Baking soda is a very helpful kitchen product. As the name suggests, it is widely used in baking. The chemical composition is sodium bicarbonate. The popularity of the chemical component stands for its leavening properties, meaning it causes the dough to rise by producing carbon dioxide. Apart from cooking, baking soda has several health benefits.
Treats Heartburns: This is used as a home remedy to treat heartburns. Heartburn is medically termed as acid reflux, where a painful, burning sensation arises in the upper region of the stomach and into the throat. The most common causes of reflux are overeating, stress and eating greasy or spicy foods apart from a serious medical condition. Baking soda helps neutralise the stomach acids and soothe the sensation. Add one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of cold water and drink the concoction slowly.
Mouthwash: Mouthwash is mandatory to maintain oral hygiene. The liquid solution can reach corners of the mouth and crevices of the teeth, gums, and tongue that could have been missed while brushing. For a natural mouthwash, baking soda can be a great alternative. It provides antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The preparation is really simple, add half a teaspoon of baking soda to a half glass of warm water, and then swish as usual.
Soothe Canker Sores: Canker sores are non-contagious, small, painful ulcers that can occur inside the mouth. Several pieces of research have discovered that baking soda mouthwash is great for soothing pain caused by canker sores.
Teeth Whitener: Baking soda is a home remedy for teeth whitening. Baking soda has mild corrosive properties that can help clean stains found in the teeth. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help fight harmful bacterias in the oral cavity. Many studies have discovered that toothpaste which contains baking soda provides better whitening effect and removing plaque than toothpaste without baking soda.
Deodorant: Human sweat is actually odourless. The odour is caused by the bacteria present on the skin as they convert sweat into acidic waste products. Baking soda can reduce the smell of sweat by making the odours less acidic. Try patting baking soda on the armpits to have a deodorant effect.
Relieve Itchy Skin and Sunburns: As a home remedy to soothe itchy skin baking soda bath is often recommended. These baths are especially effective at soothing itches from bug bites and bee stings. It is also effective to soothe sunburn itchy skin. To make a baking soda bath, add 1–2 cups of baking soda to lukewarm water. Make sure the affected area is covered fully with the solution.
May Treat Calluses: Calluses are hard, rough patches of skin that are caused by longtime friction or pressure. Activities that typically cause calluses are frequent walking, gardening or sports. Sever studies have found that soaking calluses in a baking soda bath may help to soften them, and helps to remove any scales and reduce discomfort.
Baking soda is a multifaceted ingredient that has many uses besides cooking. It can help to treat heartburn, soothe canker sores and even whiten your teeth. So choose it whenever the need arises.
