Sodium tetraborate, commonly known as borax, is readily used as a disinfectant for cleaning surfaces and homes. It is used to remove stains and molds inside the house.
The chemical can help remove bugs and insects that make your house their abode. However, in orthodox beliefs, borax has been used by our ancestors for several medical conditions. Despite having no proven health benefits, our elders are still staunch followers of using borax.
Those who live with their grandparents and are also aware of the modern world often ask the question, “Can you take borax for arthritis?”
The youngsters are concerned about their elders’ arthritis pains and feel that borax is not the right thing to use.
Today we shall clear a lot of misconceptions about borax. It isn’t a therapeutic chemical, and it is no human-friendly material. Following is a list of the harms imparted by the use of borax (for whatever purpose).
Harmful Effects Of Borax
1. Skin Irritation
The chemical is found naturally. Therefore, many people consider it to be safe to use. Just because it occurs in natural products, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe to use. The first problem encountered is skin irritation.
Children playing with playing dough made out of borax have been reported to have a skin rash, oral infections, and eye irritation. The boron inside borax is toxic to the skin. A 2021 review found out that borax is toxic to the skin and harmful if ingested.
2. Hormonal Disturbances
Boric acid exposure can disrupt the hormonal system of your body. If you ingest or inhale the borax, you might end up with disturbances in the endocrine system.
The use of borax casts a negative impact on the male reproductive system. According to a 2020 study,boron in the boric acid has an adverse impact on male reproductive capacities. It is proven to impair reproduction and reduce sperm count.
3. Toxicity
There have been known deaths that confirm it to be toxic. Skin exposure to borax has proven to be even fatal in some cases. So, it is better to stay away from this toxic substance.
How To Convince Elders Of Giving Up Borax For Arthritis?
Taking pills and medicines for arthritis pain is a futile activity for most people. The benefit extended by these prescribed medicines do more harm than benefit. In such a scenario, it is tough to break the orthodox mythical beliefs of the older generation.
To convince them of giving up borax, you have to give them an easy and adaptable alternative. We suggest you go for herbal supplements and some lifestyle modifications.
Herbal Supplements For Arthritis
Herbs are known for their therapeutic effects. The most common usage of shrubs and herbs is in pain-relief and hormonal balancing of the body. Be it rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, and pain is a common finding.
Thankfully, nature has provided us with some herbs that have promising results in reducing arthritis pain.
1. Boswellia
The Boswellia herb (Boswellia serrata) is believed to effectively reduce inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients having a flare-up of RA feel a significant amount of pain that doesn’t go away with the routine NSAIDs (pain-killer medicines).
According to a 2019 study, Boswellia usage reduced inflammation markers and helped improve symptoms in RA-diagnosed rats.
Anti-rheumatic drugs are given to RA patients. In another 2019 study, the effects of Boswellia on rheumatoid arthritis were observed. At the end of the study, it was concluded that Boswellia could be used as an adjunct or conventional therapy to manage RA.
Boswellia has changed lives as it has worked wonderfully for a lot of people. A study found out that the herbal supplement is an effective way of reducing inflammatory markers such as TNF and cytokines that cause pain in RA patients. Thus, its use as an adjuvant is warranted.
2. Devil’s Claw
Harpagophytum procumbens can grab your pain with its claws and throw it away. The herb does well when given for pain management in arthritis patients. The chronic inflammation of arthritis can seriously debilitate life.
In a studyon the effect of herbal supplements vs. allopathic medicine on rheumatoid arthritis, devil’s claw was identified as a potent pain killer. The glycosides (harpagosides, procumbides) provide benefits to RA patients.
According to research, herbal medicines such as harpagophytum procumbens alleviate inflammation and lead to pain relief in patients with chronic pain.
3. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is effective in treating several pain disorders. It is efficacious in cases of neuropathic pain and arthritis pain too.
According to a study, the polyphenols found inside ginkgo lead to an anti-inflammatory effect. This results in pain alleviation in arthritic patients. It also reduces inflammation in cases of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Arthritis patients may also feel neuropathic pain due to impingement of a nerve resulting from bone degeneration. As per a study published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medicine Sciences, ginkgo is a part of the list of anti-neuropathic pain herbs.
4. Bromelain
To help yourself or your parents with arthritis pain, you can use bromelain supplements. With technological advancements, scientists are trying to manage rheumatoid arthritis patients with nanostructured lipid-based bromelain extracts. A 2021 study suggests that the method and the use of bromelain have been effective.
As per a 2020 review, the collective use of bromelain and Boswellia serrata works wonderfully to improve the quality of life in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. The magical herbal supplements reduce joint pain and stiffness, thus letting the patient move freely and enjoy a better quality of life.
5. Thunder God Vine
Thunder god vine is God’s gift to rid you of inflammation and pain. According to a 2020 study, Tripterygium wilfordii hook or thunder god vine effectively reduces inflammation markers in RA cases. The herb has shown to be efficacious in slowing down inflammation and reducing pain.
This particular herb is now being considered an alternative medicine for treating rheumatoid arthritis based on its immense therapeutic properties. In a similar 2020 review, herbal medicines are considered as effective alternatives for managing psoriatic arthritis.
The oral usage of Tripterygium wilfordii is promoted for rheumatoid arthritis by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
6. Turmeric
The yellow herb is frequently used for treating the common cold, flu, and body aches. Warm milk with Haldi (turmeric) is a famous treatment modality for a number of maladies in South Asia.
