Potash (Kanwa, Akanwu, Potash)
Several natural mineral resources that are highly beneficial for human usage have been unraveled in the past and more are yet to be known. One of such important natural resources is potash, which is also known as kaun, akanwu or kanwa. Potash (akanwu) is a type of lake salt (sodium carbonate) that is dry and hydrated in nature.
Benefits Of Kaun Potash (Akanwu, Kanwa)
Culinary Purposes : Potash (Kaun) is edible and is usually used for cooking pulses like beans, akidi (black Mexican beans), fiofio (cowpea beans) etc in order to tenderize the pulses so easily. Akanwu is also added in ewedu and okro soup during preparations in order to boost the viscosity as well as to increase the greenness and texture of the vegetables. It is used for mixing water and oil while preparing local dishes like abacha, ugba and nkwobi.
Toothache Relief Akanwu (potash) can be ground and mixed with water before applying on tooth to relieve toothache.
Acts as a Preservative: Kaun potash (akanwu) solution can be used as a preservative.
Funigicidal Properties : Potash (akanwu) contains fungicidal properties thus is capable of being used for cleaning purposes and preventing molds and mildews.
Fire Extinguishing Purposes Studies reveal that the akanwu, which is also known as potassium bicarbonate can be used as a fire suppressant for fighting fire thus can sometimes be found in some dry fire extinguishers.