Boron (B)
Also known as: Element 5 on the Periodic Table.
Boron was discovered in 1808. Boron is made by combining boric acid and potassium.
Boron is used to produce borax, which is used in laundry products and insecticides.
Home Remedies using Boron:
Benefits and Uses of Boron:
Boron is used as a natural cure to treat arthritis as well as other illnesses.
Borax is used in laundry products and as a mild antiseptic.
Studies conclusively prove that levels of estrogen, testosterone, estradol, vitamin D, and other steroid based hormones dramatically increased with the addition of Boron to the diet.
It was also shown that individuals from areas in which the soil is boron rich showed lower bone based dysfunction such as osteoarthritis.
Borax is packaged as an additive for laundry and a cleaning agent known to be affective in freshening and cleaning.
Water containing boron, boron supplements, or fruits and vegetables containing boron can be taken.
It has also been postulated that bathing in boron rich water, often found in spas, can enhance the absorption and use of calcium in the body to alleviate problems such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
Side Effects of Boron:
Boron is potentially toxic, although humans tend to rapidly excrete it and therefore boron does not usually accumulate in high levels.
In adults, it is believed that adverse reactions in doses below 10 milligrams of boron per day are less likely to occur, and there are few reports of toxicity. Large doses may result in acute poisoning.
Boron toxicity may cause skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache. Low blood pressure and metabolic changes in the blood (acidosis) have been reported. Agitation and irritability, or weakness, lethargy, depression may occur. Fever, hyperthermia, tremors and seizure have been reported.
Based on animal study, excess amounts of boron ingestion have been shown to cause testicular toxicity, decreased sperm motility, and reduced fertility. Hair loss has been reported with boron poisoning.
Chronic boron exposure may cause dehydration, seizures, low red blood cell count, as well as kidney or liver damage.
Boron is proposed to increase blood levels of estrogen and testosterone, with mixed results of research.
Boron may be associated with reduced blood levels of calcitonin, insulin, or phosphorus, and with increased levels of vitamin D2, calcium, copper, magnesium, or thyroxine.
Exposure to boric acid or boron oxide dust can cause eye irritation, dryness of the mouth or nose, sore throat, and productive cough.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend the safe use of boron during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Interactions of Boron with other Herbs:
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods.
You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.
