A viral claim to Pakistani Social Media suggests that consuming the industrial chemical borax on an empty stomach for three days has several health benefits, such as the treatment of asthma, relief of constipation and purification of the digestive system.

Borax, also known as sodium carriage, is a white powdery substance that is often used in household cleaners.

This claim is false and potentially dangerous.

Assertion

On March 5, a Facebook user shared a long post promoting Borax consumption, claiming it can cleanse the intestines and prevent disease.

“Take the RS20 worth of Suhaaga (Borax), crush it, then heat it on a saucepan until it releases water and expand, ”reads the insert, adding that the mixture should be stored in an airtight container.

“This simple remedy is said to clean the gut, relieve constipation and clear any accumulated waste in the digestive system,” it adds.

The post has been shared over 2,000 times and received 234 comments.

Similar allegations were also shared hereAt here and here.

Fact

Three medical experts and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have strongly warned against taking Borax.

Dr. Muhammad Iftikhar Yousaf, assistant professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at the Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences in Lahore, told GEO FACT CHECK This borax is not intended for internal use.

“It is used primarily as a chemical in soaps and detergents,” he said. “Although there have been some studies of its potential anti -inflammatory properties, these are not well established, and there is no evidence -based data to support its use in bowel health.”

Dr. Yousaf also warned that using Borax as a laxative can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and in severe cases kidney failure.

DR Hyder Abbasi, consultant gastroenterologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, added that there is no recommendation in modern medicine for use Suhaaga (Borax) to improve digestive health.

While Professor Tariq Baloch, consultant gastroenterologist at Shaikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore, also said there is no documented evidence to support claims that Borax helps cleanse the gut or prevent illness.

Separately, the European Food Safety Authority has also evaluated sodium tetraborate (Borax) and found that its use as a food additive affected the male reproductive system in rats, mice and dogs.

The report can be read here.

Judgment There is no scientific or medical evidence to support the claim that Borax has any health benefits when consumed. Health experts warn that ingestion of Borax can be toxic and pose serious risks to the kidneys and the reproductive system.