What are the benefits of hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a common household chemical that has many uses, from cleaning and disinfecting to whitening and deodorizing. It is also a natural remedy that can support oral health, detox the body, and treat various infections. However, hydrogen peroxide should never be applied to the skin or ingested as medication, as it can cause irritation, damage, and even poisoning. Here are some of the benefits of hydrogen peroxide and how to use it safely and effectively.
- Cleaning and disinfecting. Hydrogen peroxide can kill germs, fungi, mold, and viruses on surfaces, produce, and products. It can also remove stains and odors from fabrics, carpets, and countertops. To use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning and disinfecting, you need a 3% solution, which is the most common concentration sold in drugstores and supermarkets. You can spray it directly on the surface or item you want to clean, or soak it in a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes. Then rinse it with water or wipe it with a clean cloth. For stubborn stains or odors, you can add some baking soda to the hydrogen peroxide solution to make a paste and scrub the affected area.
- Oral health. Hydrogen peroxide can help improve your oral health by killing bacteria, reducing plaque, whitening teeth, curing cold sores, and relieving a sore throat. To use hydrogen peroxide for oral health, you need a 1.5% or 3% solution, which you can dilute with water if it feels too strong. You can use it as a mouthwash by swishing it around your mouth for a few seconds and then spitting it out. You can also dip a cotton swab in hydrogen peroxide and apply it to cold sores or gum infections. However, you should not swallow hydrogen peroxide or use it for more than two weeks at a time, as it can cause irritation, ulcers, or damage to your teeth enamel.
- Detox and infection. Hydrogen peroxide can help detox your body by increasing the oxygen levels in your blood and tissues. It can also help fight off infections by killing harmful microorganisms in your body. Some people believe that drinking diluted food grade hydrogen peroxide (which has a concentration of 35%) can bring these benefits, but this is not recommended by medical experts. Drinking hydrogen peroxide can cause serious side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, dizziness, headache, fever, seizures, coma, or even death. A safer way to use hydrogen peroxide for detox and infection is to add a cup of 3% solution to a warm bath and soak in it for 20 to 30 minutes. This can help oxygenate your skin and blood vessels, as well as treat skin infections and conditions.
My personal favorite is a cure for or at least a reduction in the common cold. Since hydrogen peroxide is one of the few things that can kill a virus and that the ears and nose are connected, I lie on my side and put a couple of drops in my ears. (First, one side then the other) It should be able to hear or feel it start to bubble, if it doesn't, try the other ear. Let it bubble for at least 5 minutes then drain it out. One time is usually enough but sometime another go is needed the next day. The earlier you feel the cold coming on the better this treatment works. (Follow up with a little zinc and vitamin C)