December 30th is National Bicarbonate of Soda Day. Just why do we have a day that pays homage to what is commonly known as Baking Soda? Well, the day is celebrated to recognize and acknowledge the importance of this little baking ingredient and miracle household agent with numerous health benefits in our day to day life.
Bicarbonate of soda has been used by humans for eons, since 3500BC to be exact, even before the Great Pyramid of Giza was built in Egypt. It is naturally available in mineral form called nahcolite. This white, odorless crystalline solid with the salty and alkaline taste can also be chemically prepared through the Solvay process which is a reaction of Sodium Chloride, Ammonia and Carbon dioxide in water.
Fun Facts on National Bicarbonate of Soda Day
- Bicarbonate of soda (commonly known as baking soda) is chemically called Sodium bicarbonate or Sodium hydrogen carbonate.
- Ancient Egyptians used naturally available Natron(a mixture containing bicarbonate of soda) like a soap-like agent in cleaning teeth, wounds and also in painting of hieroglyphics.
- In 1791, a French chemist Nicolas Leblanc prepared sodium carbonate commonly known as soda ash. Later in 1846 New York baker brothers began production of sodium bicarbonate from soda ash and carbon dioxide and used it as a leavening agent. Since then Bicarbonate of soda was available to the common people.
- The World Health Organization has added Bicarbonate of soda in the list of essential medicines.
- According to a UNEP publication in 2002, the majority of bicarbonate of soda was used in food and about 5% in cosmetics.
Uses for Bicarbonate of Soda:
- It can be used as a leavening agent in quick breads, soda bread, pancakes, etc.
- It can be used as a toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.
- It can be used in home remedy for heartburn and indigestion.
- It can be used in removing itching and poisonous effect of insect bites.
- It can be used along with vinegar to clear clogged drains.
- It can be used to remove perspiration stains and unwanted odors in clothes.
- It can be used to clean stove top and ovens.
- It can be used to remove bad odor from refrigerators.
- It can be used as a pesticide as cockroaches eat it, dehydrate and die.
- It can be added to Bath salts to aid in skin cleansing and detoxifying the body, leaving the skin a silky feel.
Share your love of Baking Soda, whether it be the health benefits, its uses in the kitchen as a leavening agent, or as a household cleaning agent, by posting on social media with the hashtag #NationalBicarbonateOfSodaDay.
—
Photo Credit: Luis Echeverri Urrea / Shutterstock.com