Natron is a natural body wash and it is considered to be the best for your skin. It’s important to note that, unlike most body washes, natron does not contain any harsh chemicals or soap. Natron is made from sodium carbonate and it’s an effective cleanser that works well with the acidity level of your skin.
Table of Contents
What is natron?
Natron is a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate (Na2CO3·10H2O, a kind of soda ash) and around 17% sodium bicarbonate (also called baking soda, NaHCO3) along with small quantities of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate. Natron is white to colorless when pure, varying to gray or yellow with impurities.Natron deposits are sometimes found in saline lake beds that arose in arid environments. Throughout history, natron has had many practical applications that continue today in the wide
range of modern uses of its constituent mineral components.In modern mineralogy, the term natron has come to mean only the sodium carbonate decahydrate that makes up most of the historical salt. The English word natron is a French cognate derived from the Spanish natron through Latin natrium (sodium). The Arabic name nātrūn derives from the Ancient Egyptian word nṯry natron.
Did you know that you can make natron using baking soda and baking ammonia?
To make your own natron, simply mix sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and sodium carbonate (washing soda). The ratio is two parts baking soda to one part washing soda.Natron is a very simple compound to make that has countless uses. It was used in ancient Egypt as an all-purpose cleaning agent for both people and things. It’s also found naturally in many places around the world in the form of trona ore or, more commonly, as a salt called nahcolite.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sodium metabisulfite
- 1 teaspoon sodium sulfite (optional)
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup filtered water or bottled water
Procedure
When a recipe calls for natron, the question is: What is natron?” Natron is a naturally occurring compound that consists primarily of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. It’s found in dried lake beds, forming as a dry white powder that may be used as a substitute for baking soda. In ancient times, it was used to make soap and preserve mummies. It has many other uses for home and industry, including cleaning and disinfecting, making toothpaste and deodorant, as well as extinguishing fires.
- Mix 1 cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with 1 cup of washing soda (sodium carbonate) in a bowl or jar. If you have trouble locating washing soda, you can make it from baking soda using this procedure.
- Add 2 cups of borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) to the mixture in Step 1. Mix thoroughly until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Store in an airtight container until needed.
- If a recipe calls for natron, use this mixture at equal amounts as your natron substitution. For example: If the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of natron, replace it with 2 teaspoons of this homemade natron
How to make natron at home
Natron is a natural salt that can be used as a preservative, a cleaner and a deodorant. It’s also an ingredient in most baking powders, toothpastes and antacids.Natron is a natural salt that can be used as a preservative, a cleaner and a deodorant. It’s also an ingredient in most baking powders, toothpastes and antacids.
To make natron at home, you’ll need to combine about 2 parts sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) with 1 part sodium carbonate (washing soda) and 1/2-part table salt. Then heat the mixture in your oven at 250 degrees until it reaches the consistency of fine powder.The resulting product will be usable as-is, but if you want to reduce the moisture content further, increase the temperature of your oven to 350 degrees and let it cook for another hour. The higher heat will cause any remaining water particles to evaporate.
Storage and shelf life of natron
Shelf life of natron is limited. If you make small batches, you will use it up before it loses any strength. If you make a large batch, store it in an airtight container and use a clean utensil when taking some out. Keep the container in a cool dry place such as your pantry or cupboard.
The process for making natron is simple, but it must be done outside on a hot day with no wind or rain
The process for making natron is simple, but it must be done outside on a hot day with no wind or rain.
- Start by collecting salt and soda. The soda can be sourced either from plants or from the olitic limestone formations in Lake Natron (the best source of soda). Collect enough salt and soda to fill a pit (about 2 meters by 2 meters) to a depth of about 1 meter.
- Dig the pit in an open area. The ground should be close to level, as water will then spread evenly across the surface of the pit. Dig the pit about 1 meter deep and cover it with a layer of grass or reeds. This will keep dirt from mixing with the salt and soda when you pour water into the pit.
- Pour enough water into the pit to cover its surface. It’s best to use rainwater, as this is naturally pure, but you can use any water that’s free of sediment.
- Place pieces of charcoal above the water in the pit. This will help clarify the water and make it more useful for making natron later on.
Conclusion
Natron (sodium carbonate), is a very good alkali for hand washing clothes, and even entire garments. You can either make natron soap or just add natron to your detergent in the normal way. I’m planning to buy a couple of kilos of the soda and make myself a washboard kit to use when the power is out.
