Borax
Health Benefits

  1. Home
  2. Remedies
  3. Borax

Boron vs Borax: Understanding the Key Differences

| Modified on Jun 04, 2026
Add New Post Comments
Boron Vs Borax

Boron and borax are often discussed together for bone health, joint comfort, arthritis, trigger finger, bone spurs, and calcification concerns. However, they are not the same substance.

Boron is a naturally occurring trace mineral found in foods and dietary supplements. Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound that contains boron. Because borax contains approximately 11.3% elemental boron, it has long been discussed on Earth Clinic as one possible source of boron.

Understanding the difference between boron and borax can help readers make more informed decisions when researching natural approaches to bone health, calcium metabolism, connective tissue support, joint stiffness, and long-term mineral balance.

At a Glance
  • Boron is a trace mineral found in foods and supplements.
  • Borax is a naturally occurring mineral compound that contains boron.
  • Borax contains approximately 11.3% elemental boron.
  • Boron supplements are typically used for nutritional support and mineral balance.
  • Borax is frequently discussed by Earth Clinic readers as a low-cost boron source.
  • Borax and boric acid are different compounds and should not be confused.
  • Earth Clinic reader experiences often discuss boron and borax in relation to arthritis, trigger finger, joint stiffness, bone spurs, and calcification concerns.

Boron vs Borax: What's the Difference?

The simplest way to understand the difference between boron and borax is this: boron is the mineral, while borax is a mineral compound that contains boron.

Boron is an element and trace mineral involved in several biological processes. Borax, also called sodium borate or sodium tetraborate, is a compound made of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water molecules.

People often use the terms interchangeably because borax contains boron. However, they are chemically different, and the distinction matters when discussing supplements, mineral intake, safety, and traditional Earth Clinic protocols.

Is Borax the Same as Boron?

No. Borax is not the same as boron. Boron is a trace mineral. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral compound that contains boron.

A helpful comparison is magnesium versus magnesium citrate. Magnesium is the mineral itself, while magnesium citrate is a compound that delivers magnesium in a specific form. In a similar way, borax contains boron, but borax and boron are not identical substances.

This distinction is especially important for readers researching boron supplements, borax protocols, boric acid, or natural approaches to joint and bone support.

Does Borax Contain Boron?

Yes. Borax contains approximately 11.3% elemental boron by weight.

This is why borax has historically appeared in Earth Clinic discussions about boron. Readers interested in boron's possible role in calcium metabolism, magnesium utilization, vitamin D activity, and joint comfort often come across borax because it is a concentrated and inexpensive source of boron.

However, because borax is not the same as a standardized dietary supplement, it should be approached with more caution. Readers interested in preparation methods should review Ted's original borax page and the related safety discussion rather than guessing amounts.

Read Ted's Borax Recipe and Guidelines →

Difference Between Boron and Borax

The practical difference between boron and borax comes down to form, use, cost, dosing precision, and safety considerations.

Key Differences

Boron: A trace mineral found in foods and sold in supplement form. Boron supplements are usually labeled in milligrams, making them easier to dose precisely.

Borax: A sodium borate mineral compound that contains boron. Borax is not usually sold as a dietary supplement, but it has been discussed for many years on Earth Clinic as a traditional boron source.

Typical use profile: Boron supplements are commonly used for general nutritional support, bone health, and mineral balance. Borax is more often discussed by Earth Clinic readers in connection with long-standing joint stiffness, arthritis concerns, trigger finger, bone spurs, and calcification topics.

Cost: Boron supplements can become expensive when higher amounts are used long-term. Borax is often viewed by readers as a much lower-cost boron source.

What Is Boron?

Boron is a trace mineral found naturally in plant foods, including prunes, raisins, avocados, almonds, beans, lentils, apples, pears, and leafy greens. Although the body needs only small amounts, boron appears to influence several important systems related to mineral metabolism and connective tissue health.

Boron is commonly discussed for its role in:

  • Calcium metabolism
  • Magnesium utilization
  • Vitamin D activity
  • Bone mineral balance
  • Healthy inflammatory response
  • Estrogen and testosterone balance
  • Connective tissue support
  • Joint comfort and flexibility

Commercial boron supplements are typically sold as boron citrate, boron glycinate, calcium fructoborate, boron aspartate, or "triple boron." Many formulas provide between 3 mg and 10 mg of boron per serving.

