Bicarbonate of Soda

Though a lot of you may assume that bicarbonate of soda and baking soda are the same thing, there is a slight difference between the two. Bicarbonate of soda is a leavening agent used in cooking, cleaning, and even for personal care.

It is pure, and needs an acidic agent to make it work, particularly as a leavening agent in recipes, in order to expand the food or make it rise.

You may use this product in recipes that call for the use of acidic agents such as lemon juice, buttermilk, or honey. On the other hand, baking soda already has this acidic agent, and does not require the use of such agents.

The difference is that when used particularly in cooking, bicarbonate of soda lends a tangy flavor, and also enhances the texture and overall appearance of the food. Baking soda, however, is simply an unflavored leavening agent. However, this is only one of its various utilities. Find the other uses explained in nest slides.

Uses
You will be surprised at the immense utility of sodium bicarbonate. Here's an extensive list of home uses.

• Heartburn: You can add bicarbonate of soda (¼ teaspoon) in a glass of warm water to treat heartburn. This concoction will help you rid yourself of indigestion and flatulence also.

• Natural Deodorizer: Rubbing some of it on your underarms will help you get rid of body odor. Sprinkle some in your shoes to avoid foot odor. Further, its deodorizing abilities make it a great ingredient to get rid of odor from your closets, garbage disposal, cat litter, etc.

• Cleaning Stainless Steel: Simply sprinkle some sodium bicarbonate on any stainless steel appliance, and clean it with a damp cloth. This will immediately remove any stains, such as those made by water droplets.

• Natural Mouth Freshener: In a glass of water, add a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate, and gargle. Not only does this freshen your mouth and prevent bad odors, it also keeps it relatively germ free. Brushing your teeth, with a pinch of this substance, will help whiten your teeth.

• Natural Detergent: If there is any burnt food left on your cookware, fill it up with water, and add a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. Let it soak overnight, and rinse in the morning. Also, you may add some of it in your dishwasher. It may also help if you use it while washing white clothes and linen in the washing machine.

• Soothing Rashes and Itching: For this purpose, sodium bicarbonate can be used in two ways. You can make a paste of it with water, and apply it on the affected area. As the second option, you can mix it (half a cup) in a bucket full of lukewarm water, and take a bath with it. Both ways, the effect will be soothing and relieving.

• Cleaning Hair of Build-up: Mix one tablespoon of soda with your shampoo, to clear it of any build-up that may have occurred on your scalp. Do this once a week for best results. However, this may not suit all hair types.

It's evident from the above mentioned points that bicarbonate of soda has immense cleaning as well as healing properties. Though its uses are very similar to those of baking soda, as they have very similar properties, the two are totally different products.

Other Possible Utilities

• Studies have shown that bicarbonate of soda has been used by athletes and sportspersons to enhance their performance. By taking a spoonful before the event, they believe that their body can perform much better due to raised energy levels.

However, there is no scientific proof to back this, and experts suggest that this may be nothing more than a placebo effect. In fact, some athletes have also experienced some side effects, particularly because they have consumed more than the appropriate dosage. These include nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.

• There has also been one odd case, wherein sodium bicarbonate has been used for cancer treatment. The basis is that cancer is a fungus that can be eradicated by the use of this agent. However, such cases are rare, and extensive studies have to be carried out into this field to prove this.

As you can see, there are numerous uses of this product in a lot of areas, including personal health. Of course, the fact that it is used to create some delicious goodies cannot be forgotten.

Simply visit your chemist or a supermarket for this chemical-free, all-purpose remedy. Some Chinese supermarkets are known to provide it in bulk, at discounted rates. Use this miraculous agent for any of the aforementioned purposes.