Can Bathing in Borax Really Cure Inflammation, Pain, and Toxins — and Is It Safe?

Can Bathing in Borax Really Cure Inflammation, Pain, and Toxins — and Is It Safe?

Borax is a popular household cleaning agent that some TikTok users are claiming can cure inflammation, pain, and detoxify the body. But is there any truth to these claims, and is it safe to ingest or bathe in borax? Let’s dive deeper into this topic.

What is Borax (Sodium Borate)?

Borax is a powdered sodium borate that is commonly used as a cleaning agent due to its ability to remove stains, clean surfaces, and kill insects. It contains boron, a trace element that is necessary for plant growth and can be found naturally in food and beverages like avocados, peaches, potatoes, and coffee. While boron may have beneficial effects on brain function, metabolism, and immunity, there is no solid evidence to suggest that consuming or bathing in borax has any health benefits.

What Are the Supposed Benefits of Borax?

TikTok users tout the supposed benefits of ingesting or soaking in borax to alleviate pain and eliminate toxins. However, these claims are not backed up by any scientific evidence, and experts caution against using borax for these purposes.

What Experts Say About Bathing in or Ingesting Borax

Experts warn against consuming or bathing in borax as it can be harmful to human health. Borax products are only meant to be used as directed for cleaning purposes, should never be used undiluted, and may be harmful if swallowed. High doses of borax can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, seizures, anemia, kidney injury, hypotension, and even death. Bathing in borax can also cause skin burns.

Dan Park, MD, a pediatric emergency medicine physician from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, strongly advises against consuming any amount of borax, as there is no evidence to support its supposed health benefits.

Pros and Cons of Using Borax

Pros:

• Borax can be an effective cleaning agent when used as directed.
• Boron, a trace element found in borax, may have some potential health benefits.

Cons:

• Ingesting or bathing in borax can be harmful to human health, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, seizures, anemia, kidney injury, hypotension, and even death.
• Consuming borax for supposed health benefits is not backed up by any scientific evidence.

Alternatives to Using Borax

If you are looking for alternatives to using borax for cleaning or other purposes, there are many options available. For cleaning, you can use vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or castile soap, among others. As for alleged health benefits, there are over-the-counter boron supplements available that are meant for human consumption and may provide boron in a potentially safer way.

How to Use Borax Safely

If you must use borax for cleaning purposes, it is important to follow the instructions provided on the product label and never use undiluted borax. You should also wear gloves and avoid inhaling the powder. If you accidentally swallow borax, contact your local poison control center immediately.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bathing in Borax

We do not recommend or endorse bathing in borax due to the potential harms it can cause to human health.

Comparison of Borax with Other Cleaning Agents

Borax is one of many cleaning agents available on the market. While it can be effective when used as directed, there are many other options available that are safer and just as effective, such as vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and castile soap.

Tips for Using Borax Safely and Effectively

• Always follow the instructions provided on the product label.
• Never use undiluted borax.
• Wear gloves when handling borax and avoid inhaling the powder.
• If you accidentally swallow borax, contact your local poison control center immediately.

The Best Alternatives to Using Borax

The best alternatives to using borax for cleaning purposes include vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and castile soap. As for supposed health benefits, there is no evidence to suggest that consuming or bathing in borax has any beneficial effects on human health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recent TikTok trend of consuming or bathing in borax to alleviate pain and eliminate toxins is not backed up by any scientific evidence and can be harmful to human health. Experts caution against using borax for these purposes and recommend using safer alternatives for cleaning and health-related needs.

FAQs

1. Is borax safe to consume or bathe in? No, it is not safe to consume or bathe in borax as it can be harmful to human health.

2. What are the potential harms of consuming or bathing in boraxThe potential harms of consuming or bathing in borax include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, seizures, anemia, kidney injury, hypotension, and even death.

3. Are there any health benefits to using borax? There is no scientific evidence to support the supposed health benefits of consuming or bathing in borax.

4. What are some alternatives to using borax for cleaning? Some alternatives to using borax for cleaning include vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and castile soap.

5. What should I do if I accidentally swallow borax? If you accidentally swallow borax, contact your local poison control center immediately for assistance.6. Can borax be safely used for cleaning? Borax can be safely used for cleaning when used as directed and diluted properly. However, it should not be ingested or used undiluted.

7. Are there any potential alternatives to ingesting or bathing in borax for pain relief or detoxification? There are many proven methods for pain relief and detoxification that do not involve ingesting or bathing in borax. Some options include exercise, a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, meditation, and relaxation techniques like yoga or massage.

8. Can boron supplements provide the same benefits as ingesting borax? While boron is an essential trace element for plants and may have some potential health benefits for humans, there is no evidence to support the use of borax for these purposes. Boron supplements, which are regulated by the FDA, may be a safer alternative if you are interested in supplementing your diet with boron.

9. What precautions should I take when using borax for cleaning? When using borax for cleaning, always follow the instructions on the label and dilute it properly. Avoid using it undiluted or in areas where it could come into contact with food or drinks. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling borax, and keep it away from children and pets.

10. What should I do if I experience negative symptoms after using borax? If you experience any negative symptoms after using borax, such as nausea, vomiting, or skin irritation, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention if necessary. It is important to follow the appropriate safety guidelines when using any cleaning products or supplements.In conclusion, while borax may have some cleaning benefits, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims that it can cure inflammation, pain, or toxins when ingested or bathed in. In fact, consuming or bathing in borax can be harmful and potentially deadly. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplement or treatment for health concerns.

There are many proven alternatives to borax for cleaning, pain relief, and detoxification, including natural remedies and lifestyle changes. When using borax for cleaning, be sure to follow the appropriate safety guidelines and precautions.

If you suspect that you or someone else has been exposed to borax and is experiencing negative symptoms, contact your local poison control center immediately for assistance.

FAQs:

1. Is borax safe to use as a pesticide? Borax can be used as a pesticide, but it should always be used as directed and diluted properly. Avoid using it undiluted or in areas where it could come into contact with food or drinks.

2. Can borax help with acne? There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that borax can help with acne. In fact, using borax on the skin can cause skin irritation and burns.

3. Is borax safe to use in homemade laundry detergent? Borax can be used in homemade laundry detergent as long as it is diluted properly and used as directed. However, it should not be ingested or used undiluted.

4. Are there any potential risks associated with using boron supplements? Boron supplements may have some potential health benefits, but they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Taking too much boron can be harmful and may cause negative side effects like nausea and diarrhea.

5. What should I do if my pet accidentally ingests borax? If your pet accidentally ingests borax, contact your veterinarian immediately for assistance. Borax can be toxic to pets and can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.