Baking soda has many uses in the kitchen, not only for cooking and baking, but also for cleaning and other purposes. However, not many people know that there's more to baking soda than being a homemaker's friend. It is also a great natural home remedy for common skin problems. A baking soda bath can help neutralize skin acidity and promote elimination of toxins. Soaking in baking soda can help refresh, renew and soften your dry skin.

Benefits of Baking Soda Bath

1. Use baking soda to detoxify and alkalize your body. It is natural, safe and inexpensive. People who eat a Western-style diet consisting of sugar, red meat, cheese and other refined foods have a high acid consumption, which baking soda baths can neutralize. You can also detox your body from alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and medications.
2. Use baking soda with your sitz bath to relieve pain from hemorrhoids, vaginal yeast infection, anal fissure, and other discomforts in the genital or buttock area. Baking soda soothes irritated skin, relieves itching and reduces burning sensation.
3. Baking soda is a good substitute for commercial products used for bathing. It does not contain fragrances and chemicals, it is colorless and odorless, and it does not leave residues in the bath tub. It makes bath water alkaline and leaves the skin feeling silky.

How to Take a Baking Soda Bath

Precautions

• A homemade baking soda bath is refreshing and therapeutic for most people but pregnant women and people high blood pressure and heart problems must consult their doctor before using it.
• Maintain a comfortable bath temperature to reduce your risk of burning, fainting, or dizziness. People who use drugs or consume alcohol should avoid detox baths to prevent passing out or drowning.

Baking Soda Bath: Recipe 1

Fill the bathtub or sitz bath with enough warm water to be able to submerge your body when you sit. Mix four to five tablespoons of baking soda into the water. Use a wooden spoon to help dissolve baking soda. Soak affected area for 10-20 minutes. Gently dry off with a soft towel to avoid further irritation.

Baking Soda Bath: Recipe 2

Fill bath tub with hot water. Mix half a cup of Epsom salts and half a cup of baking soda. Add the mixture to the water while still running to make sure it dissolves well. Soak in the tub for 20 minutes. Lie down in bed for a few minutes after the bath because you may feel some dizziness, which is common after soaking in hot water, and releasing toxins.

Baking Soda Bath: Recipe 3

Dissolve a quarter cup of sea salt, a quarter cup of Epsom salt, and another quarter cup of baking soda in some boiled water inside a jar about a quart-size. Set aside. Then fill bath tub with warm or hot water and add 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar. Pour the salt mixture into the bath. You can also add a favorite essential oil. Soak in the bath for about 30 minutes or as desired. Use this to sooth skin irritations, boost magnesium levels, and detoxify your body.

Bonus

• For more cleansing effects, drink some peppermint tea before bathing. You can also add brewed peppermint tea to your bath to promote release of toxins through your skin.
• For a soothing aromatherapy soak, add 10-15 drops of essential oils, such as rose or jasmine, to your Epsom salts. To relieve stress, add relaxing herbs like lavender or chamomile.
• Remove dead skin cells by dry brushing using a loofah sponge or body brush before your bath. Then shower after the detox bath to complete your cleansing process. Use washcloth and soap to remove residues from your skin.

More Detox Bath Recipes

Aside from baking soda, you can also try other types of detox bath. However, it is advisable to talk to your doctor first if you have any illness or if you are on some medications.

1. Oxygen Detox Bath

Fill your tub with warm or hot water. Add two cups of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of dried ginger. Then soak for 30 minutes or as desired. Oxygen detox is especially helpful in clearing nasal congestion, alleviating body aches, and relieving allergies and skin irritation.

2. Clay Detox Bath

Dissolve half a cup of Epsom salts in warm or hot bath. Add essential oils. Mix half a cup of bentonite clay in a small amount of water in a glass jar. Use a plastic spoon, and with vigorous motion, dissolve clumps. Add this clay mixture to your bath then soak for about 20 minutes.