Baking Soda's Medicinal Uses

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a white crystalline powder with the chemical formula NaCO3. Often prescribed by physicians, backing soda is also used as an alternative to over-the-counter medications. Baking soda can cause serious side-effects if not used correctly.

Antacid

The most common medical use for baking soda is as an antacid. Baking soda is slightly alkaline when dissolved in water. This solution may be taken to neutralize stomach acid in cases of heartburn or indigestion. To use baking soda as an antacid, add 1/2 tsp. of baking soda to 4 oz. of water. Drink this solution every two hours, but do not exceed seven doses in 24 hours, or three doses if you are over 60 years old. You should not take baking soda on a full stomach, or if you are on a sodium restricted diet. Be sure that the powder is completely dissolved before drinking the solution. Consult your doctor if you are taking prescription drugs, as baking soda may react with other medications.

Acidosis

When a patient's blood is too acidic, it is called acidosis. Sodium bicarbonate solution may administered intravenously to treat acidosis. This is normally done in hospitals, where a bag of sodium bicarbonate solution is slowly injected into the patient's blood. This should always be done by a qualified health care practitioner.

Antidepressant Overdose

A patient who overdoses on the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline experiences severe cardiac depression. Research has shown that epinephrine is more effective in treating overdoses when it is combined with sodium bicarbonate.

Skin Maladies

Soaking in a bath of baking soda and water has been reported to relieve the pain of sunburn. Dissolve a cup of baking soda in your bath water and soak the affected area. Be sure to rinse any excess baking soda from your skin after your bath. A paste may be made from baking soda and water to treat insect bites. Add 1 tsp. of water to 3 tsp. of baking soda to make a paste. Apply the paste to the insect bite until the wound heals. A baking soda mask may help with acne as well. Make a dilute baking soda solution with water and apply to your face. Allow the mask to dry, then rinse your face.

Precautions

Baking soda is a salt, so people with high blood pressure or kidney problems should consult their doctor before taking baking soda. Baking soda also produces carbon dioxide gas when added to stomach acid, causing the stomach to swell. If you develop a headache, nausea, slow breathing, blood in your urine, stools or vomit that resemble coffee grounds, or swelling of the feet, you should contact a doctor immediately.