In Ancient Egypt , natron was Mine d as a powdery solid from dry Lake beds near the Nile River and put to a wide variety of uses, including Mummification (drying out a corpse to prevent tissue decay), it was also added to Castor Oil to produce a smokeless fuel which allowed Egyptian artisans to paint elaborate artworks inside ancient tombs without them becoming besmirched with soot. Because it has strong grease-cutting properties, natron has also been associated with Soap production. Natron was commonly used in glass-making, by the Romans and others, until trade declined after 640 AD.
The chemical symbol for Sodium , , is derived from the Roman term ''natrium''. Natron is sometimes referred to as "impure salt".
Natron is used to make Bavarian Pretzel s. The dough is dipped into a natron solution to give it its brown color and distinctive flavor when baked.
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