Baking Soda, A Friend in Need from Arm & Hammer

Posted by Dr Sircus on January 15, 2013 | Filed under Medicine, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

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In 1925 the Arm & Hammer Company published a book A Friend in Need, which said that “In the last few years Bicarbonate Soda has been coming into its own and today it occupies a prominent place in every Physician’s Armamentarium. You, being the largest producers of pure Bicarbonate of Soda, are the logical ones to tell the word of the therapeutic value of your product. It will not put the doctors out of business, but it will provide the means of helping thousands to prevent, and get relief from, certain ills by this harmless but helpful remedy.” In this beautiful little book we read that everything has been tested and approved by leading physicians.

Well it’s almost 90 years later and still most physicians have not gotten the message though millions of people have benefited from this medical truth. I guess it is just too simple for complicated people to get the beauty and glory of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as an almost perfect medicine.

I was reminded of this recently when I landed on a site by Dr. Andrew Weil that said, “Sodium bicarbonate is promoted online and elsewhere as a treatment for cancer. One rather bizarre theory behind this idea holds that cancer is "actually" caused by a yeast infection and that the sodium bicarbonate can kill the yeast and cure the cancer. This is nonsense. There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this notion about yeast.”

Dr. Weil gives a bite of some medical truth saying “Oral bicarbonate may have a beneficial effect against cancer metastasis in mice.” But he misses by a mile when he says, “Please also be aware that sodium bicarbonate presents metabolic risks for people with high blood pressure, patients with lung, heart or kidney diseases as well as for cancer patients. In no case is it advisable to take excess sodium on a regular basis.”

I have written a full medical review Sodium Bicarbonate – Rich Man’s Poor Man’s Treatment of Cancer, which takes the reader far beyond the contents of this Arm and Hammer book below.

FACTS WORTH KNOWING ABOUT ARM & HAMMER
BAKING SODA
AS A PROVEN MEDICAL AGENT
CHURCH & DWIGHT CO., INC
Copyright, 1925

__________________________________________________

FOREWORD

He who cures a disease may be the most skillful,
but he that prevents it safest physician.
- T Fuller

Many prominent physicians have suggested that great benefits would result if the men and women of America were shown Bicarbonate of Soda (baking soda) could be used in the home as a therapeutic agent.

The attitude of these physicians in the matter has been epitomized by Dr. Edward R. Hays in a letter to the Church & Dwight Company in the following words:

“Your product (Arm & Hammer Pure Bicarbonate of Soda) has a universal distribution. It is known in every household. Its value to the Culinary Art is unquestioned, but it carries a far greater value unknown to its millions of users-its value  as a household remedy.

“It has often been said that doctors through their Heart Plans are constantly trying to put them-salves out of business, and, in our defense I might add, that if we could rid the world of its ills we would gladly go.

“Be that as it may. For the good it will be to Humanity, I may to advocate the establishment of a department in your organization that will tell the millions of user of your product (Arm & Hammer Pure Bicarbonate of Soda) its great value in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

“In the last few years Bicarbonate Soda has been coming into its own and today it occupies a prominent place in every Physician’s Armamentarium. You, being the largest producers of pure Bicarbonate of Soda, are the logical ones to tell the word of the therapeutic value of your product. It will not put the doctors out of business, but it will provide the means of helping thousands to prevent, and get relief from, certain ills by this harmless but helpful remedy.”

A FRIEND IN NEED

There is no mortal man whom pain and disease do not reach.
-OVID.

HEALTH is the birthright of man. If you are sick, your hare in some way violated a law of nature. When you observe the teachings of nature, you are well. This booklet, pointing out how certain laws of nature can be followed, will help you and your household no avoid much of the pain and suffering that is the inevitable result of delay in heeding nature’s warnings.

“The foremost fire fighter in the world,” said F. Burnham McLeary, in an article contributed to the Word’s Work, “is responsible for the stamen that 99 percent. Of all fires on earth could be extinguished with a glass of water if taken in time. To be more specific, even though a score of fires were breaking out in various quarters of San Francisco on the morning of April 18, 1906, fifty such glasses of water, properly stationed, would have prevented the destruction of a city and the irretrievable loss of three hundred and fifty millions of dollars.

That is the value of having on hand at the vital moment a reliable agent for checking a destructive force.

Fire has an insatiable appetite; it grows as it feeds; a glass of water may extinguish it in the early moments of its life, but it may grow beyond human power or skill to check when it becomes half an hour old.

Sickness resembles fire; it grows as it feeds; the right remedy may extinguish it in the first few hours of this life, but if it once “grips” the system it may grow beyond human power or skill to master.

