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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Pinch (London, England) on 03/04/2015
Hi everyone,
I have to say this site is very enlightening! I have been using Borax 20 team Mule for about 8 weeks now. Dosage 1/4 tsp in a pint of distilled water with 7 drops of Lugol's iodine and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Consumed each day.
Right now I am in a lot of pain, actually I am finding it hard to write, otherwise I would be far more polite.
I am 52 going on 53, male. 6'2", weigh about 90kg, I don't carry a lot of fat. Around 3 years ago I started to experience a lot of pain around my joints, shoulders and back.
I am a landscape gardener and sometimes the work is extremely physically labour intensive as I do a lot of garden construction. I live in London and a lot of the gardens are inaccessable to machines, diggers and the like, so it's all by hand.
I have noticed that after a hard day at the office that the morning after my body feels like its on fire and the pain is everywhere. My body is also very stiff all over and takes about 2 hours to limber up. I am inclined to believe that I have fibromyalgia like symptoms.
Since taking Borax I have noticed improvements in finger joints, knees and elbows. They feel stronger and less sensitive.
Right now though I have developed extreme pain in my right hip and I think it is the joint itself, also my right leg is numb along its length. I am not able to walk more than a few steps as the pain is unbearable. I have also developed a chest infection which seems to be clearing somewhat but this morning I was coughing up a disgusting green sputum.
Over the last 2 months or so I have been working hard on my house in preparation to sell it and move lock stock and barrel's to South West France where we own a very old farm which needs restoring from top to bottom. Part of my prep has been to try and rid myself of these physical ailments so that I will be fit and healthy for the work ahead which is considerable.
I have never had problems in my hips and if this problem persists then I will be fit for nothing. I have 2 sons aged 15 and 7 and we had daughter last September so you see I need all my strength most importantly for them and the wife. I think I might have overdosed on the Borax.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Kind regards, Julian
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Pinch (London, England) on 03/04/2015
Is the 1/8th tsp a day mixed with 1 litre of water a concentrate to be taken over the course of a week or is it the amount to be consumed in full over the course of a day?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Bo Jangles (Ca., US) on 01/16/2015
Don't mix borax with high amounts of iodine - they seem to have a negative interaction (I took 60mg KI and around 1 gram boraxat the same time). And of course both tend to increase T3 so you are likely becoming very hyperthyroid. I have my theories about what the problematic interaction is...but needless to say best not to mix them.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jasmine (Vero Beach, FL) on 01/09/2015
Thank you mmsg and Sharon; I appreciate your replies. Sharon, I had no idea EPR may cause estrogen dominance - I've been taking it for about 5 years but just 4 months ago starting this problem with the breast pain - I will research this further thank you.
I was going to post a follow up tonight anyway to let you all know for information purposes that the day after I posted that breast pain incident, I got my period. That certainly takes this in a different direction. I will continue to watch for a pattern. Thanks so much everyone for this awesome website:)
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Sharon (Bluffton,indiana) on 01/09/2015
I am replying to this because I seen your taking evening primrose and thought I would comment because I'm going thru menopause and started taking evening primrose and my hot flashes got so much more worse. Then I read where it makes you estrogen dominant so I stopped EPR and started black cohosh. Wonder if the EPR is making your breast worse, cause I read that borax helps normalize hormones. Just a thought.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 01/06/2015
Jasmine, read up on painting iodine for your condition.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jasmine (Vero Beach, Fl) on 01/05/2015
I am a 42 y/o female, and I take 1/8 teaspoon borax with 1 liter purified water 3 days a week. I started taking the borax in October, and only take it 3 days a week, 2x a month to start. I noticed that my right breast gets very sore, enlarged with a hard spot and redness on that spot every time I take the borax. The very first time I used the borax, even my right armpit was enlarged and painful, like a 7 out of 10 pain, I'm serious. I have fibercystic breasts and keep the pain under control with the flax oil/rosemary lignans/ evening primrose oil compound that I take every day, but ever since I started taking the borax, this breast pain is unbearable.
