Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Borax is used primarily as an ecological cleaning agent, but it is also the main ingredient of drugs, which has a bactericidal and antiseptic effect. In what cases is borax best used? We check in which preparations we find it and how much it costs.
Borax is another name for hydrated sodium tetraborate, or sodium borate. It contains four boron atoms linked to two sodium atoms and ten crystalline water molecules. Borax, or Na2B4O7, is an inorganic chemical compound that occurs in the form of colorless crystals that dissolve poorly in water. This compound is obtained from natural mineral deposits in which boric acid is present in the form of salts.
One of the most important chemical components of borax is boron. It is an element that is not as popular as iron or magnesium, and yet it plays a very important role in the human body. Bor is primarily known for its influence on memory processes and intellectual functions. This element also improves motor coordination, concentration and reaction speed.
Boron is also known as an element that affects the proper metabolism of phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D. Its influence makes the mentioned microelements and vitamins better absorbed. This, in turn, reduces the risk of skeletal diseases, and strengthens joints and muscles.
In the body, boric acid and sodium chloride are formed from borax under the influence of gastric acids. Man needs 2 to 5 mg of boron daily on a balanced diet. Due to its antiseptic and antifungal properties, borax has also been used in medicines to help heal inflammation in the mouth and throat.
What micronutrients are important for the proper functioning of the body? Check: Micronutrients and their role in the body
Borax primarily shows the effect of:
- antifungal;
- antiseptic;
- antibacterial;
- antiviral;
- astringent.
For this reason, it works best in the treatment of inflammations of the mouth and throat. It is used in rinses and ointments to counteract skin inflammation. It also works well in the treatment of thrush and oral yeast infections. It can also be used as an aid for minor abrasions, as well as for purulent lesions in combination with other medications.
Borax is a compound that has antiseptic, drying and astringent properties. It is absorbed to a small extent through intact skin, and if so, it has a toxic effect. Borax can be absorbed when it is applied to mucous membranes, extensive wounds, burns or inflammatory changes. Its use in small children or newborns is not recommended due to the too high risk of absorption of this substance. Borax is excreted from the body through the kidneys.
How to choose the best ointment for burns? Check: Ointment for burns. How to choose the best preparation?
Borax from the pharmacy is one of the ingredients of such products as:
- Tormentiol ointment;
- mouthwash Gargarin;
- mouthwash Aphtin.
Borax should not be taken orally. When rinsing the mouth, do not swallow the liquid so that there is not too much tetraborate in the body as it can be toxic.
How do I prepare a gargle? Check: Gargling with salt – action, how to prepare the solution
Borax – indications for use
Borax, available in pharmacies, can be used to treat various diseases of internal organs or the skin. First, an indication for the use of borax may be the treatment of wounds and burns on the skin. Borax is also effective in the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membranes. It is usually recommended in cases of bacterial vaginosis or acute inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Borax can also be used in the case of bacterial infections and candidiasis of the oral mucosa. Borax is also a component of medical preparations that are used to treat inflammation of the throat and mouth.
How to heal burns? Check: Burns
Borax from the pharmacy cannot be used if the patient is allergic to sodium borate. Preparations containing this ingredient should be carefully dosed in children and infants. Mouthwash fluids must not be administered to them, but borax ointments can be used topically, except for local post-vaccination reactions, open wounds, skin lesions after chickenpox and extensive damaged skin. This also applies to adults.
If you want to be sure what medications should not be used in children, read on: Warning, these drugs can be dangerous to children
Borax – side effects
Side effects in the case of using borax, which is the active ingredient of preparations, also depend on other substances included in the drug. They happen extremely rarely. Skin irritation may occur when using the ointment. On the other hand, rinsing the mouth with a solution containing sodium borate may irritate the mucous membranes.
Side effects of borax use are related to the toxic absorption of boron compounds into the circulatory system and the accumulation of these compounds in the body. If toxic absorption of borax occurs, symptoms such as anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, liver and kidney damage, circulatory failure, alopecia, rash or convulsions can be observed. In the course of borax treatment of newborns and toddlers, deaths have been reported in newborns and toddlers.
Make sure your doctor or pharmacist is aware of the medications you are taking, as skin-congesting medications increase the absorption of boron compounds into the circulatory system, which can cause poisoning.
The dosage of borax depends on the type of boron compound to be used in treatment.
In the case of boric acid, the preparation should be applied externally in small doses, about 2-3 times a day on the affected skin. Ointments and solutions based on boron compounds are usually used in concentrations of 1 to 3%, while powders from 1 to 10%.
tetraboran sodu on the other hand, it is used in the form of a glycerol solution, by applying it to lesions within the oral mucosa.
In turn, complex preparationsin which boron compounds are present along with other ingredients, it should be dissolved in warm water, and the throat and mouth should be rinsed with the obtained solution. The solution is obtained by mixing one teaspoon of the powder in 125 ml of warm water.
If you want to know how to fight a sore throat in pregnancy, check out: Homemade and safe remedies for a sore throat in pregnancy
Borax from the pharmacy – price and availability
Borax is available in stationary pharmacies. It can also be purchased online. As mentioned above, sodium borate is one of the ingredients of ointments and rinses. For this reason, its price will vary depending on the product the patient is looking for. For example, Tormentiol ointment costs about PLN 10, Aphtin liquid – about PLN 2, and Gargarin liquid – PLN 5.
What should you know about scar preparations? Read: Scar ointment – treatment
Borax and its other uses
Borax is known as an effective pharmaceutical agent that helps to cope with various inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes. As it turns out, borax is also distinguished by high cleaning and disinfecting properties. During cleaning, Borax can cope with heavy dirt that is difficult to remove with even vinegar.
Borax diluted in water is therefore used to remove stubborn stains on a shower cubicle, to clean dried dirt in the oven or a burnt pot.
Borax is also a component of homemade washing powder or washing up tablets. This compound, dissolved in water, can be used to fight insects and unwanted insects. Additionally, borax is used in the production of glass, glazes, ceramics and glass wool. Powdered borax, on the other hand, is a product used in taxidermy, where it is rubbed into the skin and bones of a stuffed animal to preserve it effectively.