Borax (Suhaga) Benefits and Side Effects

Traditionally, borax is considered to be an excellent remedy for the treatment of arthritis. Specialists nowadays are exploring its potential for treating inflammatory conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Studies show that those with an inflammatory disease like arthritis have lower boron concentrations in their serum. Therefore, the utilization of boron may help improve this condition.

In a clinical study, boron was given as an adjuvant (a substance given in addition to a drug) along with a calcium compound to a group of arthritic patients. Marked reduction in joint pain and inflammation was reported by all the subjects. The study concluded that boron may have a therapeutic value as an adjuvant in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Tonsillitis is referred to the inflammation in tonsils which may be caused due to a viral or bacterial infection.  Although it is a common ailment in children, adults can also be affected by this disease. Tonsillitis symptoms like sore throat, swelling, and fever cause immense discomfort and if ignored can lead to respiratory and heart ailments.

According to a study published in Unique Journal of Ayurvedic and homoeopathic medicine, the best way to combat tonsillitis is alkalis (basic compounds). Borax is one such compound. Consequently, it was suggested that gargling with water mixed with borax is effective in curing tonsillitis. It was also found to be effective in reducing inflammation and showed no major side effect.

In an ayurvedic research, borax or Tankan bhasma, was found to be useful in relieving PCOS symptoms. As per this research, borax promotes uterine functions including ova secretion and menstruation in women suffering from this problem. According to ayurveda, borax reduces vata and kapha while clearing the subchannels as well. A proper balance between the three doshas, in turn, promotes a healthier reproductive system.

Vaginitis is a term used to denote vaginal inflammation. It is a common problem in women of fertile age and may be associated with complications and morbidity if left untreated. It might be caused due to a bacterial or parasitic infection but the most common types of vaginitis are due to candida, a type of yeast.

Studies suggest that boric acid suppositories (to be inserted into vagina) are used as a treatment for vaginitis. It has also been reported that boric acid is much more effective in alleviating fungal infections than some common antifungal drugs.

In a previous clinical study, administration of intravaginal boric acid capsules was found to be as effective as nystatin in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

The natural process of healing of the skin and other injured tissues of the body is called wound healing. Due to the extensive use of plant and animal products, in traditional medicine, the ayurvedic herbs are now being extensively researched. In an animal-based study, an ayurvedic borax formulation was found to be effective in quickly healing the wounds. But the wound healing property of borax is not just limited to ayurvedic formulations.

Clinical studies suggest that a 3% boric acid solution is very useful for the treatment of surgical wounds.

Borax water is one of the most commonly used topical antiseptic. In a recent study, wound dressings made from silver, borax, gellan and PVA have been claimed to be potent in avoiding infections and healing wounds quickly.

However, it is best to take your doctor’s advice before opting for any kind of self-medication.

(Read more: Open wounds treatment)

Dandruff issues are very common due to rise in the use of chemical products on hair as well as an increase in pollution. While there are many shampoos available they may have some side-effects. Hence, a search for natural options which come with minimum side effects is essential.

According to ayurveda, borax is one such alternative that can be used to get rid of dandruff.

For best results, a hair mask can be made from borax, to be applied for about 10 minutes before rinsing it gently with water.

Acne refers to the inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by the appearance of pimples or other outbreaks on the face, neck, and shoulders. Acne outbreaks are usually caused due to clogging of hair follicles with dead skin and oil which in turn gets infected by bacteria like Acne vulgaris and Propionibacterium acnes.

In vitro (lab-based) studies suggest that boric acid is antimicrobial and thus it may aid in eliminating skin breakouts by reducing the expansion of acne-causing bacteria. Furthermore, they were also found to reduce acne inflammation. Some over-the-counter skin care cosmetics have already been using boracic acid for this reason.

However, topical application of boracic acid is reported to cause irritation. Hence, this is not a treatment which is recommended on a daily basis. It must be used on the as-needed basis solely.

Preclinical studies suggest that borax decreases DNA damage and glutathione levels in blood. Glutathione is a natural antioxidant which scavenges harmful free radicals, which when present in excess can lead to genetic alterations chronic diseases. 

Another study observed an upregulation of antioxidant m RNA and an overall increase in natural antioxidants in the body after boron administration.

However, more study is still needed to confirm similar action in humans.

(Read more: Antioxidant rich foods)

Boron is one of the most important elements in nature. It possesses several properties that are beneficial for your heart. First, it reduces the levels of cholesterol and is an efficient stimulator of natural antioxidants. This means that it reduces the risk of lipid peroxidation which otherwise is responsible for atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association, heart diseases are usually associated with inflammation. Thus, as an anti-inflammatory, borax reduces the risk of conditions like heart attack and stroke.

Homocysteine is an amino acid, which when present in excess can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It has been suggested that boron compounds help metabolise this amino acid thus alleviating the threat of heart problems.