What Are the Benefits of Bicarbonate of Soda?

Bicarbonate of soda (chemical formula NaHCO3), also called sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, is a white crystalline powder that reacts with acids and liquids to form carbon dioxide. It has beneficial properties that range from cooking and personal health to hazard prevention.

Sanitation

Baking soda is an abrasive (it removes crayon and polishes); can deodorize fur, clothes and such places as cutting boards and refrigerators. It can also clean coffee makers.

Cuisine

Baking soda can prevent curdling in tomato soup, maintain crispness of corn and cauliflower while boiling, prevent cloudiness and neutralize tannins in iced tea. It also makes cabbage and beans easier to digest.

Health

A baking soda and water solution has a beneficial effect for people suffering from heartburn and indigestion.

Baking soda can relieve skin irritation from such things as poison ivy and bug bites, and such diseases as measles and chicken pox.

Hygiene

Baking soda has properties useful for personal hygiene. It has a beneficial effect for regulating under arm odor, as a natural tooth cleaner, as well as an artificial dental apparatuses cleanser. It is also a skin exfoliate.

Considerations

Baking soda contains a fire smothering benefits for small electric, grease and fuel conflagrations.

Baking soda benefits gardeners by having an anti-mildew property. Mixing baking soda, soap and horticultural oil and applying the mixture to mildewed leaves helps alleviate the mildew.

References

• Healthy Communications: Baking Soda Benefits
• ENotes: Baking Soda

Resources

• The Definition of Baking Soda