Baking soda is a product with amazing properties.
Whether you use it in food or on a daily basis, baking soda is one of the great products to have around the house.
It can be used in the pharmaceutical, medical, cleaning and even creative industries.
Why should I use sodium bicarbonate?
Its use is justified because bicarbonate:
- Is not harmful to health (it does not cause allergies, is edible and non-toxic)
- It is biodegradable
- It does not contain preservatives
- It is economical
There are 4 types of sodium bicarbonate, which differ in purity:
- Sodium bicarbonate, the kind you buy in the supermarket. It is cheap and has many uses. It can be consumed and used without any contraindications.
- Sodium bicarbonate is reserved exclusively for reproduction. It has alkaline properties that restore the pH in animals that consume a lot of protein.
- Technical baking soda is more abrasive than food, which restricts its use to the home. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling it to avoid skin irritation.
- Pharmaceutical Sodium bicarbonate is the purest and most expensive. Its use is also strictly medical. This is why it can be found in pharmacies.
Tip for checking if the product has expired:
Pour a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda into a glass of water and add a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice: if it fizzes, the product is still valid.
Properties
Whites teeth and freshens breath
Thanks to its mild abrasive properties, baking soda whitens and softens tooth enamel.
It removes stains and makes your teeth whiter.
Simply sprinkle baking soda on your toothbrush before brushing.
However, it should not be used daily as it can damage tooth enamel.
It is highly recommended that you use it once a week.
It disinfects
It also removes bacteria from the mouth, which helps prevent tooth decay.
Gargling with baking soda can be part of your daily routine and poses no health risks.
On the contrary, it helps to disinfect the mouth.
Soothes canker sores and sore gums
Baking soda is also effective for soothing canker sores or sore gums.
It relieves pain and speeds up healing.
It can be applied directly to the sore.
To do this, put baking powder on your finger before covering the ulcer in your mouth.
A mouthwash is also recommended (dilute one tablespoon of powder in ½ cup of cold water).
It is a good dry shampoo
The powder applied to the scalp absorbs excess sebum.
After application, simply leave on for a few minutes and brush your hair.
Your hair will be cleaner and softer.
However, be careful not to use this method more than once a week, as the abrasive properties of baking soda can damage your hair if used too often.
Turn bath time into a time of relaxation
Diluting half a cup of baking soda in your bath water has a relaxing effect.
Its alkaline properties also make it a good moisturiser for the skin.
Baking powder is a safe deodorant
Baking soda is safe to use because it is hypoallergenic.
It neutralises the bacteria responsible for the bad smell of perspiration.
For best results, rub some powder under your armpits when the skin is slightly damp.
Eliminates bad odours
Just like under your armpits, baking soda is effective against foot odour.
It can be used in the bath, directly on the skin or sprinkled on your shoes!
Effective against fungal infections
Baking soda is excellent for treating athlete's foot or fungal infections.
Simply dilute 4 tablespoons of powder in 1 litre of warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes.
It is also a good idea to sprinkle baking soda on the affected skin before putting on your socks.
It will absorb moisture throughout the day.
It is best to dilute a teaspoon of powder in a glass of water and drink it slowly.
You can add a few drops of lemon juice or honey to make the taste more pleasant.
Allows for safe cleaning
Baking soda can be used to deodorise carpets or the fridge, as a fabric softener for washing, as a cleaner for scrubbing the bath or oven, or even as a fungicide for the garden!
Baking soda can also be used in large quantities to regulate the pH of a swimming pool.
Its many uses make it the ideal product to have around the house!