I read lots of posts here and saw someone mention that borax increases estriol levels - is that true? Can anyone provide an explanation as to what is going on with my breast? From its appearance, the redness, enlargement, and warm to the touch, I would guess that its an infection. Thanks so much in advance for your help.
The reason I am taking the borax is because I have fibromyalgia and Dr Ted recommended I discontinue the tap water, and start drinking purified water, start alkalizing, and start with the borax to detox from all the fluoride/chlorine I've been drinking my whole life. Ever since I started this protocol, in addition to all the essential vitamins, I have been fibromyalgia free (yaaay!!! ). But this breast pain is preventing me from increasing my borax intake levels for fear of the breast pain getting worse.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Michael (Redondo Beach, Ca) on 12/26/2014
The instructions on the borax protocol are very clear on most websites, including this one. The people who do this protocol state a dosage of 1/4 teaspoon for men and 1/8 teaspoon for women in a liter of water. Why would you choose a post with an abnormally high dosage to try? This is very odd indeed.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by M (Up There, Usa) on 12/26/2014
You took way too much. One teaspoon is NOT the dose. Ted's comments have been 1/8 tsp per day. Please read this entire section before wildly experimenting like this.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Judy (Usa) on 07/14/2014
That is too much Borax , you don't need to boil the water, just warm the water, and make sure the water is spring or distilled. Put 1/4 tsp. in 8 oz. of water and mix . Don't take more then that because it will give you kidney trouble.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mzjean (Houston, Tx.) on 07/13/2014
I was told to boil water in a sauce pan and boil it. than to slowly add the borax powder until it stopped dissolving. I used a large sauce pan and added almost half the box to it and it still was dissolving, so I stopped adding it. I was then told to add 1-2 tbsp. to a glass of water (8 oz.) for intake. Is this too much and how should I dilute it or measure it for intake?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Ed2010 (Canada) on 05/15/2014
Just a quick reply.
If you have read thoroughly about Teds Protocol he would have mentioned Borox will cause mineral retention in the kidney. Eventually causing lower back pain which is because of kidney.
I advice you to stop and try to read all the posts regarding Borax. You can start small or even give gap while taking Borax may be on alternate days.
Good health
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mireya (Greenwich, Connecticut, Us.) on 05/14/2014
Hi: I need your advice again:
After a failed attempt in 2013 to treat an autoimmune disease, candida, leaky gut, food intolerance an some mild arthritic discomfort with borax, following the marvelous advice of your experts, I had decided to reiniciate Ted's protocol, starting on May 5. I took borax Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. The first week went very well. No reaction at all; but on Tuesday of the second one (yesterday) about 11:00pm, I went to the bathroom and I found blood in my urine, repeating the episode 30 minutes later, with some pain in my lower back area and my lower abdomen. This morning I went to the emergency room of the Greenwich Hospital, and they performed the following tests on me:
ABC WITH DIFFERENTIAL (GH)
CT ABDOMEN PELVIS WO IV CONTRAST (NO ORAL) (RENAL STONE)
COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PANEL
UA WITH CULTURE REFLEX (GH)
URINALYSIS WITH MICROSCOPE (GH L Q)
And their diagnosis was RENAL COLIC WITH STONE PASSING. Because I've never had problems with my kidneys before I have to assume this was somehow caused by the consumption of the borax. So guys, I need your wise advise again; I want to know why the reaction, and what should I do to avoid this in future weeks. I really want to continue with that wonderful natural remedy to get better. Thank you all, and God bless you. Warm regards, Mireya
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jerry (Sacramento, Ca.) on 03/13/2014
