Suddh Suahaga

Suddh Suahaga is the purified form of suhaga, the common Hindi name for borax. In Ayurvedic and Rasa Shastra literature, it is known as Tankana. Chemically, it is sodium tetraborate, usually the decahydrate, a boron-containing mineral salt. It is found in dried lake beds and mineral deposits, historically in the Tibetan plateau, Ladakh and parts of the Himalaya, and it must be purified through shodhana before any medicinal use.

In Ayurveda, Tankana is generally described as pungent (katu) and astringent (kashaya) in taste, light and dry in quality, and hot (ushna) in potency, and it is traditionally considered to reduce Kapha. Because it is heating and drying, it was traditionally used in small, purified amounts within compound formulations rather than on its own.

Note: Borax can be toxic if swallowed and can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Suspected ingestion or significant exposure requires prompt poison-information or emergency medical advice.

Suddh Suahaga is known by several names.

• Sanskrit / Ayurvedic: Tankana
• Hindi: Suhaga, suddh suhaga
• English: Purified borax, sodium tetraborate
• Chemical name: Sodium tetraborate decahydrate

Suddh Suahaga is purified borax, a salt of boron. It occurs in more than one form, depending on how much water is held in the crystal.

• Anhydrous sodium tetraborate
• Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate
• Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (the common form)

Borax has a high boron content, with the decahydrate form containing about 11% boron by weight. Any medicinal use in Ayurveda requires purification (shodhana) first.

Suddh Suahaga uses are great because of its high boron concentration. It has been a naturally occurring mineral in traditional medicine systems for centuries and has been used as a remedy for various illnesses, making it a worthy treatment option.

1. Useful in Arthritis

Studies also show that people with arthritis have lower levels of boron in the bones and synovial fluid. Including boron may even improve the digestibility and metabolism of calcium; they may make the bones and joints stronger. Daily boron intake tends to result in better joint mobility and less inflammation, making arthritis and the pains it causes bearable.

2. Heals Swollen Throat, Mouth, and Tongue Sores

Topical borax applications also provide relief to a variety of conditions affecting the oral cavity. Borax paste mixed with ingredients such as Cinnabaris and Borneolum is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where people can eliminate the pain and inflammation in their mouth and throat sores. Apart from aiding in quicker healing, this remedy offers relief during meals, helping contain oral diseases.

3. Relief from Painful, Swollen Red Eye

Suddh Suahaga benefits are also seen as helpful in eye drops, especially in managing eye redness and swelling. These drops offer quick relief from pain and inflammation and guard against infections and soreness due to contact with irritants or allergens. Due to its soothing effects, boron is an essential ingredient in many ocular remedies.

4. Manages Menstrual Problems

Borax has been seen to have the capacity to manage menstrual problems, especially Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It also aims to normalise hormonal function, thus removing conditions associated with increased body temperature – ‘hot flushes’, and painful menstruation. Hormonal fluctuations can cause several natural symptoms for the post-menopausal woman, and boron is used to help stabilize these hormones.

5. Helps Manage Urinary Infections

Borax inhibits microorganisms and is an effective drug in managing urinary tract infections. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is an alternative remedy for painful urinary symptoms; it helps to avert stone formulation within the urinary tract. For this reason, it becomes very vital for any individual with urinary dysfunction problems.

6. Increases testosterone Levels

Boron naturally supports testosterone levels in males, improving muscle mass and athletic performance. Boron supplementation has been popular among athletes and bodybuilders looking to optimize their physical capabilities and recovery processes.

7. Management for Inflammation of the Uterus

For a woman suffering from an inflammation of the womb, some comfort may be gained with a warm borax bath. Douching with a borax solution may also manage some symptoms, such as sexual pain and leucorrhea. This application generally supports overall reproductive health, comfort, and quality of life.

8. Supports Healthy Skin

Suddh Suahaga is beneficial for skin treatment. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal content helps ease skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Applying the above as a topical application, Suddh Suahaga has all the properties to remove redness, inflammation, and any form of skin irritation, thus enhancing skin complexion. 

It also has a property that inhibits bacterial growth and hence can be used in treating afflicted skin. It also has properties that enhance the rapid healing of injuries, cuts, and sore skin. Also, regular suddh suahaga protects the skin from dryness by balancing the skin’s pH level.

9. Improves Bone Density

Boron is a micronutrient that helps to assimilate essential macrominerals, including calcium and magnesium, necessary for bone density. Intake of boron-containing supplements like tankan bhasma helps maintain strong bones, a factor that makes the mineral helpful to post-menopausal women since they have a higher tendency to develop osteoporosis. It also helps keep the integrity of bones; clients with disorders affecting their bones, such as osteoporosis and bone fractures, will significantly benefit. 

