Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy Uses

Hydrogen peroxide has the same chemical structure as water, except for an extra molecule of oxygen. It is colorless and odorless but can explode when combined with combustibles. Therefore, proper storage is vital. Hydrogen peroxide comes in several different grades.

Hydrogen peroxide therapy is an alternative medical treatment that is usually administered orally or intravenously. Less commonly, it is used rectally, vaginally, as eardrops, as a nasal spray, or as a body soak.

Cancer and Tumors

• Some believe hydrogen peroxide therapy can treat cancer and tumors. Those that promote this treatment believe that while chemotherapy and radiation treatment kill non-infected cells in the brain, hydrogen peroxide does not. Part of the rationale by advocates of the therapy is that tumors and cancers thrive in environments that have limited oxygen available. They believe that introducing additional oxygen, such as in the form of hydrogen peroxide, the cancer or tumors will be unable to thrive and will even be reduced or disappear.

  According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), hydrogen peroxide and other oxygen-based therapies have not been scientifically proven to help treat cancer or tumors. Patient deaths have been reported as a result of this treatment. The ACS explains that raising the oxygen level in the area of a tumor is difficult because blood supply to the area is usually lower than in other parts of the body. When combined with radiation therapy, however, the ACS admits that some patients benefited from hydrogen peroxide therapy and some did not.

Lung Diseases

• Proponents of hydrogen peroxide therapy recommend the treatment for most lung diseases. Intravenous hydrogen peroxide treatment is recommended for emphysema. When administered by infusion, the hydrogen peroxide is believed by some to cleanse the inner lining of the lungs and aid the breathing process.

  Those that promote hydrogen peroxide therapy explain that the release of toxins and bacteria from the body can cause kidney pain or discomfort, fatigue, cold or flu symptoms, headache, diarrhea and skin outbreaks.

  Hydrogen peroxide therapy is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA considers H2O2 a drug when it is administered intravenously.

  Further warnings include the danger of oxygen bubbles in the blood when hydrogen peroxide is used intravenously, allergic reactions to hydrogen peroxide, and unknown effects on the fetuses of pregnant women.

Household Remedies

• Hydrogen peroxide therapies also exist for removing ear wax, healing wounds, preventing the flu, building stamina in athletes, treating colds, healing acne, and pain relief. Advocates of hydrogen peroxide therapy believe it helps rid the body of excess bacteria, toxins, fungus, viruses, metals and pollutants that is not expelled through breathing.