Folks with kidney pain, again, and again is just detox effects getting through the kidneys. Everytime you have them just decrease the amount of Borax to a 1/16 or get off for a couple of days and let the body do what it does best, take care of you. Borax helps detoxify, which doesn't happen without a detoxifying agent, and people who are experiencing a little detoxing discomfort, well how many years have you been obusing the body by not ready labels on your food and studying what toxifies the body. This junk we're eating builds up and the chemicals even more, so yes your going to have a little discomfort in the detoxiying. Has anyone died from Borax which not even as strong as salt. Come on, fear is our greatest enemy, especially when people try to scare you on these replies. Just do the protocol and if the detox effects are bothering you, then back off. If you think these side effects are bad, go to Hippocrates Clinic, like my Dad who had cancer and at 6'2" was down to 125 lbs. I watched him go through detoxing side effects from taking wheat grass juice, the greatest detoxifier on the plant and yes it hurts, but the crap has to come out, hell we put it in, unless it was something we were exposed to. My dad did coffee colonics, as the caffiene cleans the colon walls, and that's a heck of a lot harder than a burst eye vesel with is just too much yeast coming out too fast. Borax is a great fungicide and works wonders for yeast, along with all the rest of it's wonders. Quit worrying. If you quit, the side effects are going to disappear and your going to think, wow, I saved myself, but all you did is do a little detoxing and allowed yourself to keep doing whatever caused you to overyeast, or over calcium, or over heavy metals. You have to change your diet completely when you get smart and detox, so you won't have to go back and do it again.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Donna (Ca) on 12/23/2013
Hi Mary an important part of any cure is diet and mental peace, without either just taking a cure probably won, t work. A candida free diet with lots of veges is just as important as the borax and baking soda. KEEP it up you wii get better. I would go fast on the diet and slow on the cure. I want to thank Ted and all who have contributed here. My partner and I are almost cured from the Incurable morgellons disease. But we have completely changed our diet and life style.
Peace and Health to all
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Quercus (Southwest) on 12/01/2013
What you experienced is a herxheimer reaction. It is a symptom of the rapid die off of organisms in the body. Most likely it was caused by yeast. When they die off they produce toxins which cause the nasty symptoms. Drinking plenty of water along with a good probiotic should help. As with any product that eliminates fungal parasites it is wise to go slowly and let your body adjust.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Prioris (Fl) on 11/25/2013
Borax also needs enough magnesium in the body to work, according to Ted.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 11/25/2013 2042 posts
Mireya: since Borax is a sodium salt (sodium tetraborate), that would explain the rise in BP. Since this isn't a common occurrence it proly means you are deficient in Potassium. I would take 2 90mg Potassium daily in this case.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 11/24/2013
Dear Mireya,
I am assuming you are taking the 1/4 teaspoon in 1 liter of water? I would try cutting way back on the amount you take and try to build up to that. Try 1/16th teaspoon a day or even every other day. If you can do 1/16th teasoon daily for a week with no side effects, move up to 1/8th teaspoon a day... etc.
Do you normally have blood pressure trouble? If so, you might look into some of the cures here for that...apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper to name a couple.
Take care and let us know how it goes.
~Mama to Many~
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mireya (Ct, Usa, Usa) on 11/24/2013
What could I do to avoid the raise of my BP to 180/75 and headaches after taking borax following Ted's protocol? I am a 67 years old lady with a weak inmune system and multiple food allergies that produce mild pain in my joins. I'll wait anxiously for your answer, I really want to get rid of those problems.