What Is Borax?

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral salt formed from evaporated lake deposits. It is also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate.

Although many people know borax as a household product, it has also been discussed in traditional mineral use and on Earth Clinic as a boron-containing compound. Ted's borax protocol introduced many Earth Clinic readers to the idea that boron may have broader relevance for joint stiffness, arthritis concerns, calcium deposits, and connective tissue issues.

Because borax contains boron, many readers view it primarily as an economical boron source. Still, borax should not be confused with standardized boron supplements, and readers should avoid improvising with amounts or forms.

Borax vs Boric Acid

Borax and boric acid are not the same thing. This is one of the most important safety distinctions in any boron-related discussion.

  • Borax is sodium borate.
  • Boric acid is a different boron compound.

Information about borax should not automatically be applied to boric acid. Likewise, safety information about boric acid should not be assumed to describe borax exactly. Readers should always verify which compound is being discussed before considering any boron-related remedy or protocol.

Why Are Boron and Borax Discussed for Joint Health?

Boron has attracted interest because of its relationship to calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, inflammatory signaling, and connective tissue function. These systems are all relevant to bones, joints, tendons, and cartilage.

Joint problems such as arthritis, trigger finger, tendon thickening, bone spurs, and calcification concerns are usually complex. They are not simply a matter of taking one mineral. However, many Earth Clinic readers have explored boron and borax because of boron's possible role in maintaining mineral balance and supporting normal joint function.

In Earth Clinic's community reports, boron and borax are often discussed in relation to:

  • Arthritis concerns
  • Stiff fingers
  • Trigger finger
  • Knee stiffness
  • Hip discomfort
  • Bone spurs
  • Heel spurs
  • Tendon tightness
  • Calcification concerns
  • Reduced flexibility

These reports are anecdotal and should not be considered medical proof. They do, however, explain why boron and borax remain among Earth Clinic's most frequently discussed mineral topics.

Boron, Borax, and Calcification

Many people who search for boron or borax are not only interested in stronger bones. They are also researching unwanted calcium buildup in soft tissues, tendons, or joints.

Boron is of interest because it appears to interact with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D metabolism. In simple terms, readers often wonder whether boron may help the body handle calcium more appropriately, especially when calcium appears to be collecting in the wrong places.

Earth Clinic readers have discussed boron and borax in connection with calcification-related concerns such as:

  • Bone spurs
  • Heel spurs
  • Calcified tendons
  • Joint stiffness
  • Trigger finger
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Soft tissue calcium deposits

While these topics are widely discussed in reader reports, more formal research is needed. Boron and borax should not be presented as cures for calcification disorders. Instead, they are best understood as part of a broader conversation about mineral balance and long-term joint wellness.

Why Some People Choose Borax Instead of Boron Supplements

One of the main reasons Earth Clinic readers discuss borax is cost.

Boron supplements are convenient and easier to dose, but they can become expensive when used regularly over long periods. Borax, by contrast, contains boron and is inexpensive by comparison. This has led some readers to explore diluted borax preparations after reading Ted's borax protocol and long-term community feedback.

Another reason is perceived strength. Some readers report that standard low-dose boron supplements did not noticeably affect chronic stiffness or joint concerns, while borax appeared to produce a more noticeable response. These reports are personal experiences and should not be treated as medical evidence.

For readers who want precise dosing, a commercial boron supplement may be the simpler choice. For readers researching Earth Clinic's traditional borax discussions, Ted's original page remains the better place to review preparation details, precautions, and community experiences.

Earth Clinic Experience

For more than two decades, Earth Clinic readers have shared experiences involving boron and borax. Many reports focus on arthritis, trigger finger, joint stiffness, bone spurs, calcification, tendon tightness, and mobility concerns. While these reports are anecdotal and should not be considered medical evidence, they represent a large collection of real-world community experience gathered over many years.

What Earth Clinic Readers Report

Reader feedback on Earth Clinic often focuses on practical changes noticed over time. While results vary, common themes in boron and borax reports include:

  • Less joint stiffness
  • Improved finger mobility
  • Reduced trigger finger symptoms
  • Better knee or hip comfort
  • Improved flexibility
  • Less tendon tightness
  • More comfortable movement
  • Reduced discomfort linked by readers to suspected calcification

These experiences should be interpreted as community reports, not clinical proof. Individual results depend on many factors, including diet, age, health history, medications, kidney function, mineral status, and the specific form and amount of boron used.

