When you think of cream of tartar, you probably think of baking pies and cakes. But did you know that there are many cream of tartar health benefits that you’ve overlooked every time you see it in the pantry?
Cream of tarter actually has quite a long health use history. While some people have considered cream of tartar health benefits as folklore, there are some interesting facts that back up what it can do.
Some of the potential health benefits include easing constipation, maintaining good blood pressure and helping to quit smoking.
Let’s take a look at the details, then you can try it for yourself.
1. Helps You Quit Smoking
Helping people break their addiction to smoking is one of cream of tarter’s most touted health benefits. According to those that have tried it, cream of tarter seems to quickly remove harmful and addictive toxins from the body. This makes the withdrawal effects easier to manage.
To use as a stop smoking aid, put one teaspoon daily into an 8 oz glass of orange juice and drink.
Before trying, it’s best to ask your doctor if using this remedy is safe for you. If you get the go-ahead, have one glass every day for seven days, then stop. This practice will have you covered during those first four days when the nicotine withdrawal feels almost unbearable.
2. Regulate Blood Pressure
Potassium plays a key role in regulating blood pressure levels. It does this by lowering the impact of sodium on the body. Eating foods that are rich in potassium eases the pressure on your artery walls.
Cream of tartar (also known as potassium bitartrate) is made up of 20% potassium. Just a half of a teaspoon per day helps prevent high blood pressure.
To use, dissolve half of a teaspoon of cream of tarter into hot or warm water, or a warmed drink with the flavor of your choice. The heat will help dissolve the powder.
Then drink.
Be careful, however. If you take too much potassium it could be dangerous. When in doubt, talk to your doctor.
3. Ease Pain from Arthritis
Potassium bitartrate is considered a salt. Like other salts, such as Epsom salt, it helps soothe aches and pains. This includes the pain you experience when suffering from arthritis.
To use cream of tarter to ease arthritis pain, do the following:
- Run a warm bath to the halfway point
- Add 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar and 2 teaspoons Epsom salt
- Enter the tub, then fill the rest of the tub with warm water
- Soak in tub for about 30 minutes
- After soaking, rinse yourself with lukewarm water to remove the salts from your skin
You can do this three times per week for pain.
Most people with arthritis find a cream of tartar bath to be extremely healing. However, if you notice abnormal skin irritations, cut back to once per week or discontinue altogether.
Cream of Tartar Health Benefits Worth Exploring
If you thought that cream of tartar was only for use in baking, now you see what else it can do for you. Give it a try for yourself and find out.