeat 5–6 times per day.
Why it works:
Baking soda helps moisturize the throat, reduce irritation, and balance the pH level in the mouth and throat, creating an environment that’s less friendly to bacteria and viruses.
3. Baking Soda for Tooth Pain Relief
Toothache? Baking soda can offer temporary relief until you see a dentist.
Option 1: Mouth Rinse
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 glass of warm water
Rinse your mouth thoroughly to neutralize acids, reduce swelling, and minimize bacteria buildup.
Option 2: Paste for Direct Relief
Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to form a thick paste
Apply directly to the painful tooth or gum
This method is antibacterial and slightly numbing, helping to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
4. Heart Palpitations and Blood Pressure Support
Few people know that baking soda has been used in emergency medicine to treat heart arrhythmias due to its alkalizing effect.
Caution: This use should be strictly guided by a medical professional.
Still, some alternative medicine practitioners suggest that in cases of sudden heart palpitations, half a teaspoon of baking soda in water may help by reducing acidity and restoring electrolyte balance.
Similarly, people with mild hypertension sometimes find temporary relief due to the diuretic effect of baking soda — which may lead to a slight reduction in blood pressure.
However, this is not a long-term solution, and those with chronic conditions must consult a doctor before trying such remedies.
5. Rehydration for Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Fluid Loss
In cases of food poisoning, stomach flu, or intense vomiting and diarrhea, the body can lose vital fluids and electrolytes very quickly.
A simple baking soda and salt rehydration solution can help restore balance and prevent dehydration.
Recipe (Homemade Electrolyte Drink):
1 liter of boiled and cooled water
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
Sip 1 tablespoon every 5 minutes for as long as needed. This solution is especially helpful when store-bought electrolyte drinks or medical help are not immediately available.
6. Natural Deodorant Alternative
Did you know that the unpleasant odor of sweat doesn’t come from the sweat itself, but from bacteria that thrive in its acidic environment?
Baking soda neutralizes acidity, killing odor-causing bacteria without blocking sweat production — unlike chemical antiperspirants.
How to use:
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small amount of water
Dip a cotton pad and gently apply to underarms in the morning
You’ll stay fresh all day without harmful chemicals.
7. Relief from Insect Bites
Baking soda is also a natural anti-itch remedy for bug bites.
Why it works:
It helps reduce swelling, itching, and irritation, while also acting as an antibacterial agent to prevent infection in open bites or scratches.
How to use:
Make a paste using baking soda and a few drops of water
Apply to the affected area several times a day
Alternatively, mix it into a bowl of water and soak the irritated skin.
8. Baking Soda Foot Soak for Fatigue and Swelling
After a long, exhausting day, your feet deserve some care too. Baking soda foot soaks can soothe tired muscles, reduce swelling, and even neutralize odors.
Recipe:
5 tablespoons of baking soda
Warm water in a basin
Instructions:
Soak your feet for 15–20 minutes. Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or peppermint) for extra relaxation.
Final Thoughts: One Ingredient, Many Uses
From sore throats to tired feet, baking soda has earned its place in the medicine cabinet. It’s safe, budget-friendly, and often just as effective as over-the-counter solutions — especially when used at the first sign of discomfort.
Of course, while these remedies can be very helpful, they are not a replacement for professional medical treatment in more serious cases. Always consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
But as a first line of defense, baking soda is one of nature’s most reliable healers — and it’s probably already sitting in your kitchen.