Which Is Better: Boron or Borax?

Neither boron nor borax is automatically better. The better choice depends on a person's goal, comfort level, and need for dosing precision.

Boron Supplements May Be Better For:

  • General nutritional support
  • Bone health maintenance
  • People new to boron
  • Those who want precise milligram dosing
  • People who prefer products labeled as dietary supplements
  • Vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium support

Borax Is More Often Discussed For:

  • Historical Earth Clinic borax protocols
  • Long-standing joint stiffness
  • Arthritis-related reader discussions
  • Trigger finger reports
  • Bone spur and calcification topics
  • Readers looking for a lower-cost boron source

For many readers, boron supplements are a more straightforward starting point. Borax discussions are generally more relevant to those specifically researching Ted's borax protocol or older Earth Clinic reader reports.

How Much Boron Do Supplements Typically Contain?

Most commercial boron supplements provide between 3 mg and 10 mg of elemental boron per serving. This makes them easier to compare and dose than non-supplement mineral compounds.

This article is intended to explain the difference between boron and borax, not to provide a borax dosing protocol. Readers interested in Ted's traditional borax method should review the original borax page, where preparation details and reader experiences are discussed more fully.

Read Ted's Borax Recipe and Guidelines →

Safety Considerations

Boron is an essential trace mineral, but more is not always better. Excessive intake can cause unwanted effects, including digestive upset, nausea, skin reactions, headache, fatigue, or other signs of intolerance.

Borax requires special caution because it is not typically sold as a dietary supplement and is more difficult to dose precisely. Readers should not assume that more boron will produce better results. Mineral balance is complex, and excessive intake can be harmful.

People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, managing kidney disease, dealing with hormone-sensitive conditions, or living with complex health concerns should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using concentrated boron or borax protocols.

Important: Earth Clinic does not provide medical advice. Borax, sodium borate, and boron supplements are not treatments for arthritis, bone spurs, trigger finger, calcification disorders, or any disease. Reader reports are shared for educational and historical purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is borax the same as boron?

No. Boron is a trace mineral. Borax is a naturally occurring sodium borate compound that contains boron.

What is the difference between boron and borax?

Boron is the mineral itself. Borax is a compound made of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water molecules. Borax contains boron, but it is not identical to boron.

Does borax contain boron?

Yes. Borax contains approximately 11.3% elemental boron by weight.

Is borax the same as boric acid?

No. Borax and boric acid are different compounds. Information about one should not automatically be applied to the other.

Which is better, boron or borax?

Neither is automatically better. Boron supplements are usually easier to dose and are commonly used for nutritional support. Borax is more often discussed by Earth Clinic readers as a low-cost boron source in historical community protocols.

Can boron support joint health?

Boron is involved in calcium metabolism, magnesium utilization, vitamin D activity, and inflammatory signaling, all of which may influence bones, joints, and connective tissue. However, boron should not be considered a treatment for arthritis or joint disease.

Why do Earth Clinic readers discuss borax for arthritis?

Earth Clinic readers have long discussed borax because it contains boron and was featured in Ted's borax protocol. Many reader reports mention arthritis, stiffness, trigger finger, bone spurs, and calcification concerns, but these are anecdotal experiences rather than medical evidence.

Are boron supplements safer than borax?

Boron supplements are generally easier to dose because the amount of boron is listed in milligrams. Borax is more difficult to dose precisely and requires greater caution. Anyone with medical conditions, kidney concerns, pregnancy, or medication use should consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering concentrated boron or borax protocols.

Final Thoughts

Boron and borax are closely related, but they are not the same thing. Boron is the trace mineral. Borax is a sodium borate compound that contains boron.

For general nutritional support, boron supplements may be the simpler and more precise option. For readers researching Earth Clinic's long-standing discussions about arthritis, trigger finger, bone spurs, joint stiffness, and calcification concerns, borax appears frequently because it is an inexpensive and concentrated boron source.

The most important point is to understand the distinction clearly. Boron, borax, and boric acid are not interchangeable terms. Each has a different chemical form, use profile, and safety context.

