In some cultures, natron was thought to keep both the living and the dead spiritually safe. Also, when exposed to moisture the carbonate in natron increases pH, which makes a good environment for bacteria. The mineral was used in Egyptian mummification because it absorbs water and was a drying agent. It was also an ancient household insecticide, was used for making leather and as a bleach for clothing. Natron can be used to dry and preserve fish and meat. The mineral was mixed into early antiseptics for wounds and minor cuts. Natron was also a cleanser for the teeth and an early mouthwash. It softens water and removes oil and grease at the same time. Together with oil, it was an early form of soap. Historical natron was harvested as a salt mixture from dry lake beds in Ancient Egypt and has been used for thousands of years as cleaning.

The modern chemical symbol for sodium, Na, is an abbreviation of that element's New Latin name natrium, which came from natron. The English word natron is a French cognate that came from the Spanish natrón through Greek νιτρων nitron, which came from the Ancient Egyptian word netjeri, meaning natron.

3 Chemistry of hydrated sodium carbonate.

Er natron baking soda