|
Boric Acid: Overview
Alternative Names: Acidum boricum, boracic acid, hydrogen borate, orthoboric acid.
Boric acid is a weak acid derived from minerals that has mild antiseptic and antifungal properties. Used topically, it is particularly effective against some conditions, even when conventional drugs fail.
Boric acid is poisonous if taken internally or inhaled in large quantities - DO NOT EAT BORIC ACID. Boric Acid should NOT be placed on wounds. It shouldn't be used for a prolonged period of time, or in amounts greater than recommended.
It should not be used by pregnant women or applied to the skin of infants or children. Boric acid solutions used as an eye wash or on abraded skin are known to be especially toxic to infants.
Long-term exposure to boric acid may cause kidney damage and, eventually, kidney failure.
Boric acid is a weak acid derived from minerals that has mild antiseptic and antifungal properties. Used topically, it is particularly effective against some conditions, even when conventional drugs fail.
Source
Boric acid is available in powder and/or suppository form from many pharmacies.Why it is Recommended
Boric acid can be used as an antiseptic for minor burns or cuts. It can be applied in very dilute solution as an eye wash, or to treat certain outer ear infections. It is an ingredient of various dressings and salves.Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings
Side-effects of boric acid vaginal suppositories may include vaginal burning and irritation.Boric acid is poisonous if taken internally or inhaled in large quantities - DO NOT EAT BORIC ACID. Boric Acid should NOT be placed on wounds. It shouldn't be used for a prolonged period of time, or in amounts greater than recommended.
It should not be used by pregnant women or applied to the skin of infants or children. Boric acid solutions used as an eye wash or on abraded skin are known to be especially toxic to infants.
Long-term exposure to boric acid may cause kidney damage and, eventually, kidney failure.
Boric Acid can help with the following:
Infections
Yeast / Candida Infection
| Boric acid in the form of vaginal suppositories is a natural remedy for vaginal yeast infection. Numerous studies prove its superior effectiveness compared to topical and oral antifungal drugs, including drug-resistant cases. |
Athletes Foot
| Boric acid is an extremely effective fungicide and often cures athlete's foot in cases where creams have failed. Mix boric acid and rubbing alcohol in the ratio 2 tsp boric acid to 1 cup of rubbing alcohol (a drying agent), or water. Apply with cotton swabs (or 'Q-tips'). Alternatively, put the dry powder into the ends of socks or stockings to treat or prevent athlete's foot. |
Reproductive
Not recommended for:
Skin-Hair-Nails
Adult Acne
| Boric acid's anti-bacterial properties make it useful as an acne treatment, either in the form of an ointment or simply diluted with water. |
Adolescent Acne
| Boric acid's anti-bacterial properties make it useful as an acne treatment, either in the form of an ointment or simply diluted with water. |
Uro-Genital
Vaginitis/Vaginal Infection
| The best cure for vaginal yeast infections (yeast vaginitis) is cheap, safe and more effective than the over-the-counter or prescribed drugs. Simply insert boric acid capsules into your vagina twice per day for 5-14 days (although it may be cured after just a single day). Discontinue if you get a bloody discharge. Carefully fill up size zero (single 'ought' or "0") veggie caps (available at a health food store) with boric acid, using the tip of a knife. Insert deeply into your vagina. You may want to wear a pad as it tends to be runny. It can also be helpful to take some of the loose powder and spread it on the labia. Make sure to lift the clitoral hood, where the infection seems to stagnate for some reason. Make sure you do this only after cleansing all areas thoroughly, including under the clitoral hood. This helps to relieve external itching. Boric acid is toxic if taken internally, but safe when used vaginally. In one study of 100 women with chronic yeast vaginitis who had failed to respond to various over-the-counter or prescription anti-fungal medicines, 98% successfully treated their infections with boric acid capsules over a period of 2-4 weeks. [Antifungal agents vs. boric acid for treating chronic mycotic vulvovaginitis. J Reprod Med 1977;36: pp.593-7] If recurrent yeast infections have been a problem, they can be prevented by using one capsule of boric acid vaginally at bedtime twice per week, beginning one week after menstruation. The use of a panty liner is recommended. Dilute boric acid can also be used in the form of a vaginal douche. |
KEY
May be useful:
may help with
Very useful:
is highly recommended for
Should be avoided:
is NOT recommended for
Last updated: Apr 25, 2013