Continue below to read real-world Earth Clinic experiences with boron and borax for joint stiffness, arthritis concerns, trigger finger, bone spurs, and calcification.

Related Links:

Borax Health Benefits: Boron, Dosage, Safety, and Protocols

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Sort by Default New Loved

7 User Reviews

5 star (7) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Jo (Eu) on 12/09/2025
 ★★★★★

Hello all,

So I am not sure why Borax is so popular but Boron is not. Boron is life changing indeed. Borax maybe so as well. But it astounds me why people do not take Boron instead of Borax.

Boron is regulated and has a proven track record. We take 6 mg a day, and some weeks we up it to 9 mg a day, (3 mg tabs) and it has done wonders. Neither my wife or I have any bone, joint, arthritic pain, and at last check no more arthritis.

We have never tried borax for the very reason that it is not regulated for safety, and can have contaminants in it. In fact it can be severely contaminated as in processing it can be processed in places where other toxic powders are processed as well.

Now by saying this post, do not assume I am against people helping or curing themselves through natural solutions. I am not. Our whole life has been about that. I am just concerned that you could be getting more than you bargained for using borax, instead of boron.

Replied by neco
(Austria)
12/15/2025

Hallo Borax besteht das Ausgangsmaterial den Elementen Natrium, Bor, Sauerstoff und Wasserstoff. Ein Gramm Borax enthält 11,3% BOR Ich nehme bis 3 Gr Borax am Tag 340 mg Bor. Je nach Lust und Laune...

Hello, borax is composed of the elements sodium, boron, oxygen, and hydrogen. One gram of borax contains 11.3% boron. I take up to 3 grams of borax a day, which is 340 mg of boron. It depends on my mood...

Jo
(Eu)
12/15/2025

Yes that may be true. But what I was getting at with my post is that Borax is made in Agriculture production facilities, whereas Boron in a pharma (more controlled) facility.

Not that Borax does not have the properties you mention, its just that the possibility of contaminants is far greater.

Smith
(Ohio)
04/08/2026

Borax is not made in agriculture production facilities. It is mined. Typically in Boron California (the only location of the mine in the USA). Processing/refining happens on site or company owned borate refining plants at or near the mines. U.S. Borax emphasize full refining to remove impurities for high purity agricultural use as often sold directly as micronutrient fertilizers, soil amendments, blended into compound fertilizers etc. This can occur at fertilizer plants but that is NOT processing the Borax itself.

Replied by Borax
(Purity)
12/15/2025

Guys,

Henkel now owns 20 Mule Team Borax. Their website begs ppl not to ingest their borax or use it on the skin. They don't explain why it is unsafe.

We've seen the MSDS comparing borax to table salt. We know it is safe in its pure form. Why don't we all contact them asking for a borax product that IS pure enough to be ingested and used on the skin. Obviously there is a market for it.

This is their contact page

https://www.henkel-northamerica.com/contact-us/

Suggested text:

The MSDS shows borax in its pure form is safe for both ingestion and use on the skin within reasonable limitations. We are requesting Henkel offer a borax product that is pure enough to be ingested and used on the skin. There is a market for such a product.

Replied by Becky
(Georgia)
02/28/2026
★★★★★

After listening to a seminar for biological dentists, by Dr Jorge Flechas, and also Dr Henry Ealy, I increased my Boron intake to 18-24mg per day. Both of those doctors recommend up to 30mg per day.

Prior to doing this, I was taking 6mg per day. Couldn't raise my shoulders, which were severely damaged by Bursitis about 11 years ago after a weekend project that I shouldn't have done alone. They hurt, it was hard to sleep on either side, hard to put my hair into a ponytail. After increasing my Boron intake, I can now raise my arms, sleep on either side, put my hair into a ponytail, & even reach around & unhook my bra -- something I haven't been able to do in years!!

So I'm a believer that at least some of us are deficient in Boron!! I'm like a totally different person!! Also, Dr Ealy has found that Boron chelates aluminum out of the body, in higher doses -- aluminum as from the toxic chemtrails?? This was a HUGE discovery!!

Nika
(Jagodina)
03/23/2026

I think that in that video drFleches said not less then 30mg in day?

Boron Vs Borax
Posted by JOANN G (SC) on 11/14/2022

I have found Pure Therapro "Bio Boron" which is 30 mg per capsule. It is highly bioavailable..What do you think about this one and then taking 3-4 capsules a day?

