Health benefits of baking soda?!

Health benefits of baking soda?

I heard it can cure a stomache ache but what else?

Hi John S!
Baking soda or Sodium bicarbonate is used for much more than just a leavening agent. It can be used to get rid of odors, remove the acidic taste of tomatoes, and also used as a way to put out fires and keep refrigerators smelling fresh.

* A small amount can be added to a beef stew to make tough meat tenderize faster.
* Sodium bicarbonate is used to give pretzels their dark brown color.
* Was formerly used as a source of carbon dioxide for soda water.
* Can be used when preparing tomato sauce to neutralize the tomato's acidity.
* It is added to beans in water to prevent flatulence produced when eating them.
* It is effective in extinguishing grease fires which may occur when deep frying.

* The reaction of acids with sodium bicarbonate is a common method for neutralizing acid spills.

As pest control

* It kills fleas and drives away ants. If it is applied to a pet's fur, it must be washed/rinsed off to prevent skin problems.
* Can be used to kill crab grass. Must be used repeatedly to control but is effective. Dampen area then sprinkle lightly, too much may harm desired grass temporarily.
* The bottom part of a door frame can be lined with sodium bicarbonate to keep out ants.

Medical uses

* It is used as an antacid to treat acid indigestion and heartburn.
* Mixed with water in a 10% solution can soften earwax for removal.
* In paramedicine, sodium bicarbonate 8.4% is administered intravenously for cases of acidosis and overdoses of acidic toxic substances, such as tricyclic antidepressants and aspirin.
* Adverse reactions to emergency administration include congestive heart failure, with edema secondary to sodium overload, and the metabolic complication of hyperosmolarity, metabolic acidosis, and hypernatremia.

Cosmetic uses

* It is marketed as a whitener in some toothpaste brands.
* Add to hair if it's dirty and there's no time to wash it. Dry with warm air......
Jason Homan