Baking soda: uses - composition

Baking soda

Baking soda is a powder used in many desserts and pastries to raise the dough and help it swell when exposed to heat. It is similar to the well-known baking powder, but the difference lies in the chemical composition of each of them; Sodium bicarbonate is the main ingredient, but it is completely pure in baking soda, while it contains additives in the composition of baking powder.

Chemical composition

Baking soda is composed of sodium bicarbonate only (NaHCO3), but its secret lies in its interactions with other substances, such as milk, chocolate, honey, and others. It expands to produce the well-known dough.

Date of use

Sodium bicarbonate has historically been known to be used with natron, which means in Arabic the cleanser, and its use has spread in Egypt, as it was composed of sodium chloride (table salt), sodium bicarbonate, and calcium nitrate.

Baking soda uses

Baking soda is not only used in food, but it goes beyond that, and important examples of its uses are the following:

1. Disinfection and cleaning: Sodium bicarbonate is used as a disinfectant for hands and wounds, and is also excellent for cleaning surfaces of all kinds; Such as smooth surfaces, kitchen utensils, household appliances, furniture, curtains, clothes, and removing oil and grease stains as well.

2. Dental health: The use of sodium bicarbonate helps maintain the health and whiteness of the teeth, as it can be used as an alternative to toothpaste, or sprayed on it to remove stains from the teeth, or used as a mouthwash after placing it in water.

3. Hair cleanliness and shine: Adding one tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate to hair shampoo helps restore hair's shine and luster, especially with the effect of repeated use of chemicals in shampoo that is harmful to it.

4. Soothe skin irritation: Sodium bicarbonate is a natural ointment to treat skin irritation, relieve heat-induced itching, and insect bites as well. It is mixed with water to make a paste and then left to dry. This process removes toxins, thus providing appropriate treatment.

5. Acid neutralization: Sodium bicarbonate helps treat heartburn, acid and digestive indigestion; Because of its alkaline properties, it can be used as an antacid by mixing a teaspoon of it with ½ cup of water to adjust the acidity.

6. Fighting diseases: The importance of the alkaline properties of sodium bicarbonate lies in neutralizing acids because it causes many potential problems, such as arthritis, and various cancers, and thus boosts the immune system and fights cancer as well.

7. Helping chronic kidney patients: The use of a daily dose of sodium bicarbonate can help those who suffer from chronic kidney disease to avoid having to dialysis, and can significantly slow down any progression of the disease.

8. Other uses of sodium bicarbonate:

1.      Antacid.

2.     Underarm deodorant.

3.     Toothpaste.

4.     Face and body scrub.

5.     Skin moisture.

6.     Reducing skin itching and pain caused by sunburn.

7.      Remove strong odors from hands.

8.     Reducing rashes for children.

9.     Mouthwash for pain relief.

10.  Reducing toxic stings and stings.

11.    Keep cut flowers longer.

12.   Extinguishing small fires in carpets, upholstery, clothing, and wood.

13.   Absorbing unpleasant odors, such as those in the refrigerator, shoes, socks, or trash cans.

14.  Wipe the windshield of the car to repel rain.

15.   Use it at drains and windows to repel insects.

16.   Spray it on a hair comb or brush to remove unpleasant skin odor.

It is worth noting that the excessive use of sodium bicarbonate may cause various side effects, such as increased thirst, stomach cramps, gas, nausea, severe headache, constipation, diarrhea, and other abnormal symptoms, in which case it should be stopped. Use it and see a doctor immediately.

Benefits of other household items

There are a large number of materials in the home that have many uses and benefits, such as:

White vinegar: White vinegar, which is composed of acetic acid, is known for its many uses in the kitchen, but its uses go beyond that. It is used in the treatment of infections and light burns, relieves chest congestion when inhaled, treats dandruff as well, nail fungus, bad breath, and is also used in cleaning, and getting rid of various bad odors, and vinegar works to help absorb calcium and other substances, and helps to Digestion, prevents osteoporosis, and strengthens immunity.

Oils of all kinds: Different oils have many benefits, as their uses and benefits are multiple, as castor oil helps, for example, in maintaining skin glasses, strengthening hair and helping its growth, treating acne, and removing wrinkles.