Boric acid – what it is, benefits, foods and side effects

Boric acid  , also called hydrogen borate, exists as colorless crystals or a white powder that dissolves in water. This is slightly less toxic than regular table salt. This is a naturally occurring chemical compound and is made up of boron, hydrogen and oxygen.

What is boric acid:

Boric acid or Trioxoboric acid is a substance that, as its name implies, is derived from boron, ie boron mixed with water. Due to its chemical characteristics, it is a weak acid, of great purity when in solid state and very stable in terms of storage conditions.

Its fragility as an acid allows it to be an indispensable catalyst in the production of other chemical compounds, one of its basic applications being the regulation of pH, both in solutions and on the skin.

It is a white powder, completely tasteless and odorless and given its characteristics, it is customary to use in many sectors and industries ranging from construction to the formulation of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, even agro-industrial products.

What is boric acid used for?

Boric acid has many functions, some of them health-related, because this acid is found in small amounts in foods like fruits and seafood. In medicine, it is used in various treatments against infections, especially against fungi.

These are some of the things boric acid does :

• Antiseptic
• Disinfectant
• Fungicide
• bactericide
• Has deodorant properties
• eye solutions
• Products against perspiration
• Athlete’s foot ointments
• medicinal lotions
• Disinfect small burns
• Trate a acne
• Trate o eczema
• treat skin problems
• It is used in cosmetics
• It is used in drying powders
• color stabilizers
• Thermal insulation
• Regulate the pH of other chemicals
• It is used to smooth out hard waters
• It is used in ceramics as a glaze
• It is used in thermal glass
• It is used to treat wood
• It is used in thermal inks
• It is used in explosives
• It is used in chemical weapons
• It is used in radioactive cleaning
• It is used in nuclear accidents
• It is used in metallurgy
• It is used in leagues
• It is used to harden steel
• It is used in nickel plating
• It is used in insecticides
• It is used in foliar fertilizers

Boric acid benefits:

1. Treats fungal infections:

One of the benefits include the ability to treat fungal infections. Studies have shown that boric acid capsules can help treat vaginal yeast infections , working as an anti-fungal treatment.

According to one study, it is more effective against candida symptoms than a common oral medication.

2. Kills cockroaches:

This acid has the ability to kill cockroaches indoors. Cockroaches in the house can cause an increase in asthma and allergy attacks due to the allergens they contain.

They can also cause food contamination, including E. coli and salmonella. It ability to kill cockroaches along with ants, fleas, termites, moths and beetles.

3. Treat acne:

As an antibacterial, it has the ability to help treat acne . It works as a natural acne remedy to rid the skin of harmful bacteria and prevent breakouts. In some people, boric acid can cause skin irritation, so it should always be used with caution.

4. It works like eye drops:

The acid acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory to help rid the eyes of irritation and cure contagious eye infections, including conjunctivitis .

5. Treats athlete’s foot:

This acid has the ability to treat fungal infections including athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. Add boric acid powder to your socks to help clear up mild infections and reduce symptoms like dryness and itchiness. The acid works by changing the skin’s pH and removing dead skin cells that feed the fungus.

6. Works as a household cleaner:

Most store-bought household cleaners are full of harmful chemicals.

Boric acid is less toxic than most chemicals. It can be used as a deodorant, stain remover and disinfectant. It can also help kill mold. Use the acid in a load of laundry to help fight stains, or use it to clean the toilet.

7. It has antioxidant properties:

Journal Experimental and Toxicology conducted a study in 2010, studying the potential of this acid as an antioxidant. It has strong detoxifying properties that can cleanse the body from within and remove heavy metals from the bloodstream. The study concluded showing promising results.

8. Excellent antifungal:

Not only is this acid an antiseptic, but it also has antifungal properties. This is very effective in curing fungus and other fungal infections in the body.

9. It has anti-cancer properties:

Cancer cells reduced in number when the boric acid dose was increased. With additional research, the acid could represent a potential cure for this disease.

10. Acts as an antiseptic:

Wounds are open areas for bacteria; even a small wound needs to be disinfected to prevent further damage. Boric acid mixed with distilled water can be applied using a cotton ball to the wound to clean it. This helps to eliminate possible infections that may be around the wound.

Foods rich in boric acid:

Boric acid is a naturally occurring compound in many foods. The benefits of boric acids for human health are many, and it also shows certain antioxidant properties . Here are some food sources of this water-soluble compound.

• Apples (with skin and raw)
• Banana s hardness
• Almonds
• Peanut
• Beer
• Wine
• Enriched White Bread
• instant white rice

Boric acid has been a part of the food world for some time now. It was used as a fortifying agent in all processed foods as well. Since natural food sources of this compound are limited, it is best to opt for nutritional supplements as prescribed by a doctor.

Recommended tolerable intake:

The World Health Organization has been researching this compound since its discovery. Boric acid in large amounts is extremely lethal to the human body. The human body can tolerate an intake of 0.16 mg per day and no more.

Boric acid recipes:

Some of the best boric acid recipes are definitely the ones for two common health problems: yeast infections and athlete’s foot.

Vaginal yeast infection recipe:

Ingredients:

• 600 milligrams boric acid
• 1 gelatin capsule

Preparation mode:

• Insert an acid-filled capsule into the vagina at bedtime for seven continuous days.

Boric Acid Athlete’s Foot Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of  boric acid
• 1 cup of alcohol or water

Preparation mode:

• Mix ingredients and apply to feet with cotton swabs.
• You can also put dry powder on the ends of socks or stockings to treat or prevent athlete’s foot.

Possible side effects and risks:

Although boric acid suppositories are generally safe for adults, minor side effects are possible.

You can try:

• light burns
• watery discharge
• redness in the vaginal area

If you experience severe discomfort, discontinue use. Consult your doctor if symptoms
persist even after treatment ends.

You should not use boric acid suppositories if:

• you are pregnant as the ingredients are toxic to the developing fetus
• you have a scratch or other open sore on your vagina

Boric acid can be fatal when taken by mouth, so it should only be used through a vaginal suppository.