Baking Soda for ED: Myth or Medicine?

Online “hacks” are promising quick fixes for erectile dysfunction (ED) – and one trending remedy is baking soda.

Videos tout the “30-second hard tonic” or “pink salt trick” (mixing baking soda with water, Himalayan salt, lemon, or vinegar) as a way to balance your pH and boost blood flow.

In reality, there is no evidence that baking soda improves erections.

On the contrary, chugging baking soda water can be risky.

Let’s break down what the hype claims, what science actually says about using baking soda for ED, and what safe treatments exist.

What’s the “Baking Soda” Trick for ED?

The so-called baking soda hack for ED comes from viral TikTok/YouTube videos.  For example, the popular pink salt trick tells you to mix about 1/8 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda in a glass of water (sometimes with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar).

Another version, often called the 30-second hard tonic, is simply plain baking soda (a teaspoon or two) dissolved in water.

Some recipes even suggest adding hydrogen peroxide or swishing saltwater on the body.

Some proponents claim these tonics “alkalize the blood”, neutralize acid, and boost nitric oxide – the molecule that relaxes penile blood vessels.  

Some users say mixing soda with water (or vinegar) will “balance your pH levels and boost nitric oxide” for stronger erections.

But these are just internet rumors.

Medical experts agree: there’s little to no research backing any baking-soda ED solution.

Although one small clinical trial does show a useful medical role for sodium bicarbonate, it can alleviate penile pain induced by intracavernous injections for Erectile Dysfunction.

This trial highlighted the local pH-neutralizing effect of sodium bicarbonate, not its impact on erections through ingestion, or the role proponents of kitchen “hacks” claim.

Unlike scientifically proven ED treatments like Viagra or Cialis, baking soda is unlikely to improve your erections.

The viral “baking soda trick” relies on poorly understood science and anecdotes, rather than established research.

Sildenafil

Genuine generic Viagra® prescribed online, shipped to you

as low as $6.00 per dose Buy Now

Tadalafil 20mg

Generic Cialis® 20mg on-demand for a fraction the cost

as low as $7.50 per dose Buy Now

Why Alkalizing Your Body Won’t Cure ED

The baking soda myth hinges on the idea that making your body more alkaline will improve erections via nitric oxide (NO) production.

It sounds scientific, but it misunderstands how your body works. Your kidneys and lungs tightly control your blood pH – what you eat or drink has minimal impact.

If you drink baking soda water, your stomach may briefly become less acidic, but your blood pH barely budges.

You cannot “flip a switch” to alkalize your entire body or penis through a pantry mix.

Nitric oxide facts

NO is crucial for erections, but it doesn’t come from baking soda.

It’s produced by cells in the penis and by dietary sources like leafy greens and L‑arginine-rich foods.

Nitric oxide production doesn’t come from sodium bicarbonate or mineral salts – it’s derived from dietary nitrates in vegetables, not from baking soda or salt.

In other words, popping baking soda won’t suddenly trigger an NO surge.

How erections really work

An erection requires a chain reaction in your body.

Nerve signals trigger the release of NO in penile tissue, which relaxes blood vessel walls and lets blood flow in.

At the same time, hormones like testosterone, nerve health, and mental state all play roles.

Multiple factors must align – blood vessel integrity, hormones, nerve function, stress levels – for a strong erection.  

Erectile health relies on vascular integrity, hormones, and lifestyle, not on manipulating body pH with household ingredients.

Because of this, quick kitchen cures ignore the true causes of ED.

High blood pressure, clogged arteries, low testosterone, stress, or anxiety – these are common culprits.  

Many studies emphasize that ED is often a symptom, not the root problem.

Chasing a viral soda water fix “misses deeper, underlying health issues,” says a men’s wellness article.

Improving heart health and lifestyle (like more exercise and less salt) is far more effective for ED than any hack.

Recipes Floating Around (Baking Soda Recipe For ED)

A lot of DIY “baking soda for ED” recipes circulate online, but none are backed by science, and some can be unsafe.

Here are the most common ones and why they don’t work.

1. Baking soda + water

The simplest tonic – just a few spoonfuls in water.