God bless you guys for helping the human community. Mireya
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Hotlava (Seattle) on 10/22/2013
J- ever been to a dialysis clinic? Kidney pain is never something to ignore!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Cindy (Usa) on 07/30/2013
To Mary:for armpit odor: I have found something that works for me-take a small sprinkle of borax and or baking soda and gently rub it in your armpit. Hope this helps.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Steve (Nevada) on 07/30/2013
You overdosed on the borax and had a herxheimer reaction, nauseous, headache etc. Go very slow with it and you should have better results. Maybe one or 2tsp/day.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Minneapolis) on 07/30/2013
I took the borax as recommended and I got so sick that I was not able to eat for two days. I mixed the borax in distilled water in a liter jug and sipped it throughout the day. By the second day I was so nauseated and my head hurt so bad that I could not even get out of bed. I did not take it again because I do not want to feel that sick again. Can someone tell me why I got so sick taking the borax?? Also can someone give me the signs of candida, fungal infection because that is why I took the borax because I suspect I might have candida and it may be causing my bo. My body odor is coming from under my armpits and I shower everyday but less than two hours later I smell as though I have not taken a shower in days. I am getting desperate! Also how long do you need to take the borax solution before you are healed?? what are some of the foods to avoid when you are taking the borax for candida?? I still have the problem with the bo and I have tried the MoM, bs, Zinc, and now the borax which made me feel as though I was going to die. Because this problem is so embarrasing I am willing to try anything but think I might be pushing the limit with the borax. Please help!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 06/26/2013 2042 posts
Carin: Your bad side effects are classic detox reactions known as "Herx" or "die off". It's kinda like The Eagles song "you got to go thru hell before you get to heaven". The best option for you is to slow down and reduce the dose so your body can handle the effects. Weeks or months later when "the storm is over" you should be doing very well.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Carin (St. Louis, Missouri) on 06/25/2013
I am writing to give my feedback on the borax remedy. I followed the recipe exactly as it was submitted by Precisely from Mineral Hill, New Mexico, Usa on 5/19/13:
... dissolve a lightly rounded teaspoonful (5-6 grams) of borax in 1 litre of good quality water* free of chlorine and fluoride. This is your concentrated solution. Keep the bottle out of reach of small children. (* I''m using distilled water)
Standard dose = 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of concentrate. This has 25 to 30 mg of borax and provides about 3 mg of boron. Take 1 dose per day mixed with drink or food. If that feels right then take a second dose with another meal. If there is no specific health problem or as a maintenance dose you may continue indefinitely with 1 or 2 doses daily."
I took a teaspoon at night just before going to bed for exactly a week and experienced extreme hormonal and/or brain chemistry side effects that came close to pushing me over the edge into the looney bin! I think this is a very potent remedy that affects hormones and brain chemistry much more than is known. I went from calm and peaceful to crazy high amounts of anxiety and paranoia by the end of the week. I lay awake every night worrying that the sky was falling in every part of my life!! I ceased taking the remedy on a Sunday and it was Wednesday morning before everything returned to normal. I urge GREAT CAUTION to those taking this remedy. I only wish I could have monitored the changes in my hormones and brain chemistry before, during and after my borax week with blood panels.
Another side effect is that I lost 5 pounds in a week! It has stayed off, which I am happy about.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 06/24/2013
Hi Baldev... All you have to do is search EC to see how many people have mistakenly taken tablespoons instead of the proper dose of 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon of borax in a liter of water. These people haven't suffered that much -- although the high alkalinity caused by the excess borax dosages can cause typical hyper-alkaline symtoms in the body like diarrhea. Excessive borax intake can also stress and damage the liver over long term. Borax has about the same toxicity as comon table salt. However, if you have liver or kidney issues then excessive borax can cause considerable problems.
Therefore, to counteract the excessive alkalinity caused by high borax dosages, you could simply drink something acid -- like raw ACV(through a straw) -- to neutralize the excess alkalinity in the body.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by John (London, Uk) on 06/23/2013
Hi Baldev, I don't know how dangerous borax at that level is. But if I had accidentally consumed a teaspoon in a glass of water, I would drink a lot of distilled water for the next week or so and take a dose or two of activated charcoal in a lot of water. Let us know how it turns out.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 06/23/2013 180 posts
Hi, This question is for Ted / Bill or any body who has experienced it. If by mistake some one takes half a teaspoon of Borax in half a glass of water, what will be the symptoms, effect on the body and what should be given as an antidote to neutralise the effect of such a high dose of Borax. Or there is no need to worry body will take care of it, I am curious to know because it is higly alkaline and in small doses ( As advised by Ted ) it works wonders.
Baldev
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 06/11/2013
For Ted or Bill, Please Help!
