Tabla de Contenidos
Baking soda has several uses in modern life. Some of them are:
Medicine
- Antacid: used to relieve heartburn and indigestion.
- Antiseptic: its use is common in the treatment of mouth ulcers and sore throats.
- In alternative medicine, sodium bicarbonate, due to its alkaline effect, is also considered a natural remedy against cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that baking soda works as a treatment for any type of cancer or fungal infections.
- It is used in “coqueo” as an alkalizing agent. It works together with saliva, softening the extraction of metabolites from the coca leaf. In this way, coqueo becomes a more effective and lasting process.
cosmetics
Sodium bicarbonate is also used in the cosmetic industry and as part of natural treatments.
- Whitener: both in dental cleaning, since it polishes the surface of the enamel of the teeth, and in the dark areas of the skin.
- Preparation of natural toothpaste.
- Deodorant: can be used as a deodorant by applying it to the wet armpit. It also serves to neutralize bad odors in the home.
- Shampoo Substitute – Works great as a natural replacement for chemical products like shampoos and conditioners.
- Exfoliating: to decongest pores and remove impurities.
- Masks: bicarbonate can be used to formulate regenerating natural masks.
- Anti dandruff: directly on wet hair or including it in the shampoo.
- Bath salt: bicarbonate helps to relax muscles and purify the skin.
Gastronomy
In gastronomy, sodium bicarbonate is characterized by its different uses:
- Color Preservation: Baking soda can be used to preserve the color of vegetables during cooking.
- Leavening: Especially in baking, baking soda is used to help rise a dough.
- Acidity neutralization: in preparations that are acidic, such as tomato sauce.
Cleaning
In domestic cleaning it stands out for its abrasive and deodorizing power. Some of the most common uses in household cleaning are:
- Silver and gold polish: Baking soda works to clean jewelry or objects made of these metals.
- Mold removal: both on the walls and on tiles.
- Oven and pipe cleaner.
- Fabric softener: adding a small amount in the washing machine.
- Furniture cleaning.
- Removes oil and grease stains.
- Disinfectant.
Other uses for baking soda
Baking soda is also used to:
- Manufacture of fire extinguishers.
- Pest control: ideal for eliminating ants, fleas and fungi.
- Kitty Litter – Kitty litter can be made by combining recycled newspaper, water, and baking soda.
- Remove glue from glass jars: by making a paste with a little oil and baking soda.
Bibliography
- Moro Buronzo, A. The incredible properties of sodium bicarbonate . (2011). Barcelona. Obelisk Editions.
- Ochoa Jaramillo, M. The wonderful uses of sodium bicarbonate. (2012). Spain. Fresh Letter.
- Alegreo, MJ Secret to health: sodium bicarbonate . (2018). Spain. Kindle edition.