2023-10-26 08:18:38
While most of us have already used hydrogen peroxide to cleanse a wound, few know that this natural and inexpensive solution, offers many unsuspected uses on the domestic level, but also for beauty and health. Overview of its possible uses and the precautions to follow.
If there was only one item to take to a desert island, it might be a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. His oxidizing, antiseptic and bleaching properties allow a large number of uses for the home, beauty and even health, with different concentrations and some precautions to respect.
As simple as it is versatile: what is hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless and slightly viscous solution composed of a water molecule to which an oxygen atom is added. Named in chemistry “hydrogen peroxide”, formulated H2O2, hydrogen peroxide is naturally produced in the bodyof any living being, as a by-product of cellular metabolism; it is also present in rainwater. It inhibits the synthesis of colored pigments, including melanin. This is why it can be used for hair lightening.
Hydrogen peroxide is used, more or less diluted and purified, in industry to whiten paper pulp, decontaminate electronic chips, sterilize food packaging, treat water or purify it (active oxygen from swimming pools and spas). It is also used as fuel to power planes and rockets, and as a component to make explosives. Indeed, at high concentrations, the product becomes very reactive and dangerous.
Hydrogen peroxide: what concentration should you choose for what use?
Hydrogen peroxide is sold in pharmacies, supermarkets or on the Internet at different concentration values: 10, 20 or 30 volumes, which correspond respectively to concentrations of 3%, 6% and 9% of hydrogen peroxide. The term “volume” means that one liter of solution can release 10, 20 or 30 liters of active oxygen respectively.
– has 10 volumeshydrogen peroxide is used for skin or dental care, locally as an antiseptic for wounds or small superficial burns,
– has 20 volumesit is used for hair care,
– has 30 volumeswhich has become caustic for the skin, it is used as a disinfectant, bleach or stain remover, but in no case to disinfect a wound.
Queen of the house: many underestimated domestic uses
In the whole house :
– All objects, from children’s toys to door handles and all other surfaces can be cleaned naturally with hydrogen peroxide if necessary.
– If hydrogen peroxide can be combined with other environmentally friendly household products (baking soda, black soap, coarse salt, coconut oil, etc.), it is imperative not to combine it with white vinegar ! Combined, they produce peracetic acid which is toxic to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
In the kitchen :
Hydrogen peroxide, pure or diluted in water, on a sponge or in a spray, allows:
– of disinfect just regarding everything, from utensils to sponges to the countertop and appliances, such as the refrigerator and dishwasher,
– to remove washing residues during a dishwasher cycle, by adding 5 cl of hydrogen peroxide to your washing product,
– of rinse your vegetables to fight once morest surface pathogens and increase their lifespan (diluted hydrogen peroxide, at a rate of 15 ml for 1 liter of water),
– to neutralize the smell of cat urine on a carpet or any other surface.
Nota : yes will then rinse thoroughly under running water any food or food-related object.
In the toilets and bathroom:
Hydrogen peroxide (30 volumes) is ideal in a vaporizer for:
– disinfect the toilet bowl,
– overcome mold in humid areas,
– clean your combs and hairbrushes, or even your toothbrush, of accumulated impurities.
To do this, leave it on for 30 minutes and wipe or rinse.
For laundry carethanks to its strong whitening power and diluted to 30 volumes, hydrogen peroxide is capable of:
– to rewhiten yellowed or tarnished laundry, but also a pair of white sneakers that have seen better days.
– to remove all kinds of stains (perspiration, wine, blood, ink, grass) on clothing or any other white fabric.
To do this, simply use it directly, leaving it for several hours, or mixed with detergent, in the detergent drawer of the washing machine (around 25 cl).
In the garden: three uses of hydrogen peroxide
– Soak your spring seeds regarding 30 minutes in hydrogen peroxide (10 volumes) before rinsing them and planting them, you This will accelerate their germination!
– Pour in equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide to water your houseplants, this will oxygenate their roots and they will give it back to you. This is particularly interesting in the event of excessive watering of plants, when the roots are suffocated and the soil is prone to the development of fungi.
– Spraytwice a week, a mixture of 4 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide diluted in 500 ml of water, on your plants or plants invaded by fungithey will quickly be rid of it.
Oxygenated water at 10 volumes in practice, for the body and health
Dull or yellowed nailsby tobacco for example:
First soak your nails in lukewarm water, then dab them with a little hydrogen peroxide on a cotton pad and rinse with water. They should thus regain their luster. However, do not repeat the operation too frequently.
Oral care and gingivitis :
Hydrogen peroxide has been used in dentistry for over 70 years. Studies show that it has a positive effect on dental plaque, gingival inflammation and bleeding. If the use of hydrogen peroxide at 3% (10 volumes) generally does not pose a problem (1)however, we consider that a dilution of 1.5% (i.e. half hydrogen peroxide at 10 volumes, half tap water) is preferable and safer if used regularly. (2). And monthly or bimonthly mouthwash diluting hydrogen peroxide, combined with bicarbonate and fine salt in equal parts, will be beneficial for gums prone to bleeding. Be careful not to ingest the mixture (and reserve it, for this reason, for adults). Hydrogen peroxide sanitizes and acts on the dental plaque (antibacterial effect), reduces bleeding and gingival inflammation ; while bicarbonate has a mechanical abrasive effect on plaque and food debris while regulating oral pH.
