Baking Soda Poultices: Natural Relief for Pain, Skin Issues, and More

baking soda

Learn about the many benefits of baking soda poultices in this guide. They are useful for inflammation, skin problems, detoxification, odor removal, exfoliation, acne, sunburn, insect bites, and other conditions. Give these versatile poultices a try for natural relief at home.

1. Inflammation and Pain Relief

Elderly woman suffering from pain in knee. Tendon problems and Joint inflammation on dark background.

Inflammation can cause discomfort and hinder daily activities, but a baking soda poultice can offer significant relief.

When applied topically, a baking soda poultice has a cooling effect, which can alleviate inflammation and associated pain.

It works by drawing out fluids and toxins that contribute to inflammation.

More importantly, baking soda is a natural analgesic that can help numb painful areas and provide immediate relief.

Instructions for Creating a Baking Soda Poultice for Pain Relief

To create a baking soda poultice for pain relief, begin by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water.

Stir until you achieve a thick, consistent paste. Apply this directly to the affected area, covering it with a clean cloth or bandage.

Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Repeat this process as needed until you notice a reduction in inflammation and pain.

2. Skin Irritation and Wound Healing

A close-up of bad psoriasis on a person's arm

A baking soda poultice is also beneficial for treating minor skin irritations and promoting wound healing.

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, a baking soda poultice can help prevent infection in minor wounds and cuts.

It also promotes an alkaline environment, which is less favorable for bacteria growth.

When it comes to skin irritations, such as bug bites, rashes, or burns, a baking soda poultice can provide soothing relief while reducing inflammation and itchiness.

Instructions for Using Baking Soda Poultice for Skin Irritation and Wound Healing

To utilize a baking soda poultice for skin irritation or wound healing, first clean the affected area with mild soap and water.

Prepare a baking soda poultice in the same way as mentioned earlier and apply it to the irritated area.

Cover it with a bandage or clean cloth and let it sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing off. Do this once or twice daily until the wound heals or the skin irritation subsides.

3. Detoxification and Absorbent Properties

Baking soda isolated on gray background

Baking soda is also recognized for its detoxifying and absorbent properties, making it an effective component in a poultice for these purposes.

The absorbent nature of baking soda allows it to draw out harmful toxins, impurities, and foreign objects from the skin.

By doing so, it helps cleanse the skin deeply, promoting overall skin health and preventing common skin issues.

Furthermore, by eliminating toxins, a baking soda poultice can also support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Instructions for Using Baking Soda as an Absorbent

To make a detoxifying baking soda poultice, you’ll need to mix two parts baking soda with one part water to create a thick paste.

Apply the paste to your skin and cover it with a cloth or bandage, leaving it on for up to 20 minutes.

Once the time is up, rinse off the poultice with warm water. You can repeat this process every day to help detoxify your skin and draw out impurities.

4. Odor Removal and Stain Removal

Woman hand pouring baking soda Sodium bicarbonate in long hair fur carpet for cleaning and stain removal. Natural home cleaners concept.

Amazingly, the benefits of baking soda go beyond health and wellness. It’s also a fantastic solution for odor removal and stain removal.

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, capable of neutralizing even the most stubborn odors.

When used as a poultice, it absorbs and eliminates bad smells instead of merely masking them.

As for stains, baking soda’s mild abrasive nature can help lift and remove stubborn stains from various surfaces without causing damage.

Instructions for Using Baking Soda for Odor and Stain Removal

To use baking soda for odor removal, create a poultice using three parts baking soda and one part water.

Apply it to the odor-causing area, let it dry, and then rinse it off. For stain removal, the same poultice can be applied to the stained area.

Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub and rinse off. The stain should be lifted off with the poultice.

5. Exfoliation and Acne Treatment

girl puts cream on her face, face of a teenage girl with pimples, acne on the skin, she looks at herself in the mirror, concept of beauty and health

Baking soda also serves as a natural exfoliant and acne treatment, offering a gentler alternative to commercial products.

Baking soda’s fine granules act as a perfect natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells to reveal fresh, rejuvenated skin.

Furthermore, its antibacterial properties help prevent acne breakouts by killing off acne-causing bacteria.

Additionally, baking soda can help balance skin pH, reducing excess oil production and subsequent clogging of pores.

Instructions for Using Baking Soda Poultice for Exfoliation and Acne Treatment

To use a baking soda poultice for exfoliation and acne treatment, mix one part baking soda with two parts water to form a gentle yet efficient scrub.

Apply the paste to your face in a circular motion, being careful around the eye area. Rinse off after about two minutes.

For acne treatment, apply the baking soda paste directly onto pimples and let it dry before rinsing it off. Repeat this process once or twice weekly for best results.

6. Sunburn Relief, Insect Bites, And Skin Conditions

Baking soda being used to relieve itching from insect bites

Beyond the benefits already mentioned, baking soda poultices also offer relief from sunburns, insect bites, and certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

A baking soda poultice can soothe sunburned skin by cooling the area and helping to retain moisture.

It also alleviates itchiness caused by insect bites and stings, providing immediate relief.

The anti-inflammatory properties of baking soda can help reduce inflammation and itching associated with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, making baking soda poultices a versatile solution for various skin issues.

Instructions for Using Baking Soda Poultice for These Conditions

For sunburn relief, make a paste using baking soda and a little water. Apply it gently to the sunburned area and rinse off after about 10-15 minutes.

For insect bites, apply the same baking soda paste to the affected area and let it dry before rinsing off.

If you have eczema or psoriasis, regularly applying a baking soda poultice to the inflamed areas can help manage symptoms.

However, be sure to consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment approach.

FAQS about Baking Soda Poultices

baking soda on the table, for cleaning and disinfection

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the use of baking soda poultices.

How long do you keep a baking soda poultice on?

The amount of time you should leave a baking soda poultice on varies depending on the issue you’re addressing.

However, typically, it is left on for about 15-20 minutes before being washed off.

How do you make a poultice to draw out inflammation?

A baking soda poultice can effectively draw out inflammation.

Simply mix three parts baking soda with one part water to create a paste and apply it to the inflamed area.

Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing it off.

What can I put on an abscess to draw it out?

Baking soda poultices have been used for centuries to draw out abscesses.

To make a baking soda poultice for an abscess, mix three parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste. afterva – Oral Health Library says:

  • Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a bowl
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon of water and mix. Can also add salt (optional)
  • Mash it up until it forms a thick, moldable paste
  • Add a bit more water if needed, but don’t add too much or it will get runny
  • Apply the paste directly to the abscessed tooth for relief
afterva – Oral Health Library

How do you make a healing poultice?

To make a healing poultice with baking soda, combine three parts baking soda with one part water. Mix until you achieve a thick paste.

Apply this paste directly to the affected area, or spread it over a clean cloth before application.

Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Repeat this process as necessary to promote healing.

By Anita Brown

Anita Brown is our go-to contributor to our emergency preparedness website. Anita brings a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to the table, having weathered several awful natural disasters. Anita is currently working towards obtaining her Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification.