The Benefits of Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

Q: Do you sell food grade hydrogen peroxide?  What is it good for?  Is it really any different from the little brown bottles for sale at the pharmacy?

A: We do sell 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide. Food grade hydrogen peroxide has innumerable uses though it is important to dilute it first. It can be used as a completely non-toxic household cleanser, as a fruit and vegetable wash, throat spray, mouthwash, facial toner, and even internally to detoxify the body. 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide is very strong and MUST be diluted before use. 

Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria and viruses by destroying their cell walls, then that hydrogen peroxide breaks down into simple oxygen and water, with no chemical residues left behind. 

I love to spray it on my countertops, cutting board, garbage can, and anywhere else that seems germy. Hydrogen peroxide is odorless and after it does its antibacterial work, leaves nothing behind but oxygen and water, so it’s completely safe to use around children and pets.

Conventional hydrogen peroxide sold at grocery stores and pharmacies contain stabilizers, metals, and additives to make it last longer on the shelf. Our food grade hydrogen peroxide is 100% pure and should be refrigerated since it does not have added preservatives. 

When used as a household cleanser (diluted to a 3% solution), hydrogen makes a wonderful germicide. It does need some time to work however, about 6 minutes according to the CDC. I find the best way to use is to give countertops or other surfaces a quick spray and then let it sit. 

Food grade hydrogen peroxide is great for cleaning, but it also has benefits for internal use. When hydrogen peroxide is taken internally, it can increase oxygen levels in the body. 

Pathogens in the human body are primarily anaerobic, meaning that they cannot survive in oxygen rich environments. Many naturopaths recommend food grade hydrogen peroxide as a therapy for a number of ailments, including its benefit as a possible cancer therapy.

In the case of hydrogen peroxide, more is not necessarily better, and it is crucial to use the correct dilution. We have a wonderful, free hydrogen peroxide booklet at the store which gives the daily dilutions best used for an internal detox regimen. Just stop in and ask and we’d be happy to give you one. 

Hydrogen peroxide is wonderful for all so many things, I’d definitely recommend getting some! Again, proper dilution is extremely important. To make a 3% solution, which is suitable for topical, oral, or household use, combine 1 ounce of 35% hydrogen peroxide with 11 ounces of purified or distilled water. The easiest way I’ve found to do this is to combine 2 tablespoons of 35% hydrogen peroxide in a glass measuring cup. Adding water to the 1 ½ measuring line will make the 12 ounces from the recipe above.

Hydrogen peroxide should be used in a dark colored bottle since it degrades in sunlight. We have a wide selection of amber glass bottles that are perfect for using for hydrogen peroxide dilutions, from throat spray size bottles to 8 and 16 oz. glass amber spray bottles for making your own cleaning products. I made a hydrogen peroxide throat spray that I have on my bathroom counter using a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide in one of our 2 oz. amber glass spray bottles mixed with several drops of peppermint oil. It gives you a burst of fresh breath and also helps to kill any bacteria lingering in the back of the throat. 

NOTE: 35% Hydrogen Peroxide is highly concentrated and extremely strong. Keep out of the reach of children. If it is spilled on the skin, wash immediately in cold water. Do not allow it to touch the eyes, if this happens, wash and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Store 35% H202 in the refrigerator or freezer. It will add to the longevity and will not freeze.

To make 3% H202, mix one ounce of 35% food grade to 11 ounces of distilled water (preferably) or filtered water.

Personal Uses for H202

Athlete’s Foot: Soak feet 10-20 minutes each night in 3% H202 until condition is in remission.

Bath: Add one cup of 35% hydrogen peroxide to a full bathtub for a detoxifying bath. Note: try not to use this after 6-7pm as the increased absorbed oxygen may give you extra energy.

Douche: Add five to six tablespoons 3% H202 to one quart of distilled of filtered water.

Enema: Mix up to six tablespoons (maximum) 3% H202 to one quart of distilled water.

Foot relaxer: Add one cup of 3% H202 to one gallon of hot water and soak one half hour.

Shower: Spray after showering, with 3% H202 to restore the natural acid mantle of the skin. (Soap used in the shower removes the protective acid mantle of the skin.)

Facial: For rejuvenation and freshening after washing, saturate a cotton wad with 3% H202 and gently rub on face and neck.

Mouthwash: On arising rinse mouth with water then gargle and wash mouth with 3% H202, swishing for one half to one minute. (Note: a dash of chlorophyll adds flavor and effectiveness.) Helps prevent colds.

Nasal Spray: One tablespoon of 3% H202 added to one cup of pure water. Spray into nasal passages to relieve congestion.

Toothpaste: Make a paste of baking soda and H202 and store in tightly sealed container or dip brush in 3% H202 and brush teeth.

Denture Soak: Use 3% in denture container and soak 30 to 60 minutes or overnight.

Deodorant: (Body) Saturate cotton wad with 3% H202 and rub on under arms.

Additional Uses For Hydrogen Peroxide

Pets: Add one ounce 3% to one quart drinking water.

Vaporizer: One ounce of 35% H202 per gallon of water in a vaporizer improves nighttime breathing and helps clear sinus and bronchial congestion.

Vegetable Soak: (in place of Clorox.) Add ¼ cup of 3% H202 to a gallon of cold water. Soak light leafy vegetables 15-20 minutes. Soak thick skinned fruits and vegetables for 30 minutes (apples, cucumbers, tomatoes & etc.) If time is a problem, you can spray the vegetables with straight 3% let stand a couple of minutes, rinse and dry.

Leftover Tossed Salad: Put 1 Tbsp. 3% in ½ cup of water and spray the top of the salad with the solution before covering and refrigerating.

Marinade: In glass, stainless steel or ceramic casserole dish (never aluminum), place meat, poultry or fish and cover with 3% H202. Cover loosely and store in refrigerator one half to one hour. Rinse well then cook.

Kitchen Cleaner, Freshener, Disinfectant: Keep a spray bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide in the kitchen, use it to wipe off counter tops and appliances. It disinfects and gives the kitchen a fresh smell. Works great inside the refrigerator and on surfaces.

Dishwasher: Add two to three ounces of 3% H202 to regular wash for dishes. Add the same for washing dishes in sink.

Laundry: Instead of bleach, add six ounces of 3% of H202 to small load of laundry: eight ounces to large load.

Mold: Spray or wash well with 3% H202, floors, walls and furniture as allowed. Wipe dry with cloth if to damp. If problem is real bad in a room, use humidifier with ½ cup of 35% to 2 gallon of water. (Note: Molds and mildews are a major cause of allergies, colds, bronchial and flu sensitivities: general malaise, breathing problems and low energy.)

Insect Spray: In one gallon water stir 8 ounces (one cup) refined white sugar and 5 to 8 ounces of 3% H202.

House & Garden plants (for growth): To one quart add one ounce 3% H202 or 16 drops of 35% H202. Mist and or water plants frequently.

Hot Tubs: Start up with using 8 ounces (one cup) 35% per 500 gallons of water. Should be maintained with 2-4 ounces of 35% weekly, depending on use and direct sunshine on water. Use in place of chlorine.

Accidents can occur with hydrogen peroxide concentrate when safety precautions are not taken and directions are not followed. For this reason, we want to stress some safety and storage tips. Read them carefully and review the way you handle the concentrate to determine whether changes must be made with your handling procedure.

1. Keep hydrogen peroxide concentrate out of the reach of children.

2. Never transfer the concentrate into unlabeled or improperly labeled containers.

3. If hydrogen peroxide concentrate is accidentally spilled on the skin, flush the area immediately with running water.

4. If undiluted 35% hydrogen peroxide concentrate is accidentally ingested, drink large amounts of water to dilute. Stay upright and contact your doctor. It could be toxic or fatal if swallowed at full strentgh.

5. For spillage of hydrogen peroxide concentrate, dispose of according to Federal, State and local regulations.

Flush the spill area with water. Do not return the spilled material to the original container. Prevent undiluted hydrogen peroxide from entering into the sewage system. Report spills in compliance with Federal, State or local regulations.

Large quantities, such as drums, should be stored in a cool, dry area. When concentrations of hydrogen peroxide come in contact with organic materials, this may form explosive mixtures (spontaneous combustion).

Small quantities of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide should be stored in the freezer over-wrapped with black plastic and labeled as to contents. Thirty-five percent food grade hydrogen peroxide will not freeze unless the temperature is 33 degrees below zero.

Low concentrations, such as 3% or 6% would freeze, so freezer storage is not recommended. Store properly labeled containers in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.