Youtube has been very controlling and evil for turning off comments and replies in the videos. So had to resort to this to comment.

Replied by Art
(California)
11/14/2022
2876 posts

JOANN G,

That may be a little too much boron for a woman. You might try 1 or 2 capsules and see how you are doing after a month.

Art

Boron Vs Borax
Posted by John (Michigan) on 11/27/2017
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

To Jerry who wrote: "Can I just take Boron Capsules?"

Things are dose dependent. All of the Boron supplements I find are rather low like less than or equal to about 10mg. 1/4 teaspoon per day though dissolved in water is between 115mg-158mg depending on the measuring spoon and how level or round your scoop is. That is a huge delta in dose. I have heard of 50mg-60mg tablets but have never actually seen them for sale.

In the late 1980's and early 1990's as a high school athlete the ones sold to athletes where 3mg-6mg - again far lower than what you get in a rather common dose of 1/4 teaspoon of borax in 1 liter of water sipped through the day!

I took 1/4 teaspoon per day the first 3 weeks then started to get diarrhea. I reduced it to 1/8 of a teaspoon a day for 2 weeks and all of the diarrhea went away completely. Some days I take 1/8 teaspoon some days I take a 1/4 and I am fine.

In theory anything is better than not taking borax so if someone was really sensitive or had IBS you could start at 1/16th of a teaspoon and slowly over weeks and months build up to 1/4 teaspoon. Evidence is showing that observational with individuals that you can get a lot of health benefits at varying does but the higher the dose the more consistent the results seem to be.

In post menopausal women a lot of individuals have found that reversing osteoporosis takes around 150mg of borax, vit and 400mg-600mg of magnesium per day to reverse it and that is a far higher dose than someone without osteoporosis needs. In those without severe fluorosis or osteoporosis that have healthy bone mass, 50mg per day seems to be the sweet spot but again you need magnesium and vitamin D3 in the diet. It is thought that enzymes and mineral metabolism is how boron works it's many benefits. Some people probably get enough minerals in their diet but for most Americans minerals and Vitamin D3 and iodine are almost always low. Iodine helps to keep your body from depositing fluoride in your bones.

Replied by Jonnybegood
(Australia)
09/27/2022

Hi, just had a question not sure where I should ask questions sorry if wrong spot.

I take a multi vitamin that has 3mg of Boron in it.

Questions

1. Is there any extra benefit to borax over Boron? to me, the extra compounds of borax vs boron are only sodium, hydrogen, oxygen, would that make a difference?

2. if I took borax, would I maybe need to take less like 1 tsp of the 1 liter mix every second day or maybe just not take it all as im getting most of the benefits from the 3mg boron in my multi?

Any thoughts or help would be great.

I'm leaning towards leaving it at my 3mg boron multi as enough, but maybe some has tried both and could notice a difference.

Thanks

p.s great site.

Art
(California)
09/27/2022
2876 posts

Jonnybegood,

I have taken both and 3 mg of boron did nothing for my arthritis. Borax is approximately 11.3% boron. My borax dose is roughly 950 mg. So 950 x .113 = 107.35 mg of boron. I take this dose of borax each weekday and take the weekends off. This has kept my arthritis in remission for way over a decade. I tried halving the dose and it helped my arthritis, but did not keep it in remission.

I have taken boron supplements up to around 36 mg and that was not enough to work for me, but I have seen it work in others.

Art

Wm
(Texas)
09/29/2025

I have read recently that arthritis can be cured with chlorine dioxide.

Kevin
(Nebraska)
04/22/2026

Try eliminating sugar from your diet

Michael
(Ireland)
05/04/2026

Arthritis can be cured with chlorine dioxide. Can you help me with dosing please

Replied by Teresa
(Fla)
07/31/2023

Could you please share where you got the information about dosing for post menopausal women with osteoporosis.
Thank you

Rob
(Kentucky)
05/04/2026
Boron Vs Borax
Posted by Herman Rutner (Ma ) on 12/03/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I am a retired chemist and have used boric acid and borax extensively, in the lab and as supplement, both oral and topical. Though extensively used as an effective ant poison when mixed with sugar, boric acid is quite safe and non irritating, indeed having been used for decades as an eye wash. Similarly borax is basically boric acid with a lot of sodium. Both contain boron about 22% for boric acid versus 11% for borax. And oral borax is instantly converted to boric acid in stomach acid. Contrary to medical hype attempting to block its use as an effective arthritis remedy in Australia and Europe where sales are banned, it is about as toxic as common salt and widely used baking soda in antacids.

