Sodium compounds - all-rounders for industry, household and garden

Sodium is a chemical element with the symbol "Na". As a metal, sodium is waxy, silvery and highly reactive. Because of its reactivity, it usually does not occur elementally, but in compounds (sodium salts). Depending on the compound, it also changes its properties, which results in many uses in chemistry, medicine and industry. But sodium is also used every day in private households, but we are often not even aware of it.

Sodium chloride is a compound of sodium with chloride (NaCl). As a regenerating salt, sodium chloride is used to soften water in dishwashers and water treatment plants. In winter, it is used as road salt in road traffic. In medicine, too, intravenous solutions with sodium chloride are administered after severe blood loss (isotonic saline solution). These replenish the blood volume.

Common salt contains 40 % sodium. The food industry uses it as a preservative and flavour enhancer. Therefore, sodium is mainly found in processed foods to which salt has been added. Added sodium is also called monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrate, sodium saccharin, sodium benzoate or sodium bicarbonate. For humans, sodium is one of the most important electrolytes. All cells depend on this mineral. It plays an important role in bone formation, in the regulation of water balance and in the transmission of electrical signals in nerve and muscle cells.

Sodium fluoride (NaF) is the sodium salt of hydrofluoric acid. In medicine, sodium fluoride is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (bone loss). The active ingredient builds into the bone structure and thus improves bone density. Industry uses it, among other things, in the extraction of aluminium, as an opacifier and flux in glass production, as a wood preservative and to preserve adhesives.

Sodium fluoride is also contained in many toothpastes and toothpastes. It is supposed to protect the tooth enamel from caries. However, the prophylactic effect is controversial. Some people fear consequential damage from using fluoride toothpaste. Perhaps this is because they confuse the terms "fluorine" and "fluoride". But the two letters make a big difference. Fluorine is a dangerous gas that can burn the eyes and lungs even in small quantities. Fluoride, on the other hand, refers to the bound form and has completely different properties. Moreover, when brushing our teeth, we only use a small amount of toothpaste and most of it is spat out again. As Paracelsus said: "All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; it is only the dose that makes a thing not a poison.

The sodium salt of sulphuric acid (Na2SO4) is needed as a filler in detergents and in the paper industry for pulp production. The food industry uses it as a firming agent, acidity regulator and carrier substance. Sodium sulphate decahydrate, the so-called "Glauber salt", is named after the chemist and pharmacist Johann Rudolph Glauber. The white, crystalline powder is used as a laxative for constipation, to empty the bowels before medical examinations and in alternative medicine as a purifying agent for fasting cures. As "Schüssler salt no. 10", Natrium sulphuricum is used in the biochemistry according to Dr. Schüßler for digestive disorders, intestinal, liver and biliary diseases, obesity, bronchitis and asthma. Natrium sulphuricum is also used for rheumatic complaints, oedema and eczema.

Sodium reacts with water to form hydrogen and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also called caustic soda. In lye pastries, it is responsible for the brownish surface and the special taste. Before baking, the product is dipped into the caustic soda for a few seconds. Rubber gloves must be worn, because caustic soda is toxic. During baking, the sodium hydroxide reacts with the dough due to the heat and the lye evaporates. Afterwards, the products can be eaten safely.

In industry, sodium hydroxide is needed for the production of soaps and dyes. Sodium hydroxide is also contained in many chemical drain cleaners. In combination with water, it forms a sodium hydroxide solution in the pipes and thus removes blockages.

Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) is the salt of carbonic acid. It is used by almost all industries, making it one of the most versatile chemical products. It is used as an auxiliary in the production of glass, bleaching agents, detergents, dyes and tanning products. Sodium hydrogen carbonate is a component of baking powder and is used as a leavening agent for cakes and pastries. It can also be found in the trade as "food soda", "baking soda" or "natron". Sodium bicarbonate in particular is a popular all-purpose agent in everyday life.

In the kitchen: Fruit from the supermarket is often sprayed or treated with wax to make them shine more beautifully (apples, for example). A mixture of bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and water can clean it deep into the pores. Soda powder also dissolves encrusted food residues from stainless steel pots. Simply coat the bottom of the pot with a tablespoon of baking soda, leave it overnight and boil it the next morning with a cup of water. Even musty refrigerators benefit from the powder's odour-inhibiting effect. It is best to place a bowl of baking soda in it overnight.

In the bathroom: In combination with vinegar, baking soda frees drains from blockages and bad odours. To do this, put half a cup of bicarbonate of soda powder and half a cup of vinegar down the drain and, after a short soaking time, top it up with boiling water. A paste of three parts baking soda and one part water removes soiling in textiles (for example, sweat, coffee or grease). Apply the paste with your fingers or with a brush, let it work for a short time and then wash the garment. Tile grout can also be freed from unsightly stains with a soda paste. Sodium bicarbonate can have a whitening effect on discoloured teeth. Simply put a pinch of bicarbonate of soda on your toothbrush and  brush your teeth without applying much pressure. To avoid damaging the enamel, please use only occasionally.

Body care: Natron neutralises odours and is therefore an insider tip against sweaty feet! Simply add a few teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda to a bowl of warm water and bathe your feet in it. Natron can also be used to make an inexpensive facial scrub. To do this, put some baking soda powder on moistened hands and massage in circular motions.

In the garden: Baking soda destroys weeds in the garden in a natural way and without dubious ingredients. To do this, heat a litre of water in a saucepan and dissolve a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda in it. Allow the mixture to cool, pour into a spray bottle and spray on the weeds. It is also worth trying this homemade "bicarbonate of soda" spray if you have an infestation of aphids. If you got an insect bite while gardening, a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water can relieve itching and swelling.

Whether in the chemical, textile or food industry: sodium compounds are needed for the most diverse processes. But they are also a component of many everyday products. In the household, sodium bicarbonate has a firm place as an inexpensive and environmentally friendly everyday helper. The sodium in table salt is vital for our bodies and is therefore an indispensable component of our daily diet.