A modern fire chief said that 99 per cent.  of all fires on earth could be extinguished with a glass of water if taken in tame. Christ came in to the world, said.

“Meet the Disease at its approach.”

We see therefore both ancient and modem appreciate the enormous value of the first few moments or the first few hours in preventing the spread of fire or disease.

We are compered sickness, illness or disease to fire, and it would be well if others always carried the same comparison in their minds, for an essential characteristic of an illness is its tendency to spread from one point to another in the human body and for single symptoms to rapidly develop a group of symptoms. In other words, an indisposition may be compared to fire in the fact that in may be  looked at in the light of a red flame that gives a warning of a red flame that gives up into devouring of danger before it leaps up into devouring strength and destruction.

Sickness or indisposition is a danger signal; within the body somewhere, a conflict is going on between the forces that make for disease, and the forces that make for health; if the patient begins to get worse you at once know that the armies of disease have gained the ascendency, that the automatic safety provisions of the human system have been overcome, and that Nature has signaled you to aid in the fight with the forces of human intellect. It is in such emergencies-before the doctor unnecessary-that this little booklet should be consulted. For it tells you when and how that inexpensive box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda in your kitchen, or obtainable in the nearest grocery store, can be used to aid Nature in her fight.

Understand, please, that Bicarbonate of Soda is not a cure-all. Its field of usefulness as a home remedy is limited to well-defined ailments. Understand, also, that it should be the physician. But, as a study of the following pages will show, it has been proven by time and experience as a most effective preventive and remedy for a surprisingly large percentage of the ailments most common among the civilized races.

In compiling this of uses for Arm & Hammer Pure Bicarbonate of Soda as a household remedy, great care was taken to include nothing that had not been tested and approved by leading physicians-men who recognize it is their duty to be thorough –to be positive; men who do not base their decisions upon theory or accept assumption instead of proof; men who are sumption instead of proof; men who are convinced a thing can be done only after it IS done.

Remedies offered are, in most instances, drawn from that great medical work “The Materia Medical”,which is founded on the medical experience of the greatest and best chemists, physicians and laboratory scientists the word has produced.

BICARBONATE OF SODA AS A THERAPEUTIC AGENT

Testimony is like an arrow shot from
a long bow; the force of it depends on
the strength of the hand draws it.
-JOINSON

BAKING SODA, which is Bicarbonate of Soda, is described in that authoritative work, The News Standard Dictionary, as, “a white crystalline substance, less soluble than sodium carbonate and having only a slight alkaline taste, used in cookery, in baking powders and in medicine.” Its use as a medicine is briefly outlined by Nelson’s Encyclopedia as follows:

“Sodium Bicarbonate is used in medicine as an antacid (an alkaline remedy for stomach acidity), and, on account of the large amount of carbon dioxide that is readily set free from it by acids or by heating, it is an important component of powders and effervescing mixtures, and of baking powders.”

The New International Encyclopedia says:

“Sodium bicarbonate alkalinizes the blood and secretions, and is used as a corrective in functional diseases of the stomach.”

The proven value of Arm & Hammer Pure Bicarbonate of Soda as a therapeutic (healing) agent is further evinced by the following voluntary testimony of Edward R. Hays, M.D. , in his latter no the Church & Dwight Company:

In 1918 and 1919 while fighting the ‘Flu’ with the U.S. Public Health Service it was brought to my attention that rarely anyone who had been thoroughly alkalinized with Bicarbonate of Soda contracted the disease, and those who did contract it, if alkalinized early, would invariably have mild attacks. I have since that time treated all cases of “Cold,” Influenza and LaGripe by first giving generous doses of Bicarbonate of Soda, and in many, many instances within 36 hours the symptoms would have entirely abated.

Further, within my own household, before Woman’s Clubs and Parent-Teachers’ Associations, I have advocated the use of Bicarbonate of Soda as a preventive for “Colds,” with the result that now many reports are coming in stating that those who took “Soda” were not affected, while nearly everyone around them had the “Flu.”

“Besides doing good in respiratory affections, Bicarbonate of Soda is of inestimable value in the treatment of Alimentary Intoxication, Pyelitis (inflammation of the pelvis), Hyper-Acidity of urine, uric acid disturbance, rheumatism and burns. An occasional three-day course of Bicarbonate of Soda elimination and increases the resisting power of the body to all Infectious Diseases.

“By advocating the therapeutic use of compressed yeast has no doubt benefited the health of many, but the value of yeast as a therapeutic agent is incomparable to that of pure Bicarbonate of Soda.