The major problem is high sodium in borax for persons on low salt diets. Luckily it can still be bought also as fairly pure 20 Mule borax for use as an excellent detergent enhancer and an arthritis remedy at about 1/4 teaspoon borax or hard to find pure boric acid, best USP or NF grade, in quart of water taken in small portions over about 16 hrs. Google The Borax Conspiracy to get the facts and disregard medical hype seeking to outlaw this arthritis remedy, another miracle drug like aspirin.

Also chelated boron sold as 3 mg capsules may not be as effective.

Replied by Ivan
(Slovenia)
03/15/2022

Hello dear Herman,

I would like to ask you something about borax. I did make a solution as recomended by Ted's clinic, a small- teaspoon of borax gave into the 1 liter of water. I take then just a one third of tea spoon this solution, but I feel a burning then in my stomack, like acid. Is this normal by everyone, even I take very small of this solution, as you wrote it convert to boron acid in stomack. Now I take a boron 3mg tablets and by this is ok and also it makes bigger my free testosteron- just once a day I take it. Thank you, Ivan.

Rebecca
(OH)
09/09/2025

I read in some posts you should use that mixture (of 1/8th tsp. borax in 1 liter of water) and use 1tsp. of that mixture per glass of water. Consuming the mixture over the course of a day. Sincerely, Rebecca

Replied by Renee
(Boston)
05/15/2022
41 posts
★★★★★

I have a question about Borax. Is there a specific reason we are using Borax rather than buying Boron supplements? Since everyone is having questions about dosing and how to mix it, wouldn't it be easier to take pre measured supplements? Is it for cost purposes or is there another reason?

Art
(California)
05/15/2022
2876 posts

Borax is simple and very inexpensive and probably offers more potential health benefit than boron alone. Borax is about 11% boron. If you try to buy boron types of supplements, the actual boron content will usually be very low compared to the amount in borax and you will have to take several supplements to reach a similar dose. Boron type supplements will cost more than borax.

Art

Replied by Matthew
(SC)
12/07/2023

I was in a family business for flea control in the 90s. We discovered that Boric acid work to eliminate the flea cycle in carpets. We used sodium poly borate by Incide Technologies. Sodium polyborate can be obtained online.

RX For Fleas 5lb container.

Replied by Deborah
(LA)
01/08/2025

Can it destroy gut bacteria?

Boron Vs Borax
Posted by Crista (Pekin, Illinois) on 10/03/2009
 ★★★★★

I have been researching the boron/borax issue because I want to use it, but have been quite afraid because of all the talk of it being toxic or poisonous. So I found a sientific article online that states this:

"Borax is necessary in small amounts for plant growth, one of the 16 essential nutrients. In larger amounts it is poisonous to plants, and the range can be small. For peaches, 1 ppm is required, but more than 5 ppm is toxic. If the signs of boron deficiency are noted in plants, a boron supplement can be applied. Borates can be used as non-toxic and non-specific herbicides. Borates are non-toxic to animals. The LD50 (dose at which there is 50% mortality) for humans is about 6 g per kg of body weight. Anything above 2 g is considered non-toxic, and borates are only 2 to 3 times as toxic as aspirin. Therefore, you are pretty safe unless you eat a pound and a half of borax for a snack. Borates are more toxic to insects than to mammals. The boranes and similar gaseous compounds are quite poisonous. As usual, it is not an element that is intrinsically poisonous, but toxicity depends on structure."

J.B. Calvert, (24 November 2002). Boron. Retrieved 03 October 2009, from http://mysite.du.edu/~jcalvert/phys/boron.htm

Sorry I am all about the references, plus this article has several quality references in it.

