Is baking soda carbonate?

A question that occupies the minds of many women is: What is baking soda, how to use it, and is it carbonate or two different things?

Baking soda is a type of chemical used in many fields, including cooking, baking and raising pastries, and skin and hair care.

It is also used in some types of pharmaceutical industries and has been known since ancient times. It was known as natron, which means disinfectant. It is a white substance that dissolves quickly in water.

What is baking soda?

Baking soda or carbonate have the same meaning. In some Arab countries, it is called baking soda, but in Egypt, it is called sodium carbonate. It is a chemically manufactured substance and is white in color. It dissolves quickly in water and is stored in a cool place. It is used in the home for several purposes, including cooking, in making baked goods and pastries, in the fields of health, skin and hair care, and it is used in the manufacture of cosmetics.

Uses of baking soda

Baking soda is an ingredient in baked goods and pastries, and is used in making some types of sweets because it helps speed up and raise fermentation.
Used in health fields
- Baking soda is known for eliminating bloating and acidity by drinking a cup of water containing a spoonful of baking soda.
- Baking soda helps reduce joint pain caused by gout by drinking a cup of lemon juice with a spoonful of baking soda added to it.
- It is used to eliminate allergies or itching caused by some types of insects. This is done by adding an appropriate amount of baking soda to the bathtub and leaving it in it for several minutes.
It is used in personal care and also to maintain dental health:
- It is used after using toothpaste and placed on the teeth for a while, then the teeth are brushed.
- It is used to hide the unpleasant smell of sweat. It is placed on the armpits and eliminates the smell of sweat.
It is used in white laundry, as it increases whiteness when added to it with washing powder.
It is used to remove tough stains from surfaces, ceramics, and ovens by placing it on the dirty area, then scrubbing and washing it.
It is used to clean burnt pots and utensils.
It is used to clean electric washing machines by adding an appropriate amount of vinegar to it and placing it inside the washing machine, then turning it on.

How do we test the validity of baking soda?

We put some baking soda in a bowl of water. When we notice bubbles, this indicates that it is suitable for use and reactive.

Contraindications for using baking soda

It is prohibited for use by people with high blood pressure.
Not to be used by pregnant and lactating women.
For people with allergies to baking soda ingredients.
It should not be used for long periods as it causes skin irritation.
Keep away from eyes when using it to avoid contact with the eye membranes and causing harm.

The harms of baking soda on hair

Although using baking soda is beneficial for hair, using it for a long time can cause breakage, tangling, and frizzy hair, as well as dry hair and scalp irritation.

Using baking soda for the face

It is used to treat blackheads, because baking soda contains antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It is used to make the skin white, by putting an appropriate amount of baking soda in water and mixing them together, then applying it to the face and then rubbing it.
It is used to treat sunburn by applying a mixture of baking soda and water to the burned area.

Using baking soda for hair

Working on cleaning the scalp from oils and some chemicals used for hair.
Work on hair density
Work to stop hair loss
Ridding hair of dye and color
Work to get rid of head lice
Eliminate unpleasant hair odor

What is the method for preserving and storing baking soda?

They are placed in well-sealed containers and stored in a dark, cool place. We must avoid placing them in the place designated for spices.

Because it quickly absorbs odors, it is best to use it within a period not exceeding six months so that it does not lose its validity.

Do you use baking soda for weight loss?

Baking soda is used for weight loss by mixing it with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice and drinking it daily, as this helps reduce feelings of hunger and helps in losing body fat.

Thus, we have learned what baking soda or carbonate is and its importance in the home, in the baking industry and some types of sweets, and its use in the medical and personal care fields.

We learned about the harmful effects of excessive use of this product on the skin, for people with high blood pressure, or for pregnant and breastfeeding women. We also learned how to determine if it is safe to use, how to store it, and its trade name, sodium bicarbonate.