The value of the World’s famous Spas and Health Springs in largely in the Alkalinity of the water. A comparative few may need vitamin, but our great “Natural Crime” is over-eating, both in vitamins and everything else, which among other things, means an increased acid retention within the body and a predisposition to Rheumatism, Gout etc.

“Bicarbonate of Soda will not prevent the crime of over-eating any more than water unapplied will  neutralize the effect of carelessness, and help stay the body in its process of self-destruction.”

TESTED HOUSEHOLD REMEDIES

In order to secure the best results with Arm & Hammer Pure Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda) when taken internally, certain simple rules must be observed. Material Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Bastedo, page 88) clearly outlines these rules as follows:

“The effect of an alkali in the stomach will vary according to the nature of the stomach contents at the time of its administration. In the resting period (after food is digested) sodium bicarbonate merely dissolves mucus and is absorbed as bicarbonate into the blood, to increase its alkalinity directly.

“In the digestive period it reduces the secretion of gastric juice, neutralizes a portion of the hydrochloric acid, liberates the carminative carbon dioxide gas, and is absorbed as sodium chloride.

“In cases of fermentation or ‘sour stomach’ it nay neutralize the organic acids and so result in the opening of a spasmodically closed pylorus (the opening between the stomach and the small intestine); while at the same time it acts to overcome flatulency (accumulation of gas in the stomach and bowels).

The time of administration must, therefore, be chosen with a definite purpose, Usually for hyperchlohydria (excess of acid) one hour or two hours after meals will be the period of harmful excess of acid.

“In continuous hyperacidity and in fermentative conditions a dose an hour before meals will tend to prepare the stomach for the next meal; or sometimes a dose will be necessary immediately after eating, because of abnormal acid or as having been present at the commencement of the meal. (For the average person one-half hour after meals in recommended).

“A dose at bedtime tends to check the early morning acidity, or a dose on arising cleans the stomach of acid and mucus before breakfast.”

Whenever taking a bicarbonate solution internally the soda should be dissolved in cold water.
Acidity

Dissolve a level teaspoonful of Bicarbonate of Soda in a tumbler of cool water and take one to two hours after meals. For a tonic form, about one-quarter teaspoonful before meals.

BABY’S BATH

Two teaspoonful’s of Bicarbonate of Soda to a gallon of water dissolving it in a little water before adding it to the bath.

- Issued by United States Department of Labor, Children’s Bureau.

BABY’S BOTTLE

A most delightful bath may be taken by filing the bathtub with water as hot as can be comfortably borne and the thoroughly dissolving in it from one-half to one pound of softening the skin and giving it a velvety  texture; it also corrects, in a great measure, body odors.

BODY ODORS

As an absolutely harmless and wonderfully effective deodorant, Bicarbonate of Soda is fast becoming recognized as an indispensable adjunct to the daily toilet of fastidious people. It checks that relentless enemy of dainty women-excessive armpit perspiration.

First thoroughly wash the parts with hot water and soap, drying thoroughly. Applies the Bicarbonate of Soda dry with powder-puff or absorbent cotton; or place one teaspoonful (slightly moistened) in the palm of the hand and apply under the arms.

COLDS

A half teaspoonful of Bicarbonate of Soda in a glass of cold water, and repeated if necessary in one or two hours, will often ward off a cold in its early stages.

In addition to the above a hot Soda bath is very beneficial. Use half pound to one pound of Bicarbonate of Soda in as hot a bath as can be borne. Remain immersed in the water for about fifteen minutes. It is important to go to bed at once after this bath in order to avoid exposure.

A bath taken in this way causes the Alkali to penetrate the system and is a material aid to the human in throwing off the germs of Grippe.

COLDS AND INFLUENZA

A Physician Writes:

“In 1918 and 1919 while fighting the ‘Flu’ with the U.S Public Health Safety service it was brought to my attention that rarely anyone who has been thoroughly alkalinized with Bicarbonate of Soda contracted the disease, and those who did contracted the disease, and those who did contract it, if alkalinized early, would invariably have mild attacks.  I have since that time treated all cases of ‘Cold’, influenza and La Grippe by first giving generous doses of Bicarbonate of Soda, and in many, many instances within 36 hours the symptoms would have entirely abated”

During the first day take six doses of half teaspoonful of Arm & Hammer Bicarbonate of Soda in glass off cool water, at the same intervals.

During the second day take two doses of half teaspoonful of Arm & Hammer Bicarbonate of Soda in glass of cool water, at the same intervals.

During the third day take two doses of Arm & Hammer Bicarbonate of Soda in glass of cool water, and thereafter half teaspoonful in glass of cool water each morning until cold is cured.

Batter result will be obtained if doses are not taken too near meal time.