No studies show it directly helps ED.

2. Pink salt trick

A popular recipe is 8 oz water + 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt + 1/8 tsp baking soda(often with lemon or vinegar added).

It’s touted as a quick vitality “drink for men.”

3. Baking soda + vinegar/ACV

Some mix baking soda with apple cider vinegar (ACV) to fizz.

ACV by itself has minor benefits for blood sugar or weight control, but no evidence that it fixes ED, and mixing it just neutralizes the acid.

4. Baking soda + hydrogen peroxide

A few posts even suggest adding H₂O₂.

Danger! Hydrogen peroxide can burn tissue or cause toxic gas if ingested.

Like baking soda itself, hydrogen peroxide is not a recognized ED remedy.

All of these DIY “formulas” share one thing: they dramatically raise your sodium intake.

Remember, baking soda = sodium bicarbonate.

For perspective, one teaspoon of baking soda contains about 1,260 mg of sodium – over half of the World Health Organization’s 2,000 mg recommended daily limit.

In practice, you’re better off with low-sodium hydration (water or electrolyte drinks) than extra salt!

These homemade recipes have no proven ED benefit.

They’re viral kitchen tricks, not medical treatments.

7 Potential Side Effects of Using Baking Soda for ED

Even setting aside ED, drinking baking soda regularly is not benign.

The most common immediate issues are digestive.

1. Stomach upset

Baking soda + stomach acid creates carbon dioxide gas.

Many people report bloating, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, or nausea after these tonics.

In one small study, 91% of people who drank sodium bicarbonate experienced diarrhea.

Feeling queasy doesn’t exactly set the mood for sex.

2. Electrolyte imbalance

Sodium bicarbonate floods you with sodium (and bicarbonate).

Your body’s electrolytes (sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, etc.) must stay in balance to keep you functioning.

Overloading one electrolyte causes trouble. For instance, too much sodium causes excessive thirst and lightheadedness.

Too much bicarbonate disrupts acid-base balance, leading to the risk below.

3. Metabolic alkalosis

Regularly chugging strong alkali can push you into metabolic alkalosis, a serious condition where your blood becomes overly alkaline.

Symptoms include weakness, muscle twitching, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat.

In severe cases, alkalosis can be life-threatening.

Beyond these, there are other risks.

4. High blood pressure & heart strain

As mentioned, baking soda is sodium.

It can raise your blood pressure if you drink it daily.

High blood pressure strains your heart and blood vessels, which actually contributes to ED over time.

Excess sodium from salt or baking soda raises blood pressure, which directly worsens erectile function rather than improving it.

There’s no evidence that salt or soda hacks help ED, and plenty of evidence that high salt intake makes ED worse.

5. Interactions with medications

Baking soda can interfere with how your body absorbs or uses other drugs.

It can weaken acid reflux medicines and alter blood pressure or heart medications.

If you’re on blood pressure meds or diabetes drugs, adding baking soda could blunt their effects or cause unexpected issues.

6. Skin/organ damage (with dangerous combos)

Do not apply baking soda paste or hydrogen peroxide to the penis.

Baking soda can irritate the skin, and ingesting hydrogen peroxide is toxic.

Like salt and baking soda, hydrogen peroxide is not a recognized treatment for ED.

7. High sodium alert

Every glass of soda-water adds pounds of salt.

Even a “small” dose is hundreds of milligrams of sodium.

It’s like downing a salt pill.

Over time, this damages circulation. In short, these home “hacks” may do your body more harm than good.

Proven Alternatives for ED Treatments (What to Do Instead)

If you’re struggling with ED, skip the baking soda and seek solutions backed by science.

Here are the steps men’s health experts recommend.

1. See a healthcare provider.

ED is often a signal of an underlying health issue (like heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone, or high stress).

A doctor can check for these and tailor a treatment plan.

2. Prescription medications.

The first-line cure for most men is a PDE5 inhibitor (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra).

These pills work by relaxing penile blood vessels and improving blood flow.

They are well-studied and effective for many men.

