Evidence supporting the use of: Borax
For the health condition: Thrush
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Borax (sodium borate) has a long history of traditional use, particularly in homeopathic and folk medicine, for the treatment of oral thrush (candidiasis). In homeopathy, "Borax" is one of the remedies historically prescribed for mouth ulcers and thrush, especially in infants and children. The rationale within these traditions is based on symptom similarity and the principle of "like cures like," rather than direct pharmacological action. However, there is little to no robust scientific evidence to support the efficacy or safety of borax for thrush. Mainstream medical literature does not recommend borax as a treatment for oral candidiasis, instead favoring antifungal agents with proven effectiveness. Some laboratory studies have shown that borates can exert antifungal effects in vitro, but these concentrations are not directly translatable to safe or effective human use, and systemic toxicity is a concern. Overall, while there is a tradition—particularly within homeopathy—of using borax for thrush, the evidence is extremely weak and not supported by clinical trials or scientific consensus. Its use is not recommended in conventional medicine due to a lack of evidence and potential safety concerns.