CORNS AND BUNIONS

Corns and bunions may be softened and relieved by making a salve of equal proportions of lard and Bicarbonate of Soda, and applying at night before retiring.

DYSPEPSIA OR HEARTBURN

A quarter of a teaspoonful of Bicarbonate of Soda dissolved in a tumbler of cold water, taken three times a day, will be found very beneficial.

“Sodium Bicarbonate is the most efficient drug for general use (in acid dyspepsia) , about one-quarter teaspoonful before meals for a tonic form. In hyper-chloric (acid) dyspepsia a level teaspoonful two hours after meals.”
-Therapeutics, Materia Medica and pharmacy.

ECZEMA

“Externally, in solution, it (Bicarbonate of Soda) is a solvent for dried exudates (secretion) such as the crusts in seborrhea eczema” two level teaspoonful’s of Bicarbonate of Soda to a pint of water gives the proper solution in such cases.

-Practical Therapeutics
(Bermingham)

HEADACHE (SICK)

“Bicarbonate of sodium” (Baking Soda)… “Is largely used as an in gastric fermentation and in sick headaches arising from this condition.” Dissolve one teaspoonful of Bicarbonate of Soda in a glass of cold water.

HICCOUGH

A teaspoonful of Bicarbonate of Soda dissolved in half a glass of cold water will, in most cases, give instant and permanent relief.

HIVES

“The local irritation and itching may be relieved by a dilute solution of Bicarbonate of Soda and water. (Soda) either in solution or paste is a soothing application for itching, insect bites, and burns. It is not caustic…”

-Materia Medica: Pharmacology and therapeutics
(Bastedo, p. 88,1914)

HYPERACIDITY

Add a level teaspoonful of Bicarbonate of Soda to a glass of cold water. “It is beneficial if given after meals in hyperacidity due fermentation.”

INDIGESTION

“In many cases it will be found that the administration of small doses of Bicarbonate of Soda, five to ten grains” (quarter teaspoonful and a half a glass of  cold water) “before each meal will cause free secretion of  gastric juice, particularly if it be given simultaneously with bitter substances which act as stimulants to the gastric mucosa…”

-Practical Therapeutics – 9th edit.
(Here, page 669, 1902.)

INSECT BITES

Bicarbonate of Soda “either in solution or paste is a soothing application in erythema, urticarial, itching, burns and insect-bites.”

-Materia Medica, Pharmacology and therapeutics.

INTESTINAL DISEASES

If food distresses the stomach, give a quarter of a teaspoonful of Bicarbonate of Soda in a wine glass of milk. “The alkalis have an extended use in diseases of the stomach and intestines, especially the former. Although we do not fully understand all their effects, it is obvious that they can neutralize an excess of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

“The are, therefore, indicated in all cases of hyperacidity and hyper secretion; but in the author’s experience they must be given in large doses.

“In hyperacidity they should, of course, be given after meals, preferably shortly before the time at which the patient expects disagreeable sensations arising from the hyperacidity such as pyrosis (gas) and heartburn.”

-Treatment of internal Diseases.
(Ortner)

ITCHING

“Very often bathing the parts whit one drachm (teaspoonful) of Bicarbonate of Soda to a ping of cold water gives relief temporarily. …In other instances, to each bath of thirty gallons may be added about one pound of Bicarbonate of Soda”

IVY POISONING

The eruption caused by Ivy Positioning is reduced and the itching quieted by frequent of leucorrhoea especially if the discharge has an acid reaction.” Use it freely in solution of two teaspoonful’s dissolved in a pint of water as a douche.

-Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

LUMBAGO

Use one-half pound to one pound of Bicarbonate of Soda in bath as hot as can be borne. Remain Immersed in the water for fifteen minutes or more. The go to bed to avoid exposure.

MOUTH WASH

Bicarbonate of Soda is a good mouth wash, in fact, batter that any other, as neutralizes the acids which secrete themselves around the teeth, thereby preventing the decaying effect of these acids. Dissolve a full teaspoonful of soda in a pint of water.

“A good cheap mouth wash, given by Seifert, may be made by dissolving one full teaspoonful of sodium bicarbonate in a pint of water, and adding one Tablespoonful of spirits of peppermint, or cologne, or simply a piece of camphor or a table spoonful of spirits of camphor. A small amount of this mixture is diluted with water, half-and-half, each time”

-Treatment of Internal Diseases.
(Ortner, p. 269-4th Edit.)

PERSPIRATION

An absolutely harmless and wonderfully effective relief from the annoyances of excessive perspiration is offered in Bicarbonate of Soda. Applied as directed below, it will keep the under-arm, sweet and dry and prevent the ruining of gowns, waists, etc.:

First thoroughly wash the parts with hot water and soap, drying thoroughly. Apply the Bicarbonate of Soda dry with a powder puff or piece of absorbent cotton; or place one teaspoonful (slightly moistened) in the palm of the hand and apply under the arm.

