Practical Practitioner

Hydrogen Peroxide Effective in Fighting Infections

DECEMBER 16, 2007 – Sometimes the old ways are the better ways. The use of hydrogen peroxide lost its appeal with the advent of antibiotics. Since that time there has been little financial interest in funding peroxide research. After all, it is cheap and not patenable. Now, with the concern of antibiotic overuse, the desire for natural or alternative cures for infections is paramount.

Hydrogen peroxide is odorless and colorless, but not tasteless. The intense bubbling you see when hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with a bacteria-laden cut or wound is the oxygen being released and bacteria being destroyed. The ability of our cells to produce hydrogen peroxide is essential for life.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is inexpensive, readily available & safe. It’s use orally and intravenously remains controversial. We are just beginning to learn exactly how hydrogen peroxide works. As far back as the 1920’s, H2O2 was used to treat pneumonia in the epidemic following World War I. In the 1940’s, Father Richard Willhelm, the pioneer in promoting peroxide use, reported on the compound being used extensively to treat everything from bacterial-related mental illness to skin disease and polio.

Many studies have shown that intravenous Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy will kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and has also been shown to destroy certain tumors. Although more research needs to be done, H2O2 can be considered a universal agent which can almost always be tried for an illness, often with notable success. While intravenous hydrogen peroxide therapy is difficult to obtain, there are a number of effective uses in treating a number of ailments.

There is no doubt that H2O2 is effective in treating infections topically.

For ear infections, you may also use 3% hydrogen peroxide and pour one teaspoon or two into your ear. Hydrogen Peroxide will zap any bacterial/parasites that do not belong in your ears. Hold it in for at least 15 – 20 minutes or at least until the fizzing sound stops.

H2O2 is effective in treating gum disease. Rub a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda into your gums two or three times a day. As a mouthwash, gargle straight out of the bottle. It’s extremely effective for “bad breath”.

Did you know that you can use H2O2 to treat sinus infections and sore throats? Hydrogen peroxide is a natural antibacterial agent. It has the ability to cure various infections. Try this for your next sinus infection: Use a dropper bottle to apply five drops of 3% H2O2 to each nostril twice a day. Sniff the peroxide which will cause a burning sensation.

For sore throats, gargle with 3% H2O2 several times a day as needed to provide quick, effective relief.

Some reports recommend that hydrogen peroxide diluted with water acts as a local antibacterial agent when administered via nebulizer for the treatment of bronchitis or pneumonia.

The use of hydrogen peroxide in fighting infections is worth further investigation. Peroxide has been used to treat a multitude of conditions since the 1920’s. Could this be the answer to antibiotic resistance today?

Pamela Egan, FNP-C, CDE is a board certified Adult & Family Nurse Practitioner, Certified Diabetes Educator & Clinical Specialist in Mental Health. She practices in Women’s Health with Kathy Posey, MD & can be reached at 985-867-1700 or www.pamelaegan.com.

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