This herb and ginger are collectively known as curcuminoids. Both herbs have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-biotic effects. As per a case report, supplementation with turmeric and vitamin D are good alternatives for treating psoriatic arthritis.
Turmeric exerts no negative effects on the liver while imparting positive effects on joint swelling. The role of curcumins in alleviating arthritis is appreciable and is identified by a 2019 study.
7. Ginger
Ginger is a part of Indian dishes. Curcuma longa has multiple health benefits. Maybe that is why the Indians and the Chinese use it regularly. When it comes to arthritis, ginger has proven to be an excellent pain-reliever.
According to research, ginger alters the expression of genes that cause inflammation, thus, bringing about pain relief in RA patients.
In a 2020 study, curcuminoids, i.e., ginger, turmeric are efficacious in the management of RA. in addition to these herbs, cinnamon and saffron supplementation had beneficial effects in reducing symptoms of the inflammatory disease.
Experts recognize the anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties of ginger in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
A 2020 review of 23 clinical trials found out that herbs (ginger, etc.) have impressive anti-inflammatory properties that lead to a decrease in the rate of tissue damage by rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
8. Glucosamine
Though not a herb, it is a part of supplements that play a crucial role in arthritis pain. The degeneration caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is slowed down and healed with glucosamine supplementation.
According to research, glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation slows down the progression of knee damage in arthritis patients.
As per a study, glucosamine and chondroitin are efficacious in acting as analgesics. In another study done on rats, it was found that glucosamine supplementation reduces inflammatory markers with rheumatoid arthritis.
9. Chondroitin
Just like glucosamine, chondroitin is a supplement that can help your joints heal from the degeneration caused by arthritis. NCCIH approves the use of glucosamine and chondroitin for healing joint cartilage.
The analgesic effect of chondroitin is similar to celecoxib. According to a study, combination therapy using glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate effectively alleviates pain in knee arthritis patients.
Keeping in mind the bone regenerative and healing impact of chondroitin, it is now being incorporated into the affected joint in the form of teriflunomide-loaded nanoliposomes.
Therefore, chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine supplementation will not only help in providing pain relief but will also aid in stopping the progression of the disease. According to a study, the combo increases mobility, reduces pain, and enhances arthritis patients’ functional capacity.
10.Cinnamon
Gouty arthritis is also a painful condition characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Cinnamon usage can improve symptoms in patients with gouty arthritis. According to a study, the herb limits the inflammatory process and provides pain relief.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease of the joints. As per a 2020 study, cinnamon effectively reduces the expression of proinflammatory molecules in auto-immune diseases. Therefore, you will see improvements in RA symptoms with this Asian spice.
Another study claimed that cinnamon consumption was linked to improved clinical symptoms in women suffering from RA.
11.Stinging nettle
Urtica dioica is a therapeutic herb that has many benefits. It is believed to have the potential to treat different forms of arthritis.
The leaves and roots of stinging nettle play a vital anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic role in RA patients. Therefore, the herb can be used in place of borax for the management of arthritis.
12.Thyme
Thymus vulgaris is known for its health benefits. Anti-inflammatory effects are one of the many effects it imparts. The spice has an impressive antimicrobial and antihyperglycemic effect. The herb can also effectively reduce inflammation, a study suggests.
Significant improvements were seen in RA patients that were given herbal medicines that included thyme, chamomile, ginger, and cinnamon. The study found out that all herbal medicines had potent anti-inflammatory effects.
The application of thyme paste to painful arthritic joints (in India) has also been shown to reduce arthritis pain effectively.
Lifestyle Modifications
In addition to dietary modifications, you can also adopt some lifestyle changes. You should abstain from borax usage and pay attention to the following steps:
1. Get A Massage
Massaging the painful area helps in reducing inflammation by increasing blood flow. As arthritis patients are faced with the issues of muscle rigidity, stiffness, and pain, massaging themself is difficult. Therefore, it is recommended to get a massage from a massage therapist to have better mobility of joints and muscles.
2. Add Light Exercises To Routine
Staying active is considered an important step in keeping up with arthritis (especially rheumatoid). You should add light exercises such as walking and light stretching. This stretches your joints and muscles and lets you improve joint mobility.
3. Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves the application of numerous very fine needles into the body. The procedure is painless and is deemed to have worked for many patients.
4. Hot/Cold Therapy
Applying ice or heat to the sore, painful joint has worked for many arthritis patients. You can also adopt this strategy to get pain relief.
Where Can I Find The Best Supplements?
You can get the best organic products at Beherbal.com. The Organic turmeric-curcuminpills will fill your body with turmeric and curcumin. The Joint support complex is rich in chondroitin and glucosamine, which shall quickly heal your joints, whereas the Ceylon cinnamon shall provide the best pain relief.
Conclusion
Borax is an antiseptic chemical present in nature. It is used for cleaning houses and removing bugs. The chemical causes eye irritations, skin toxicity, and even death if consumed. Therefore, you shouldn’t adopt the orthodox habit of using it for arthritis pain relief instead of lifestyle and dietary modifications.
Adding supplements such as ginkgo, turmeric, chondroitin, and cinnamon will help reduce arthritis symptoms with minimal side effects. Adding exercise and massage to your routine are also good steps in treating arthritis pain.
