Formic acid (E236): composition, what is useful, scope

Formic acid is used in medicine as a good warming and pain reliever. To use a substance correctly, you need to study its features.

Is formic acid dangerous for humans

Formic acid is quite corrosive. Undiluted, it can leave a painful chemical burn. The ingestion of its vapors on the mucous membranes leads to damage to the respiratory tract and visual impairment, and accidental ingestion of the drug causes necrotizing gastroenteritis.

The benefits and harms of formic acid depend on the concentration. A solution of 10% or less has only an irritating effect. It still cannot be applied to mucous membranes, drink or inhale vapors. However, it does not leave burns on the skin and is even used for medicinal purposes.

Preparation and composition of formic acid

Formic acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula HCOOH. In nature, it is found in the body of red forest ants and bees, in tree needles and in nettles. In industry, the compound is obtained in the production of vinegar, as well as by oxidation of methanol and by the decomposition of glycerol esters of oxalic acid.

The ants themselves use their acid as a weapon and to preserve prey and building materials.

The substance is colorless, but has a pungent odor. Mixes well with ethanol and water, dissolves in glycerin, benzene, acetone and toluene. From the point of view of composition, it is a monobasic compound, in finished pharmaceutical products it is supplemented with ethanol. It can oxidize to carbon dioxide, decomposes into carbon monoxide and water when heated, and forms esters with alcohols.

What heals and how is formic acid useful for the human body

It is strictly forbidden to consume pharmacy acid inside. Even diluted, it can cause serious harm and cause burns to the digestive organs. However, it is actively used in external ways. Among the indications for the use of formic acid are:

• sciatica and gout;
• osteochondrosis and myalgia;
• neuralgia and rheumatism;
• phlebeurysm.

Medicine uses the substance as an immunostimulating agent in the treatment of tuberculosis. The compound is part of many warming ointments.

Formic alcohol is used to disinfect instruments before operations, if there is no ethyl

Scope of formic acid

The substance is used for medicinal purposes, in everyday life and in the food industry.It is very beneficial in low concentrations, although it still requires careful handling.

What is formic acid used for in medicine

Acid in pharmacies is sold in the form of an alcohol solution of 1.4% in containers of 50 and 100 ml. Designed for external use, it has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The substance is used for:

• stimulation of tissue nutrition;
• disinfection of the skin;
• expansion of blood vessels and capillaries;
• pain relief based on distraction.

An alcohol solution, balms and ointments containing a substance are used for the following ailments:

• neuralgia;
• muscle pain;
• polyarthritis;
• myositis;
• arthralgia;
• fractures and bruises;
• gout;
• radiculitis;
• varicose veins;
• rheumatism;
• bruises, dislocations and sprains.

In medicine, formic acid is used in the treatment of fungal diseases, acne and acne. The substance in low dosages helps to get rid of mites and lice, and also stimulates hair growth or helps to get rid of unnecessary vegetation, depending on the dosage.

The use of formic acid in everyday life

A caustic substance is often found in household cleaning products. It removes rust, patina and lime well, dissolves calcium deposits and cement. You can use it:

• for descaling;
• for cleaning sinks and toilets;
• for removing stains from metal surfaces.

The substance is added to fabric softeners and rim cleaners, rinse aid for washing machines and dishwashers, and bathroom care fluids.

Formic acid degrades quickly in the environment and is environmentally friendly

Application in the food industry

Food additive E236 is used mainly as a preservative. In vegetable and mushroom preparations for the winter, formic acid slows down the development of bacteria and mold and prolongs the shelf life of products. The additive can be found in marinades for fish, it is used in the production of drinks, especially in the preservation of natural juices.

The use of formic acid in beekeeping, agriculture

The use of formic acid extends to agriculture. First of all, the compound is used for ensiling, or preserving vegetable feed. A substance in the form of a solution of 85% is treated with a green mass during grinding and loading onto vehicles. The acid impregnates the feed well, prevents the development of pathogenic microflora and allows you to preserve the benefits of plant materials for the whole winter.

They also practice the treatment of bees for varroatosis with formic acid. A dangerous mite that infects the hive prevents insects from brooding, weakens the population and makes it difficult to collect pollen and nectar. To eliminate the parasite, a solution with a concentration of up to 85% is used as follows:

• the product is impregnated with cardboard plates;
• pack them in a bag with several holes;
• for 2-3 weeks they are placed on honeycomb frames with holes down.

Processing of bee houses allows you to reliably eliminate ticks, but you need to finish it 7-10 days before honey collection.

For the treatment of varroatosis, take no more than 100 ml of formic acid per hive

The valuable properties of formic acid are used in the leather industry. The substance is used for disinfection and cleaning of the material, as well as for uniform coloration during dressing and to maintain elasticity.

In the cold season, the acidic compound and products containing it help to cope with ice. The substance is included in the composition of anti-ice reagents.

Formic Acid Recipes for Joint Treatment

The beneficial properties of formic acid can be used at home for joint ailments. Traditional medicine offers simple application algorithms.

Anesthetic balm

For rheumatism and arthritis, you can use the following balm:

• 10 ml of formic alcohol is mixed with an equal amount of pepper tincture;
• add 10 g of Menovazin ointment;
• mix the components until a semi-liquid product with a pungent odor is obtained.

Homemade ointment is rubbed into the muscles and joints in small quantities and covered with a compress and a woolen scarf. You need to keep the compress for several hours, then the skin is gently washed with warm water.

Rubbing for osteochondrosis

Formic alcohol diluted with water has a good effect on joint ailments. It is very simple to prepare a rubbing agent:

• 20 ml of pharmacy formic alcohol is poured into a small container;
• add 20 ml of pure water;
• stir the solution.

The sore spots are gently rubbed with the liquid or the agent is applied to a gauze bandage and applied with a compress. With severe pain, treatment can be carried out up to three times a day.

Since formic alcohol dries the skin, it is recommended to moisturize the epidermis with a nourishing cream after it.

The use of formic acid in cosmetology

In cosmetology, the substance is used mainly to treat acne and acne. The compound's strong cleansing properties are beneficial even for severe acne.

For acne

For rashes on the face, the instructions for using formic acid look like this:

• a small amount of the pharmacy solution is applied to a cotton swab;
• inflamed areas and acne are dotted;
• wait for the preparation to dry completely;
• moisturize the skin with a nourishing cream.

The procedure must be repeated every day for 1-2 months. The acid is especially recommended for use in the oily type of epidermis. But if the skin is already dry, it is better to refuse the product - there will be more harm from it than benefit.

Formic acid degreases and disinfects the epidermis. Therefore, you do not need to wash your face using tonics and lotions before using it.

For hair removal

Formic acid is used to remove unwanted vegetation. When applied regularly to the skin, the substance slows down hair growth and gradually destroys the follicles.

It is better not to use a pharmacy solution in its pure form, it will worsen the condition of the epidermis. For cosmetic purposes, the so-called ant oil is prepared - a few drops of the product are introduced into an olive or sunflower base and mixed. For the first time, the resulting composition is applied to the skin for only 15-20 minutes to make sure there is no allergic reaction. If redness and rashes do not appear, then the formic oil can be left on the body for 3-4 hours before washing off.

Ready-made ant oil for hair removal can be purchased at cosmetic stores

For Tan

The warming properties of formic acid are used to obtain a beautiful tan. A few drops of the solution are added to the cream intended for use before the tanning bed. The substance accelerates metabolic processes in the cells of the epidermis, due to which the swarthy shade appears faster.

Contraindications to the use of formic acid and side effects

The medicinal properties and contraindications of formic acid are closely related to each other. In some cases, the use of the substance should be abandoned. You cannot use it:

• with hypersensitivity;
• for wounds, burns and other damage to the skin;
• with inflammatory diseases of the epidermis, including eczema and dermatitis;
• with an individual allergy to the compound.

The use of formic acid is prohibited for pregnant women and nursing mothers. The substance should not be used for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

In case of accidental ingestion of undiluted formic acid into the body, not only the occurrence of necrotizing gastritis, but also irreversible damage to the optic nerve is possible. In case of poisoning, you must immediately consult a doctor to eliminate the chemical burn. A kind of antidote for the substance is an ethanol solution. However, self-treatment is not recommended, since a strong alcoholic drink in itself can cause serious harm to the body.

If concentrated formic acid comes into contact with your skin, immediately treat the affected area with baking soda or sodium bicarbonate. After that, you should also consult a doctor to eliminate the consequences of the burn.

Does formic acid help mosquitoes

Formic acid is effective against blood-sucking insects - mosquitoes, midges and ticks. Before going into the forest, it is recommended to rub the exposed areas of the body with a diluted pharmaceutical substance. The use of an alcoholic solution of formic acid is indicated for already existing bites. They can be treated with an itch and irritation reliever.

You can use acid from mosquitoes even if you don't have a ready-made alcohol solution at hand. It is enough to find an anthill in the forest, lightly pat it with your hands, and then shake off the stuck insects and quickly rub your neck, face and other open areas with your palms. A natural remedy applied to the skin in miniscule amounts will help prevent mosquito bites.

To protect against mosquitoes, you can throw a cloth on the anthill, then clean it from insects and wipe the skin

Conclusion

Formic acid is used medicinally to relieve joint and muscle pain. With its help, you can protect yourself from insect bites, the substance is used in the food industry and in cosmetology. In all cases, it should be remembered that the agent is very caustic, even in minimal dosages.