Borax or boric acid is a white crystalline solid which is slightly acidic in nature. It is derived from the chemical element, Boron. Boric acid is made by combining borax and sulfuric acid. It is normally used as an insecticide, fire retardant, and in manufacture of glass and ceramics. It also acts as a mild colon cleanse and more specifically acts against yeast infections. Boric acid combined with water is a very mild antiseptic. It has a very low acid content and has been used for a century to ease burns, scrapes, and all types of skin irritations. It cleanses wounds and speeds healing. Borax helps restore alkaline pH in the vagina and skin surfaces, which inhibits yeast infections.
The yeast,
Candida albicans is a part of the normal flora of the
human body and lives harmlessly in small numbers along
with other bacteria like Lactobacillus, which keeps the
Candida under control. Change in balance of the
Lactobacillus and Candida causes overgrowth of Candida
leading to yeast infection. Despite the availability of
antifungal medications for treatment of yeast
infections, many doctors prefer borax in conjunction
with standard drugs. Many over-the-counter creams used
for Candida infection e.g. Vagisil contain borax as the
active ingredient. Many homeopaths too prescribe borax
especially for vaginal yeast infections where the
discharge resembles egg white and usually appears midway
between menstrual periods. It is used in very high
dilutions at which negative effects are not possible.
Borax powder inserted into stockings and socks is used
to prevent athlete’s foot.
While
borax vaginal suppositories are available in pharmacies,
they can be made at home too by filling 00 capsules with
boric acid. They are inserted deep into the vagina twice
a day for five to seven days to get rid of vaginal yeast
infection. Potential side effects like excessive vaginal
discharge, discomfort, and burning in the vaginal area
may be seen in some women. Studies showed borax to have
higher or comparative cure rate than either itraconazole
or fluconazole. It has been also shown to have a success
rate of 77% for Candida glabrata as against 50% with
topical and oral antifungal medications.
Boric acid
is toxic and should never be taken internally or placed
on open cuts or wounds. It should not be used for a
prolonged period of time and that too within amounts
recommended. It should not be used by pregnant women or
applied to the skin of infants or children.
Borax and other
antifungal medications will only get rid of the symptoms
not the disease. To prevent recurrent episodes of
yeast infection it is an excellent option to see
a holistic practitioner. He will help you understand why
the yeast infection occurred in the first place and how
to develop health so that yeast and other pathogens will
not cross your path again.
