Sodium Bicarbonate (IP/BP)

Sodium Bicarbonate (IP/BP) or sodium hydrogen carbonate is the chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃. Sodium Bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly salty, alkaline taste resembling that of washing soda (sodium carbonate). It is among the food additives encoded by European Union, identified by the initials E 500. Since it has long been known and is widely used, the salt has many related names such as baking soda, bread soda, cooking soda, and bicarbonate of soda. In colloquial usage, its name is sometimes shortened to sodium bicarb, bicarb soda, or simply bicarb
Sodium Bicarbonate mixed with water can be used as an antacid to treat acid indigestion and heartburn. It is used as the medicinal ingredient in gripe water for infants. Sodium bicarbonate is also used as an ingredient in some mouthwashes. It has anti-caries and abrasive properties.