See the link below to download a booklet from our Hydrogen Peroxide distributor about Hydrogen Peroxide Uses and dilutions:

Hydrogen Peroxide Booklet

This article makes no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate, or cure diseases with any advice or products. Any health related information in this article is for educational purposes only. The ultimate responsibility for your choices and their effect on your health are yours and before applying any therapy or use of herbs, supplements, etc., you should consult your health care provider.

Healthy Q & A: Keeping Kids Healthy This Winter

Q:  My son is in kindergarten and has been sick again and again this winter. Is there anything I can give him that’s safe for children but might help him to stay healthy?  He’s missed a bunch of school already and it’s been pretty awful.

A: Schools can be an absolute breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Kids are exposed to so many germs at school, and since they are often touching their mouths and noses, it’s no wonder they get sick so frequently.

There are a number of supplements which are great for adults for boosting the immune system, though it can be more difficult for children, particularly since I’d err on the side of caution with giving many supplements to children. There are several supplements however, which are safe for children to take and can make a big difference in their immune systems.

The first thing I’d recommend is vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for the immune system (and for building strong bones). The body manufactures vitamin D from skin exposure to sunlight, something which doesn’t happen much in the winter. Vitamin D has been researched extensively for its benefits to the immune system. One study found that children who supplemented with excess vitamin D had half as many colds as those who remained deficient in the vitamin. Another study found that it reduced the incidence of the flu when compared with children who did not supplement with the vitamin.

Probiotics are another supplement which are wonderful for the immune system.  Probiotics are the good bacteria found in the intestines.  They are most commonly known for their benefits to digestion, but they can also be very beneficial to the immune system.  One recent study found that school children who took a probiotic along with vitamin C had 33% fewer upper respiratory infections and missed 30% fewer days of school than children who took a placebo. 

The last supplement I’d recommend is elderberry syrup. Elderberry has been researched with impressive results for its antiviral properties, particularly for the flu virus. It can be taken as a preventative measure or for intensive use if a child does get sick. In clinical trial of elderberry syrup, it found that elderberry cured 90% of flu infections after 72 hours.  In the same trial, the patients receiving a placebo needed six days for recovery.

All three of the above mentioned supplements are completely safe for children to use, and are available in chewables, or in the case of elderberry syrup, a great tasting liquid.

One other thing I’d mention are essential oils.  In the past I was rather skeptical about the supposed benefits of essential oils beyond them being nice smelling.  In my research however, I’ve found numerous clinical studies reporting on the legitimate benefits of essential oils.  

There are quite a few essential oils which have very potent antibacterial properties. I would not recommend ingesting essential oils, but rather to use a diffuser to disperse them into the air. Cinnamon, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and tea tree are just a few that have been shown in scientific research to reduce airborne bacteria when diffused into the air. Eucalyptus oil is also great during cold season since it helps to open the sinuses and breathing passages.

We sell essential oils, essential oil diffusers, and all the supplements listed above at Pass Health Foods. Stop by and we’ll help to find the product that’s right for you.

Supplement Spotlight: Immune Supplements

We have officially moved into colder weather, and the warm days of fall are behind us.  With the cold weather comes illness- it seems everyone is sick lately.  One of the best things is to wash hands frequently, and try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. 

The only other way to increase the odds that you will stay healthy is to boost the immune system.  Luckily, there are a number of very effective immune boosters which can go a long way to help your body to win the fight against bacteria and viruses.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is great for the immune system and a host of other body processes, most notably bone health (here’s a link to a list of some of the latest research).  Studies have shown that higher levels of vitamin D can actually have a positive effect on genes which modulate immune response, and help the body to fight off illness more effectively.  In the past, most people would only take 400IUs per day of vitamin D, but new research is recommending 2000IUs (or even more who have low blood levels) per day for maximum health.  Vitamin D should be taken with food for best absorption.  The body can manufacture vitamin D from the sun, but since most people are indoors in the cold weather, they aren’t able to make the amounts needed for optimal health.

Probiotics

I love probiotics.  They’re best known for their benefits to digestion, but they can also be very helpful for the immune system.  Something many people don’t realize is that it’s estimated that 60-70% of our body’s immune system is in the gut, as a vast network of lymph tissue that works to prime the body against harmful bacteria.  Probiotics are particularly nice since they can be taken by people who may be unable to take herbal immune boosters, like pregnant women and children.