3. Lifestyle changes.

Healthy habits have a big payoff for ED and overall wellness.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet (Mediterranean-style or plant-rich), quitting smoking, and losing excess weight can dramatically improve erections.

A study shows high-sodium diets are linked to elevated blood pressure and increased heart disease risk.

Prolonged high blood pressure, or hypertension, strains the heart, damages blood vessels, and raises the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Managing stress, improving sleep, and reducing alcohol can also boost libido.

4. Counseling or therapy.

If anxiety or depression is a factor, talking with a therapist can break down psychological barriers.

Performance anxiety is a common treatable cause of ED.

5. Medical procedures.

In cases where pills don’t work, doctors may suggest intracavernous injections, vacuum devices, or even implants.

These have proven success rates (unlike pantry remedies).

Erectile dysfunction is complex. It usually requires a combination of medical care and healthy habits, not a single quick fix.

Trust evidence-based solutions – not TikTok tricks – to protect your sexual health.

Sildenafil

Genuine generic Viagra® prescribed online, shipped to you

as low as $6.00 per dose Buy Now

Tadalafil 20mg

Generic Cialis® 20mg on-demand for a fraction the cost

as low as $7.50 per dose Buy Now

FAQs

Does baking soda really treat erectile dysfunction?

No. There’s zero clinical evidence that baking soda improves erections.

The claims you see online are anecdotal.

In fact, medical sources warn that relying on this unproven remedy can cause health problems.

What is the “baking soda trick for ED” or “hard tonic”?

It’s a name for viral home recipes where men mix baking soda (often with salt, lemon, vinegar, or water) and drink it quickly.

These cocktails are marketed as performance boosters, but none have been scientifically validated.

They simply add a lot of sodium to your system.

Does baking soda and apple cider vinegar help with ED?

No. Combining baking soda with vinegar or ACV just creates a fizzy drink and does not cure ED.

While each might have unrelated health effects (like ACV on blood sugar), no research shows any benefit for erectile function.

It’s safer and smarter to avoid this mixture altogether.

Is it safe to mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide?

Absolutely not. Hydrogen peroxide is not an ED treatment.

Hydrogen peroxide, like salt tricks, has “no support” for ED.

Ingesting or injecting hydrogen peroxide can cause serious tissue damage or gas embolisms.

Do not try this at home under any circumstances.

How much baking soda should I use for ED?

There is no safe or effective dose for this purpose.

Some online posts suggest a teaspoon or more in water, but remember that even 1 tsp contains ~1,260 mg sodium.

Medical guidance is that baking soda should only be used occasionally in very small amounts (e.g., for heartburn) – not daily as an ED tonic.

Can I apply baking soda to the penis to get harder?

No. Topical baking soda can irritate or damage skin.

There’s no evidence it improves erections.

On the contrary, any irritation could make things worse. Always treat genital skin gently.

What should I do if I have ED?

Instead of “home hacks,” see a doctor.

ED has many validated treatments: oral medications (PDE5 inhibitors), lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stopping smoking), and addressing any medical issues (diabetes, high blood pressure, low testosterone).

These approaches are proven, whereas baking soda schemes are just dangerous internet myths.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the “baking soda trick for ED” is one of those ideas that sounds clever online but falls apart the moment you look at real evidence.

ED isn’t caused by your body being “too acidic,” and baking soda won’t fix blood flow, hormones, vascular health, or performance anxiety – the things that actually drive erectile function.

Yes, sodium bicarbonate has a legitimate medical role in one very specific situation.

But that doesn’t translate into drinking baking soda or mixing it with vinegar, salt, or apple cider vinegar to improve erections.

If you’re dealing with ED, the best next step isn’t in your kitchen cupboard – it’s getting proper guidance, ruling out underlying causes, and choosing ED treatments that are proven, safe, and effective.

And that’s something no “hack” can replace.

Related Articles

• Apomorphine for ED: Does It Really Work?
• Beet Juice for ED: Does it Work and What's the Best Dosage?
• Watermelon as 'Nature's Viagra': Myth or ED Solution?
• Kamagra Oral Jelly: Is It Safe And Effective For ED?