My husband was worried about me ingesting this so that is why I have done so much reasearch. I really feel it is safe, but even with this I am still a bit slow to try it. I will get up the courage soon. I just wanted to put this fact out there for all the people that argue about it. I think mainly I am afraid of the detox reaction I might have because my face has been pink for quite some time and if I put lotion on it or anything else it become very red till it is dry. I have washed my face twice with it so far though and it has at least dried up my acne. I also just used a bathroom cup to add water to some borax and then poored it on my hair. After rinsing then I shampooed. It did make it soft, although I tried to combine it with my body wash and it created a perm smell so I am going to do it by itself next time. Good luck everyone who tries Borax, but it is safe in small quantities.

Replied by 1947hoppy
(Winamac, Indiana)
02/25/2013
★★★★★

I found a reference to using borax for arthritis quite by accident. Having had more than one bad experience with "possible side effects" from both prescription and otc drugs, my interest is arroused by any and all 'natural' remedies.

Like most people, I want to do plenty of research prior to taking the big step into the unknow. Along the way I happened to google "20 mule team borax" to see what the company itself had to say about their product. I was quite surprised to see this actual quote from their site.

"In earlier times, borax was proclaimed to be a magical crystal that was used to aid digestion, keep milk sweet and even cure epilepsy. Common sense and modern technology have brought us better solutions to these and other problems, but 20 Mule Team Borax still has a place in your home."

I'm not a rocket scientist, but it seems to me that if it can be used to sweeten milk, aid digestion and cure (not help, but cure) epilepsy, in the words of the company that sells it, it would seemingly be safe to mix small amounts with water and consume.

I just picked up a box and will be giving it a try post haste. I also plan to give my aging dog a taste of it for his arthritis.

Glad I found this site, again an accident, and plan to do a lot of reading and perhaps a little contributing.

Carol
(Dallas Texas)
07/16/2025

Hi, did you try this and how did it work out for you?
Can you tell me how you mixed it with water?
Thank you, Carol H.

Replied by Teresa
(Southport)
10/13/2016

I have been reading all day. I use borax to clean my house and have not had to deal with insects inside our home since I sprinkled it under the sinks. Today, I mixed a 1/8 tsp per liter into a 9.6 liter container and began drinking it because the literature says it removes fluoride from the tap water and the human body. Fluoride poisoning has destroyed many lives and no one has been brought to justice to-date. I choose to live as healthy as possible and the more I learn, the more I change to help myself and those around me. Peace to all.

Replied by Kathy
(Ft Laud)
06/24/2017

Not an accident.

God led you here as well as me.

Art
(California)
07/16/2025
2876 posts

Hi Carol,

That post was from 2013 and you may not get a reply to your inquiry. In the alternative, here is a link to Earth Clinic's Borax page for arthritis which should answer any questions you may have regarding using Borax for arthritis :

https://www.earthclinic.com/borax-remedy-for-arthritis.html

Art

Boron Vs Borax
Posted by Crista (Pekin, Illinois) on 10/03/2009

I know I posted the quote earlier, but as I have been continuing to research, why not just take the Boron suppliments versus drinking the Borax? Is there a big difference in taking one or the other? If Ted or someone else could answer this that would be great.

Replied by Katey
(Apex, Nc)
08/25/2010

I am interested in this as well. Saw "chelated Boron" at the health food store and would prefer to take it if it has similar properties.

Replied by Anon
(Anon)
08/25/2010

I believe Ted has answered this before on here. If I recall right, he moonlighted on a job where they made boron supplements. The boron supplements are made from borax (boron). The difference is that the supplements have added fillers and may not be absorbed by the body as well. Perhaps chewing the pill or crushing it will help it absorb better. Borax is cheaper than buying the supplements as well, but the choice has to be yours to make.

Replied by Paldrin
(Australia)
06/26/2017

I realise this post was started some years ago but just thought to mention....

I went recently to a Dr Klinghardt seminar. He said to use Borax over Boron supplements.. something about working better in their more active biological form if I recall (and yes less fillers, capsules to eat etc). Best wishes.

Replied by Katherine
(Wiscosin, Usa)
06/28/2017

Can anyone tell me more about this? Where can I find what this "Ted" wrote about how the boron supplements are made?

I recommended Borax to my husband, after it cured my Arthritis completely, and erased most muscle pains most of the time too. So DH bought a bottle of Boron supplements instead. lol. soooo much money for a bunch of fillers!



Please note that we use cookies necessary for the functioning of our website, cookies that optimize the performance. To learn more about our cookies, how we use them and their benefits, please read our Privacy Policy