Thus, boron helps the body retain calcium, making bones strong regardless of the person’s age. Because of its contribution to the creation of bone tissue and the mending of damaged tissue, it significantly contributes to the health of bone tissue in the long run.

10. Boosts Antioxidant Defence

Boron contributes to the body’s antioxidant defence system by enhancing the activity of certain enzymes responsible for neutralising free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative damage to cells, leading to premature ageing and chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disorders. 

By promoting the production of antioxidants, boron helps protect the body from the harmful effects of oxidative stress. This mineral also works synergistically with vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and magnesium, further bolstering the body's ability to fight toxins and maintain overall health and well-being.

• Never self-medicate: Borax is toxic if taken in excess. Use it only if a registered Ayurvedic physician has prescribed it, at the amount and for the time they specify.
• Pregnancy and fertility: Borax and other borates are classified as reproductive toxicants that may damage fertility and the unborn child (ECHA, 2018). Avoid it in pregnancy, when planning a pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.
• Risk of poisoning: Swallowing a large amount can cause borax poisoning, which may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Severe poisoning can cause serious organ damage and neurological complications and may be life-threatening. Keep it out of the reach of children.
• Long-term use: Repeated use can increase exposure to boron and may cause harmful effects, so it should not be taken for long periods.
• Kidney disease: People with kidney problems should not use Suddh Suahaga without medical supervision.
• Not for food: Borax must never be used as a food ingredient or preservative.

Suddh Suahaga does not have a safe self-administered dose. Because borax is toxic, the dose, form and duration of use must be decided by a registered Ayurvedic physician for each person, and it should only be used as part of a prescribed formulation. Do not take it on your own, and do not give it to children.
 

Borax can cause harmful effects, particularly with excessive exposure or ingestion. Report any of the following to your doctor.

Stomach and digestive upset

Borax can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea.

Skin and eye irritation

Contact with borax, especially in concentrated or undiluted form, can cause burning, redness and irritation of the skin and eyes.

Signs of toxicity

Fatigue, headache, skin rash and, in more serious cases, kidney or nervous system effects can occur with excess or prolonged exposure. Stop use and seek medical care if these appear.

1. Blood thinners (anticoagulants/antiplatelets)

No specific interaction between Suddh Suahaga and anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines has been established. However, because borax is toxic (ATSDR, 2010) and evidence on its use alongside medicines is limited, people taking medicines such as warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel should inform their doctor before using it.

2. Other mineral- or metal-based Ayurvedic formulations (Rasa Aushadhis)

Combining multiple Bhasma or Rasa preparations, including those containing other purified metals or minerals, without professional guidance may increase overall exposure to mineral substances. This is a general precaution with mineral-based Ayurvedic formulations rather than a specific drug interaction with Suddh Suahaga.

3. Kidney (renal) function and nephrotoxic drugs

Borates are absorbed and eliminated mainly through the kidneys (ATSDR, 2010). High exposure to boron compounds can affect the kidneys, and serious poisoning has been associated with kidney injury (ATSDR, 2010). Because of this, people with existing kidney disease or those taking medicines that can affect kidney function should consult their doctor before using Suddh Suahaga. A specific interaction between Suddh Suahaga and these medicines has not been established.

4. Immunosuppressant medications

No specific interaction between Suddh Suahaga and immunosuppressant medicines has been established. However, because evidence on interactions with mineral-based Ayurvedic formulations is limited, people taking immunosuppressants should inform both their Ayurvedic practitioner and treating doctor before use.

5. Fertility and hormonal treatments

Suddh Suahaga should not be used without medical advice in people who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or undergoing fertility treatment, because borates are classified as reproductive toxicants (ECHA, 2010) . If you are taking hormonal or fertility medicines, inform your treating doctor and Ayurvedic practitioner so that all treatments can be considered together.

Storage of Suddh Suahaga

Store Suddh Suahaga in a clearly labelled, airtight container in a cool, dry place. Keep it well out of the reach of children and pets, and away from any food, because borax is toxic if swallowed.

• Suddh Suahaga is purified borax (Tankana), a boron-containing mineral used traditionally in Ayurveda.
• After purification, it has traditionally been used in small amounts within prescribed formulations, mainly for throat, cough and oral complaints, and as an external antiseptic.
• Borax is toxic. It is classified as a reproductive toxicant and can cause poisoning if swallowed in excess.
• It should not be self-administered, should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and should be kept out of reach of children.
• Any use should be prescribed and supervised by a registered Ayurvedic physician.