In addition to being absolutely odorless, Bicarbonate of Soda has the added advantage of being absolutely harmless, as its use in no way impairs the action of secretive glands.

RHEUMATISM

Sodium Bicarbonate “has been widely employed in the treatment of rheumatism an is found to be of great service in allaying pain and soreness in the joints when used in a lotion made by dissolving it I water and applying it to the part on lint or rag.”
Use a saturated in a pint of water.

Practical Therapeutics-9th edit.
(Here, page 720)

Also user as a bath, adding one-half pound to one pound of Baking Soda in tub of water for fifteen minutes or more. Then go to bed to avoid exposure.

SCALDS OR BURNS

“Externally the agent (Bicarbonate of Soda) seems to possess antiseptic properties. Because of the presence of carbon, with its alkaline reaction, the agent is applicable to burns; applied in the form of a moist paste, it will relieve the pain at once in most cases.

-Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacology.
(Ellingwood, page 420)

Cover scald or burn with a paste of sodaand water. Then cover with a damp cloth.

SKIN

A shiny, red, hot-weather complexion is cooled and refreshed by a bath of warm water and Bicarbonate of Soda. Add one Teaspoonful of soda to a pint of water.

SOUR STOMACH

“In cases of fermentation or ‘sour stomach’ it (Bicarbonate of Soda) may neutralize the organic acids and so result in the opening of a spasmodically closed pylorus (the Opening between the stomach and the small intestine); while at the same times it acts to overcome flatulence (accumulation of gas in the stomach and bowels).”

-Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
(bastedo, page 88.)

Dissolve one teaspoonful of soda in a glass of cold water, and take one to two hours after meals.

SUNBURN

Cover the affected parts with a paste of Arm & Hammer Bicarbonate of Soda and Water. Immediately upon application a cooling sensation will be experienced. When the moisture has been absorbed from the paste, the fire of the burn will have disappeared and the danger of blistering is lessened. Application of the paste as soon as possible after one is burned is advisable.

TOOTHACHE

“Sodium Bicarbonate in solution (two teaspoonfuls to pint of water) on plugs of cotton in painful cavities, or applied to the gums… appeases agonizing toothache (Duckworth).”

-Therapeutics, Materia Medica and Pharmacy.

“Sodium Bicarbonate has soothing effect on the mucous membrane of the mouth in nearly all inflamed and irritable conditions, and may be freely used. It has also the advantage of overcoming or in some measure of neutralizing acid conditions.”

Care of the Teeth-Hopkins, page 124.

TO PRESERVE ENAMEL OF TEETH

“In order to Prevent early decay of the teeth they should be kept free of albuminous coating. This can be accomplished by the daily use of a good fat neutralizer. Such a neutralizer can be found in the use of BICARBONATE OF SODA. Acting as an acid neutralizer, it dissolves the fatty acids in the mouth clean and the teeth free from the film of bacteria, to the ultimate ruin of the enamel of the teeth.”

-Extract from paper by Dr. Leonard keene Hishberg, A.B, M. A, M.D.
(Johns Hopkins University.)

10 oz glass container(shown in reduced size)
FOR ARM & HAMMER BRAND
Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda)

Arm & Hammer Brand Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda) can be had in a container that is especially adapted for use in the family medicine cabinet. For those who desire our product in this convenient form, we furnish, direct our product in this convenient form, we furnish, direct from our soda. The bottle, especially made for this purpose, is plainly labeled, has snugly fitting ground glass stopper, with opening large enough to allow the use of a teaspoon to remove the soda.

When in need of refilling the bottle with Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda) you may obtain the same  quality by purchasing at your grocer’s a package of Arm & Hammer brand Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda) by parcel post, to any point in the  U. S. on receipt of money order or check for fifty cents to the order of

CHURCH & DWIGHT CO., INC.
27 CEDAR STREET
NEW YORK N. Y.

________________________________________

ARM & HAMMER BAKING SODA IS BICARBONATE OF SODA AND IS EXTREMELY PURE. Arm & Hammer Brand Baking Soda is Bicarbonate of Soda of the highest quality and is therefore equally good for medical and baking purposes. It name then fulfills the requirements of the U.S Pharmacopoeia.

For sale by all grocers

ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS BOOKLET SENT FREE ON REQUEST

Dr. Mark Sircus, Ac., OMD, DM (P)

Director International Medical Veritas Association

Doctor of Oriental and Pastoral Medicine

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