Mushrooms

Mushroom extracts are very popular for immune support in Asia and have been used for many years; they are only just beginning to become well known in the US.  The two I would most recommend are AHCC and beta glucan.  AHCC helps to enhance the activity of our body’s NK cells, the “natural killer” cells, which are the first to launch an attack on foreign bacteria and viruses.  NK cells also can help to destroy tumors and virus infected cells, because of which it is a popular anti-cancer therapy.  Beta glucan, another mushroom extract (though it can also be made from yeast extracts), works similarly to AHCC, activating NK cells and stimulating the immune system.   It is also taken by many cancer patients since it may inhibit and reduce proliferation. 

When I start to feel sick, mushroom extracts like AHCC and beta glucan are the first things I take, and I really do think they make a difference.

Elderberry Syrup

Black elderberry syrup, also known as Sambucus, is a fantastic supplement to have in your arsenal in the colder months.  Compounds in elderberry have been shown to help fight colds and flu- I actually wouldn’t say that there is a better supplement to fight the flu virus.  Research has suggested that it works to “short circuit” the flu virus, and clinical studies have been very impressive with its results.  In two different recent studies, participants who took elderberry syrup recovered from the flu virus significantly faster than placebo groups, one study showing that participants were symptom free after only two days.  Also, elderberry syrup is delicious so it’s an easy supplement to take (it’s also great for kids).

There are many of other very effective immune boosting supplements, oregano oil, olive leaf, astragalus, and more.  We also especially love the immune formula by Irwin Naturals called Immuno Shield.  It is one of the most complete immune complexes available, combining a list of very well researched ingredients to help you to stay healthy.  Almost all of us at the store take it preventatively during cold and flu season. 

These are a few of our favorite things.. Florajen 4 Kids

This month’s “Pass Favorite” is Florajen 4 Kids, Liz’s favorite.  She says she chose it because of how dramatically it had changed her children’s immune systems.  Both of her kids, Henry, age , and Lily, age , were always getting sick.  Her son would be on antibiotics a few times a year, and her daughter was having bouts of headaches and stomachaches a couple of times each week.  She says, “Once they starting taking it every day, I noticed how much less they were getting sick.  Lily rarely has stomachaches anymore, and only the occasional headache, and Henry has not been on antibiotics since.”

 Probiotics are wonderful for people of all ages, and help with digestion, allergies, and the immune system.  It’s a simple thing to take which is safe for everyone to take, including children and pregnant women, who often have limited choices for immunity supplements.   Florajen 4 Kids comes in capsules which can either be swallowed or sprinkled on top of cold foods.

Help for Stress Free Holidays

This month’s focus is on having a happy, healthy, and stress-free December. The holidays are a time of togetherness and love, but it can also be a time of heightened stress, anxiety, and depression for many. There are a number of very effective natural products which can help each of us to make it through these weeks in a calmer, more positive state.

Theanine for Anxiety

All of us at the store view theanine as one of the best supplements there is for stress and anxiety. It works best when taken on a regular basis, but is also very effective when taken occasionally for a circumstance that you know is going to be stressful (Christmas dinner, anyone?). It works by helping the brain to produce alpha brain waves, which encourages a state of calm, restful alertness. One of the best things about theanine is that unlike many other things for stress and anxiety, it will not cause drowsiness. I think theanine is one of those supplements we could all use this month.

5-HTP for Mood

5-HTP is an amino acid that’s great for giving yourself a mood boost. It works by increasing serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is known as the “feel good neurotransmitter”. Research has shown it to be as effective as prescription antidepressants, but without the side effects. Interestingly, other research has found that 5-HTP can help with weight loss, particularly “stress eating”, most likely due to its relaxing and mood boosting properties. The one caution would be not to mix 5-HTP with prescription antidepressants in the class known as SSRIs (Prozac for example) since they work similarly in the body.

SAMe for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or comes into full swing for many people during this month, since the days are the shortest they will ever be. Supplementing with extra vitamin D can be helpful (and really, everyone should be taking extra D in the winter), but the supplement we’ve found to be most effective for SAD is SAMe (pronounced “Sammy”). It works by enhancing feel good neurotransmitters and helping to maintain the proper structure of cell membranes. SAMe is nice because its effects can be felt very quickly, for most people within the first week, compared to prescription antidepressants which can take weeks to gain effectiveness. SAMe also has the side benefits of helping to reduce joint pain as well as detoxifying the liver. It is very effective, and has also been found to be useful for fibromyalgia symptoms since it helps with both depression and pain.

