Please don’t drink any borax extract

Krishna: Benefits? I think you should first learn about adverse effects (1) of borax.

While borax may be natural, that doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. Borax often comes in a box with a caution label warning users that the product is an eye irritant and that it may be harmful if swallowed.

Although boric acid, borates, and other compounds containing boron are used medicinally, they can be toxic if ingested at high doses or absorbed through nonintact skin (2).

Boron, a bioactive trace element, has been included in nutritional supplements or natural remedies designed to improve bone and joint health. Boron deficiency has been shown to impair brain function, inflammatory regulation, and immune response, and to increase the risk of some cancers. However, evidence is lacking suggesting that boron supplementation above the levels derived in a normal diet is beneficial. Therefore, supplementation is likely to be useful only when dietary intake is inadequate. Boron has been studied for a potential role in bone and joint health, dysmenorrhea, and radiation dermatitis. Boron compounds are also used to enhance the cell selectivity of radiation therapy and could lead to a new generation of drugs (2).

Boron has been studied using a wide range of doses and preparations. Evidence centers on deprivation studies. Evidence is lacking suggesting that boron supplementation above the levels derived in a normal diet is beneficial. Therefore, supplementation is likely to be useful only when dietary intake is inadequate (2).

Borax, also called sodium tetraborate, is a powdery white mineral that has been used as a cleaning product for several decades. It has many household uses (1):

• It helps get rid of stains, mould, and mildew around the house.
• It can kill insects such as ants.
• It’s used in laundry detergents and household cleansers to help whiten and get rid of dirt.
• It can neutralize odors and soften hard water.

The National institute of Health (US) has found that borax has been associated with several adverse health effects in humans. These include: irritation, hormone issues, toxicity, and death.

Borax exposure can irritate the skin or eyes and can also irritate the body if inhaled or exposed. People have reported burns from borax exposure to their skin. Signs of borax exposure include: skin rash, mouth infection, vomiting, eye irritation, nausea, and respiratory problems

High exposure to borax (and boric acid) is believed to disrupt the body’s hormones. They may especially impair male reproduction, reducing sperm count and libido.

In one study, scientists found that rats fed borax experienced atrophy of their testes, or reproductive organs. In women, borax may reduce ovulation and fertility. In pregnant lab animals, high-level exposures to borax was found to cross the placenta border, harming fetal development and causing low birth weight.

Borax is quickly broken down by the body if ingested and inhaled. Researchers have linked borax exposure — even from cosmetics — to organ damage and serious poisonings.

If a young child ingests as little as 5 to 10 grams of borax, they may experience severe vomiting, diarrhea, shock, and death. Small children can be exposed to borax through hand-to-mouth transfer, especially if they play with slime made with borax or crawl around the floor where pesticides have been applied.

Fatal doses of borax exposure for adults are estimated at 10 to 25 grams.

Boric acid, a common boron compound not to be confused with boron, has been used traditionally for various purposes (eg, antimicrobial, rodent repellent, and insecticidal effects). Boric acid has also been administered intravaginally for recurrent and resistant vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Boric acid should not be used in pregnancy. Intravaginal boric acid use during the first 4 months of pregnancy has been associated with birth defects (2).

Although boric acid, borates, and other compounds containing boron are used medicinally, they can be toxic if ingested at high doses or absorbed through nonintact skin (2).

It should come naturally through your food. The main foods that contain borax : coffee, milk, apples, other fruits, legumes, dried and cooked beans, and potatoes.

If you take these foods in sufficient quantities that is enough. Unless your well qualified medical doctor advises you to take supplements , don’t drink any borax extract.

Footnotes:

1. Is Borax Safe: To Ingest, For Kids, on Skin, and More
2. Boron Uses, Benefits & Dosage - Drugs.com Herbal Database