Intravenous hydrogen peroxide is a treatment believed to be a near-panacea by some practitioners of alternative or integrative medicine. There was a small flurry of interest in the intra-arterial infusion of hydrogen peroxide during the 1960s, when researchers tested its use in humans and animals for regional oxygenation to enhance the susceptibility of tumors to radiation therapy. Enthusiasm for the technique waned thereafter, as evidenced by the absence of subsequent studies in the English literature, and by the absence of clinical use of hydrogen peroxide for these purposes in the 1970s.

Since the late 1970s, a small group of practitioners has advocated the use of intravenous infusions of hydrogen peroxide for a multitude of indications. Their rationale is based largely on the research and clinical experiences of the late Charles H. Farr, MD, PhD (1927-1998). A true champion of this therapeutic method, Charles H. Farr is often referred to as the "Father of Oxidative Medicine."

Dr. Farr discovered "a positive metabolic effect to intravenous infusions of hydrogen peroxide," and authored an impressive workbook on the subject.  In his workbook, Dr. Farr introduced his case for intravenous infusions of hydrogen peroxide as follows: "Its ability to oxidize almost any physiologic or pathologic substance, in addition to producing increased tissue and cellular oxygen tensions, has proven it to have therapeutic value."  He noted that hydrogen peroxide "is produced by all cells of the body for many different physiological reasons." He cited its role in the destruction of infectious pathogens by phagocytes, and mentions that it is "involved in many metabolic pathways which utilize oxidases. . .  and hydrogen peroxide is involved in protein, carbohydrate, fat metabolism, immunity, vitamin and mineral metabolism, or any other system you might wish to explore."

His fundamental thesis might be stated: "Because of its importance in regulating multiple metabolic functions, hydrogen peroxide could best be described as the ‘Master Regulating Molecule’ of the body." 

To download Dr. Farr's landmark report,  "The Therapeutic Use of Intravenous Hydrogen Peroxide", click on the link below.

Farr was a founder and director of the International Bio-Oxidative Medical Foundation (IBOMF) and its close affiliate, the International Oxidative Medicine Association (IOMA), which shared information through conferences, advertisements, and research. The First International Conference of Bio-oxidative Medicine was held February 17-19, 1989 in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. Physicians presented papers on the efficacy and safety of hydrogen peroxide infusions. The non-profit International Bio-Oxidative Medicine Foundation grew rapidly, attracting many physicians who also presented scholarly reports based on their work with patients. In 1999, the IBOMF/IOMA listed 87 members.  After Dr Farr's passing in 1998,  the IBOMF/IOMA  was absorbed into another group with whom he was closely affiliated, the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), under the category of "Oxidative Medicine." 

 To share his deep understanding of "Oxidative Therapies" with open minded members of the medical profession, Dr. Farr often conducted instructional seminars and provided protocols and informational brochures to interested doctors and patients.  To download Dr. Farr's Patient Brochure "Oxidative Therapy", click on the link below...

In 1978, Farr founded a company, “Bio Pro, Inc.,” that sells alternative medicine products. Farr’s widow, Skoshi Farr, still runs the company.