Few products are as versatile, inexpensive, and effective as hydrogen peroxide. So, it is no wonder that most of us keep a bottle of it in our household remedy kit.
“Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid. It’s a combination of hydrogen and oxygen and is available in many strengths (indicated by the percentage of dilution with water).
One dilution of hydrogen peroxide is 35 percent H2O2 and 65 percent water. Food producers use 35 percent H2O2 for a variety of purposes, including processing cheese and bleaching wheat flour. It’s also used to kill microorganisms in food packaging materials.
This 35 percent dilution is called “food grade” in part because it doesn’t contain certain stabilizers:
- acetanilide
- phenol
- sodium stannate
- tetrasodium pyrophosphate
These stabilizers are found in most other commercially available hydrogen peroxide and should not be ingested.”
Most of its uses and health benefits are attributed to its powerful antimicrobial properties.
“There are a variety of home medical remedies based on dilutions of food grade hydrogen peroxide that, although unsupported by research, are suggested by some supporters of alternative medical treatments.
Some of its major health benefits include:
- Killing skin mites
- Relieving a sore throat
- Treating acne
- Softening corns and calluses
- Treating foot fungus
- Disinfecting cuts and scrapes
- Treating ear infections
The last one is probably its most outstanding benefit, though. Yes, hydrogen peroxide is indeed one of the most effective remedies when it comes to removing excess earwax and preventing ear infections.
Earwax is a substance naturally secreted by the body to keep the ears moist and lubricated. The ear removes the excess of it on its own, but if it beings to build up, hydrogen peroxide is the best way to get rid of it.
Instructions:
- Add 1-3 ml of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide in a syringe
- Tilt the head to the side and apply a couple of drops in the ear canal
- Then, press on the tragus to pump in the solution
- Tilt the had to the opposite side in order to drain the hydrogen peroxide
- Remove the earwax with a cotton swab
- Repeat the procedure with the other ear
In addition, 3% hydrogen peroxide can be used for external ear infection, also known as swimmer`s ear, which stems from inflammation of the outer ear. It is manifested by itching, redness, discharge of clear fluid, and pain.
To treat this type of infection, pour a few drops in the ear, tilt the head to one side, let it work for a couple of seconds, and drain it out. Remove the earwax with a cotton swab.
Note: Never use hydrogen peroxide internally as it can cause side effects like vomiting, irritations, abdominal pain, and burning.