Valerian for Extreme Stress

Valerian is best known as a sleep aid, but in lower doses it works very well for stress, in fact, it is often known as “Nature’s Valium”. Research has found valerian to be similar in effectiveness to valium, but without the side effects. One of the owners, Theresa, went through a rough time a few years ago, and found valerian to be a real help.

Ginseng for Energy

If you find that December and all the planning that goes with it has sapped your energy, ginseng may help. A warm ginseng like panax or Korean ginseng is great for giving you an extra boost. Ginseng is an adaptogen, which basically means that it helps the body to adapt to stress while easing its negative side effects. Herbs like ginseng work best when taken on an empty stomach. Interestingly, panax ginseng has also been found to have benefits for mental functioning, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction.

Immune Shield for the Immune System

Getting sick around the holidays is often a common occurrence due to increased stress and social engagements. One supplement that greatly increases the odds of staying healthy is Irwin Natural’sImmune Shield- it’s a mix of a number of very effective herbs that help the body to fight off bacteria and viruses. If you do end up getting sick, you can take a higher dose to help yourself to get better faster. We all take it at the store and find it to be very effective. Another supplement to think of is vitamin D, which also is great for the immune system. Our bodies can make vitamin D from the sun, but most Americans become deficient in the colder months since they’re only outdoors for short periods.

Health Q & A: Sinus Infections

Q:

I have a terrible sinus infection and was wondering what if anything could help. 

A:

Sinus infections are terrible.  Thankfully there are a number of natural things which can really make a difference.   Boosting the immune system is the first thing that can help.   There are quite a few supplements which have both antiviral and antibacterial properties, as well as supplements like mushroom extracts which can help with enhancing the body’s natural killer T cells, our body’s first line of defense which works to seek out and destroy invaders- bacteria and viruses.

Irwin Natural’s Immune Shield is a great supplement which we all take which is a great all around supplement to help fight off illness.   It’s a mix of a number of herbs and supplements which work to boost the body’s own defenses against sickness.  Another supplement which is particularly good for sinus infections specifically is oregano oil.  Oregano oil has anti bacterial, anti viral, and anti fungal properties.  Many sinus infections also have a fungal component, which can make oregano oilparticularly effective. 

Another thing which can help is a neti pot.  A neti pot looks basically like a little teapot.  It’s used to irrigate the sinuses.  It’s used with a homemade saline solution of bottled water and salt; first it’s poured into one nostril and then that salt water goes into the sinuses and flows out the other nostril.  It sounds kind of strange, but it’s absolutely fantastic for the sinuses.  It also makes your nasal passages feel really nice when suffering from a cold or sinus infection, since it helps to clear out excess and dried nasal mucus and moisturizes the nasal passages.

Finally, if you have been on antibiotics for a sinus infection, or for any other reason, it’s very important to supplement with probiotics, or “good bacteria”.  Antibiotics are very effective, but they are indiscriminate, killing the good bacteria we need for healthy digestion and immunity along with the bad. If you've ever had diarrhea or a yeast infection after taking a course of antibiotics, it was likely due to depletion in the good bacteria our body needs to maintain health.

Supplement Spotlight: Quercetin

Quercetin is amazing.  It’s a flavanoid found in small amounts in fruits, vegetables, red wine and tea.  It’s most commonly known for its help during allergy season, but it can also be extremely useful during cold season.  Quercetin works as a natural anti-histimine and also helps with reducing inflammation. 

The runny nose and inflamed sinus passages we all experience during a cold are not the symptoms of the virus, but our body reacting to it.  New research has found that quercetin can help to reduce the inflammatory response of rhinovirus (the virus responsible for a good number of cold symptoms).  It also has been found in research to help to stop the damage that the cold virus has on the lining of the airways.  It’s been recommended as especially beneficial for persons with chronic lung problems.

Interestingly, it was found that quercetin not only just helped with symptoms, it was found in cell cultures to prevent the virus from replicating.  Another study done in Korea found that quercetin had a similar effect of stopping virus replication on the flu virus.

Another interesting benefit of quercetin is that it can help to prevent a lowered immune system after strenuous exercise, which is great news for endurance runners and other athletes on training regimens. 

Quercetin is also a fantastic antioxidant, which has added benefits to cardiovascular health as well as cancer prevention.  It’s definitely a good supplement to have in your arsenal during the winter months!