Teeth whitening :
Hydrogen peroxide combined with food-grade baking soda, all mixed with toothpaste, will potentiate this action without eroding dental enamel. However, it will be more or less effective depending on the yellowing of the teeth.
Prevent or dissolve an earwax blockage :
Once or twice a week, introduce, using a small ear bulb or a flexible syringe, a few drops of a mixture composed of lukewarm water and hydrogen peroxide into the ear canal in position lying on one side. Distribute it in the ear by gently pressing ten times on the cartilage, in order to circulate the liquid. The formation of oxygen bubbles is a sign that the solution is working. Wait three to five minutes, get up and clean the deposits with a clean tissue. If the blockage persists, repeat the operation for around fifteen days. Beyond that, contact a healthcare professional. Please note, this use is contraindicated in people equipped with hearing aids or suffering from a damaged eardrum!
Stop bleeding from superficial wounds :
Oxygenated water is hemostaticthat is to say it stops a slight flow of blood, by applying a soaked compress directly to the wound.
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Bacteria, viruses, fungi: how effective is hydrogen peroxide?
If it is difficult to validate the ancient precept according to which hydrogen peroxide in the ear helps fight colds, it was probably born from the real observation that this versatile substance has real virtues once morest infections. Oxygenated water has, in fact, the ability to kill or inhibit certain bacteria. As a general rule, it is more effective once morest so-called anaerobic bacteria (which cannot multiply in the presence of oxygen) and logically less effective once morest aerobic bacteria. Studies show its bactericidal activity, to varying degrees, once morest numerous strains (Staphylococus. aureus, Staphyloccocus. marcescens , Proteus is wonderful, Escherichia colicertain streptococci and pseudomonas) (3). The oxidizing effect of hydrogen peroxide also explains its inactivation of certain viruses on surfaces (avian flu, rubella, rabies, SARS, MERS, etc.) (4, 5)and its effect once morest certain fungi and yeasts.
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In addition, and this is less known, hydrogen peroxide can have a stimulating effect on local immunitybecause it activates the same signaling mechanisms in the body (Toll-like receptorsor TLR, transcription factor NF–κB) than certain viruses. As a result, the presence of hydrogen peroxide on a tissue encourages and promotes the local action of our white blood cells during an infection. It is for this property, as well as the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide once morest other coronaviruses, that five Italian researchers suggested in 2020 exploring a daring avenue (6). That of proposing daily use of hydrogen peroxide – in the form of gargling (3% hydrogen peroxide) and washing the nose with a nebulizer (1.5% hydrogen peroxide) – for people affected by Covid-10 from the appearance of their first symptoms. They anticipated that such a practice might significantly reduce complications of infection, although to our knowledge no clinical trials was subsequently carried out to verify their hypothesis.
More prosaically, hydrogen peroxide can be tested for example for relieve a sore throat emerging or help it pass by gargling, for as long as possible, with a bath consisting of a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in 80 ml of lukewarm water. If, in the hours that follow, no relief is noticeable, other natural responses exist (see below). But if the angina gets worse or you suspect angina of bacterial origin, consult quickly!
Likewise some skin fungal infections Athlete’s foot type can be treated, in combination or not with Betadine, by applying a compress impregnated with hydrogen peroxide daily until improvement. If you do not get the expected result following two weeks, this solution is not the right one.
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Skin, hair, hair: what are the benefits of hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is known to adolescents for dry up and remove acne pimples . If these are of bacterial and not hormonal origin, it is interesting to clean the pimples or pimple areas using a cotton swab or soaked cotton, then rinse with water. The tip will not resolve the root causes, but will avoid superinfections and associated inflammations.
Oxygenated water is bleaching of down, fur and hair . The result can be satisfactory for lightening unsightly hair, but it will be less so on dark hair that has become peroxidized. Hairdressing professionals use it to finish a perm or prepare an oxidation coloring.
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What are the precautions for using hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is slightly toxic, thanks to peroxidases, the most widespread enzymes in the living world which decompose it naturally. It can nevertheless induce irritant or caustic effects, when the dilution is not correct or it is used on the mucous membranes or in too large a quantity. It can potentially cause eczema or photosensitization, a skin reaction caused by interaction with other substances or sunlight. Keep hydrogen peroxide out of reach of children.
Cleaning wounds with hydrogen peroxide must be rapid, as it can damage the new cells produced by the body for healing. Do not leave hydrogen peroxide under an occlusive dressing but keep it in contact with the air. The solution should not come into contact with mucous membranes genitals and eyes. Also avoid breathing it for too long. On the other hand, the tingling sensation on the wounds and the whitish spots on contact with the fingers are not serious.
Ultimately, let yourself be surprised by the numerous antiseptic, disinfectant and whitening actions of hydrogen peroxide, whatever its dilution. Common and inexpensive, the solution has its place among your domestic alternatives but also in terms of health and beauty.
Under no circumstances can the information and advice offered on the Alternative Santé site replace a consultation or diagnosis made by a doctor or health professional, the only ones able to adequately assess your state of health.
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