Source identified by Thai PBS Verify: TikTok
Screenshot shows a clip claiming that consuming “Borax – Chlorine – Deworming medicine” can cure various diseases.
A TikTok video from a user has gone viral, claiming that various chemical substances — including Borax, CDS (Chlorine Dioxide Solution), and Ivermectin or a deworming drug offer health benefit.
The clip claims that Borax can treat conditions such as back pain, joint pain, and knee pain. It demonstrates how to mix Borax with cocoa and consume it five days a week. It also suggests sprinkling Borax directly on open wounds to aid healing.
Additionally, the video promotes the use of other chemicals like CDS, a disinfectant and cleaning agent sometimes used in food sanitation, claiming it can be diluted in drinking water for detoxification or increasing oxygen in the blood. The man in the video states he has used these substances for many years and has completely stopped using conventional medicine. He further claims that illnesses are caused by medications prescribed by modern doctors, accusing the medical system of promoting drug use merely to profit from patients.
The video has gained over 32,000 views, with many viewers appearing to believe that following these methods can cure the illnesses mentioned.
All Hazardous Chemicals
Thai PBS Verify conducted a fact-check using relevant keywords and found information from Public and Consumer Affairs, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which stated that Borax is a chemical strictly prohibited by Thai law for use in food. This is because it poses serious health risks and can damage internal organs, particularly the liver and kidneys. Health effects from consuming Borax can be acute or chronic, and large doses may lead to death. The FDA also refutes the misconception that Borax can be used to treat diseases. Those who illegally use Borax in food, whether in production, importation, or sale—are subject to imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years and/or a fine ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht. Such actions are also classified as the production or sale of impure food, punishable by up to 2 years in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.
Public and Consumer Affairs warns that borax is a highly toxic substance and is strictly prohibited in all types of food.
As for CDS (Chlorine Dioxide Solution), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has previously issued warnings about the dangers of using CDS products, particularly the false claims that they can cure cancer. The FDA emphasized that ingesting CDS can cause poisoning of the digestive system and may even lead to death. The FDA also confirmed that CDS products have never been approved as medicine — they are only authorized for use as cleaning or disinfecting products. The agency further warned the public not to believe exaggerated or misleading claims about their benefits.
The FDA warns that CDS (Chlorine Dioxide Solution) pose life-threatening risks.
Regarding Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, the Pharmacy Department of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital warns the public: “Do not purchase or take this drug on your own,” as it may cause harm. Ivermectin is a veterinary medicine originally used to kill intestinal and lung parasites or heartworms in animals and was later adapted for limited human use under medical supervision. People who take ivermectin may experience nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, rash, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, weakness, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, swollen lymph nodes, eye inflammation, swelling, diarrhea, vision changes, eye pain, irritation, and in severe cases, serious allergic reactions such as fainting, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, red rash, blisters, peeling skin, bruising, abnormal bleeding, or seizures.
Expert warns of deadly risks.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weerachai Phutdhawong, a Scientist, Chemical Expert stated that consuming Borax is not a trivial matter. Normally, Borax is used for industrial cleaning, chemical products, or adhesives—never for food or beverages such as cocoa. He explained that consuming Borax in this way is highly toxic: as little as 1/4 teaspoon (about 1.5 grams) is supposed to be large and dangerous. Some people may try to cut its bitter taste by mixing it into sweet drinks like cocoa, but this leads to Borax accumulation in the liver and kidneys, increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. Moreover, Borax affects the reproductive system, especially in men, as it reduces sperm count and can cause infertility.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weerachai Phutdhawong, a Scientist, Chemical Expert
Explained that in cases of Borax poisoning, consuming a large amount can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with dizziness, dry throat, dry mouth, and irregular heartbeat. It can also lead to decreased urination due to kidney damage. In severe cases, this may result in acute kidney failure and death.
He strongly warned: “Do not imitate this behavior under any circumstances. The video is not recommended and very dangerous.”
What’s the Truth?
The viral video that claims chemical substances such as Borax, CDS (Chlorine Dioxide Solution), and Ivermectin can treat ailments like joint pain, back pain, or even detoxify the body and cure serious diseases is false information. There is no scientific evidence supporting such claims, and these practices pose severe, life-threatening risks to consumers. Sharing or promoting such false and dangerous content can mislead the public into using unsafe chemicals or unapproved drugs instead of seeking proper medical treatment. This behavior is not only hazardous to health but may also violate the law, both for those spreading the misinformation and for those selling such products.
