Can Bathing in Borax Really Cure Inflammation, Pain, and Toxins? Expert Shares: Is It Safe?

Every few months, a new wellness trend sweeps social media, while some of them are effective and harmless, others are questionable, and a few make the doctors genuinely concerned. The latest to enter that list is something called a borax bath. This wellness trend is making people dissolve borax powder in bathwater with the belief that it may cure inflammation, relieve chronic pain, and flush toxins from the body. The idea sounds so straightforward, soothing, but is it actually safe?

To get to the bottom of this trend, we spoke to Dr Sarika N Holla, Consultant General Physician, Kinder Hospitals, Bangalore, who explained to us what borax is and why using it on your skin, especially in bath form, may do more harm than good. Read ahead to find out.

What is Borax?

Borax, or sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral. But natural does not automatically mean safe to apply or soak in. “It is used in cleaning agents, industries, and certain cosmetic items in low concentration,” said Dr Holla. In other words, borax is common in detergents, insecticides, disinfectants, and sometimes in skincare, but always in strictly controlled, minimal amounts.

Yet that industrial cleaning compound has been co-opted by the wellness community and rebranded as a DIY cure-all, which experts caution against.

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Why Are People Bathing in Borax?

Most claims about borax baths include the mineral's ability to detox the body, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Others even go so far as calling it a cure for chronic conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

But the truth is, there is no scientific evidence that bathing in borax takes away toxins from the body or treats inflammation. The body has its own detox organs like the liver and kidneys, and they do this job far better than any powder in a bathtub ever could.

Is a Borax Bath Actually Safe?

The short answer would be no. Dr Holla clarified that borax is not for soaking nor for extended skin contact. "It is not safe as it can irritate, peeling of skin, allergic reactions, rashes and/or redness. It can even irritate eyes," she warned.

This means that even mild exposure can leave skin feeling raw, itchy, or inflamed, just opposite of what most people would expect. But the risks do not stop there.

High exposure or repeated use can be hazardous. Dr. Holla added, "High doses and exposure can even cause systemic absorption and lead to health issues like nausea, vomiting, and even kidney damage."

And that’s just through the skin. Accidental ingestion of bora, something that becomes very possible during a bath, can have serious consequences. “Even consumption of borax is considered unsafe,” she emphasised.

Why is Borax Still Trending?

Wellness trends tend to go viral because they offer quick fixes. When someone tells you that all it takes is a bath to erase lifelong pain or remove toxins, it's tempting to believe them. But viral doesn't mean verified.

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Health professionals consistently warn that anything that claims to detox your body from the outside is likely misleading. And, when the ingredient is as harsh as borax, it becomes a matter of safety, not self-care.

Is There a Safer Alternative to Borax?

If your goal is to relax muscle tension, reduce inflammation, or simply relax, here are some safer, doctor-approved options:

• Epsom salt baths for muscle soreness
• Warm water soaks relieve stress
• Topical anti-inflammatory gels
• Gentle skincare products intended for sensitive skin
• Medical consultation for chronic pain or inflammation

“Your body deserves care, not chemicals meant for cleaning floors and factories,” Dr Holla concluded.

Bottomline

Borax baths are not safe, not scientifically supported, and not recommended. If you're looking for pain relief or anti-inflammation, stick with treatments that were designed for the human body, not industrial cleaners.