Most of us are aware of the great things baking soda can do around the house. But what about a baking soda bath? It might seem strange to some, but baking soda baths can be very beneficial. Bicarbonate of soda – the true name of baking soda – works to neutralize acid and alkalines, thus regulating pH levels. But what does that mean when it comes to bathing in the stuff? This article will introduce the benefits and different types of baking soda bath.

Benefits of a Baking Soda Bath

You might already know that baking soda combined with water can form a paste that brings fast relief to skin issues, such as poison ivy, and can also help relieve the pain of a bee sting. So it makes sense that these healing properties can be used in your bath to help soothe the skin. But there are other benefits as well.

How to Take a Baking Soda Bath

A good baking soda bath can be done with only baking soda and water, but you can add other ingredients as well. These tried-and-true methods can work for whatever your needs might be.

1. Baking Soda Only

Simply sprinkling baking soda into warm or hot water can help soften the skin and promote healing. This is especially true with a sitz bath. Baking soda has been proven to help the irritation caused by yeast infections, episiotomies, hemorrhoids and other similar ailments.

2. Baking Soda and Sea Salt

Sea salt has been a known healing product for many centuries. Combine equal parts sea salt and baking soda in the tub and soak in the hottest water you can stand – but not too hot, as being uncomfortable could outweigh the benefits. Twenty or thirty minutes are plenty of time to steep in the calming and soothing water.

3. Baking Soda, Epsom Salt and Essential Oils

When you blend baking soda and Epsom salt, you get a wonderful way to detoxify the body and help rid it of harmful chemicals. For the greatest effect, cleanse your body very well with a rough loofah or exfoliating sponge before you sink into the bath. Essential oils added to the water can help intensify the effect; just be careful when climbing out of the tub, as the oils can make it slippery.

4. Baking Soda, Sea Salt, Epsom Salt and Glycerin

To soothe aching muscles and joints, combine one cup of sea salt, two cups of baking soda, one cup of Epsom salt and up to two tablespoons of natural glycerin. Start out by putting a quarter cup of the mixture into the water. You can increase the amount if necessary. Add essential oils if you want to include aromatherapy in your bath experience.

5. Baking Soda, Epsom Salt, Ginger and Aromatherapy Oils

For a true detox pleasure, pour Epsom salt into a hot bath, pouring it under the running water to help dissolve it. Then add the baking soda. For adults, you can use up to two cups of each. Next, add in ground ginger, starting at about a tablespoon. Keep in mind that the ginger will make your skin feel hot, so don’t put too much at first! Finally, add aromatherapy oils such as lavender for relaxation or eucalyptus for even more detoxing power. Get in and soak! Remember that ginger will make your body feel hot, so if you want to intensify the effect, wrap yourself in a warm towel when you get out and let your body sweats out even more toxins.

Precautions

Baking soda baths can be a gentle, natural and effective way to cure many ailments, especially muscle pains and joint aches. But be warned that sometimes a detoxification bath is not a good idea.

• Those who have diabetes or high blood pressure should consult a doctor before trying any of these recipes.
• Never, ever engage in one of these baths if you have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs, as you could doze off and drown in the water.
• Keep the water at a safe temperature. If you feel dizzy or faint during your bath, the water may be too hot – add cold water to cool it down or get out of the bath very carefully as soon as you can to avoid overheating.