Hi: I have been looking at everything I have done to determine why I am so itchy. I thought it was mites from my dog. But when this all started was when I was taking borax internally and I also started Willard water. I have breast cysts and am watching carefully. So the fungal link and protocol seemed a fit. But when I reflect, first my breasts started to itch uncontrollably as I progressed on the borax. I have been itching and scratching my back face, chin, ears, torso, and especially breasts, to the point that I have a wound on one of my breasts that has not healed, became infected and it has been there for 5 weeks. My back is covered with bumps from scratching. My chin is not looking very good. I have also been alkalysing with BS but was gaining weight at an alarming rate!! Up to 7 lbs. so I stopped but my am ph is 5.5 and that is even with months of trying to alkalyze. I just took 1 tsp of tumeric with water and pepper. I need to stop this! :(
Really need some suggestions. Would appreciate any feedback. if I go see my naturopath he will just tell me I am trying too many things but getting desperate.
Mary
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Kimsie (Arlington , Wa) on 06/07/2013
In response to Joe from Atlanta, who wrote: "The density of borax is 1.73 g/mL"...
mL is a liquid measure and Borax is a powder so I don't see where you get this from. I weighed a level 1/4 teaspoon of Borax on a gram scale and it was less than 800 mg so it only has 88 mg of boron at the most, not 245 mg. Maybe some borax is more dense than mine, so if anyone is concerned they should weigh it in mg and multiply by 0.11 to find the boron content.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mindy (Brisbane, Australia) on 04/05/2013
Hi this is a question for Ted -
I have started taking Borax. I am overweight (180lbs) and so am taking 1/4 tsp in 1L of water per day - the thing is I have been drinking this by the glassful and using the whole litre. Other info suggests that this is the base and only 1-3 tsp of this needs to be taken per day. I am really confused. I have noticed some cystitis over the last couple of days. I had been doing the fingertip dipping and putting in water and was fine, but wondered if it was enough so started adding the powder to water as above.
I am taking it to improve osteoarthritis and to strengthen teeth and bones, I am aged 65.
I am also trying to alkalise my body doing the 1/4 tsp baking soda, 2 tbsp lemon juice in 1/2 water. (Is the bottled pure lemon juice ok to use?)
Thank you for your help,
M
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Eddy (Perth, Western Australia) on 12/14/2012
I think referring to the elements as 'ingredients' is misleading. It is not like a salad where the ingredients are mixed and consumed.
If I had a jar containing hydrogen gas, and I added oxygen, I wouldn't get water. There needs to be a chemical reaction to bond the elemental atoms to create water.
In the case of Borax Decahydrate, the ELEMENTS (sodium, boron, hydrogen and oxygen) are chemically bonded to form a specific chemical compound Borax Decahydrate, which may have properties completely different to those of the individual elements.
In the Borax Decahydratethe chemical COMPOUND there are fixed ratios of the contributing elements, Yes, the remaining 78% is hydrogen atoms and (mostly) oxygen atoms.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by J (San Luis Obispo, Ca) on 12/13/2012
Kidney pain is just the excess calcium being removed from the tissues and fluoride excretion passing thru the kidneys. Stop or slow down treatment for awhile.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Conniemerie (Twin Lakes, Wi) on 12/01/2012
Yes, indeed, there are many shills for western medicine and disinformation artists out there. In addition, too many people breast fed on western medicine do not want to take responsibility for their own health. If you do not know your body well enough, and do not listen to the signals that your body gives you then how do you expect a 3rd party (aka: the doctor) to do any better than you at healing you? alternative medicine is ALL about taking responsibility for yourself. All I know is that my body doesn't respond well to any other person's idea about cookie-cutter medicine designed to mean "one size fits all"
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Linda (Nashville, Tn) on 08/06/2012
Hello there... It feels to me you are experiencing the cleansing aspect of the parasites dying off. Loose watery stools, flatulence, low energy, flu like systems are a symptom of moving the dead toxic parasites through your system. Your body is healing itself... And this is know as a "healing crisis". Do your best to push on through... When I cleared myself of parasites... It took at least 6 weeks of flu-like symptoms. The cure can feel worse that the cause. Consider switching to mainly raw foods and having as much green juices as possible. Power on through... You can do it!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Artlover8 (Lakewood, Co, Jefferson) on 08/01/2012
I am a 52-year old caucasian woman living in Colorado. I am 5'2" about 120 lbs. I took a lot of anti-biotics for acne over a long-term period 20 years ago and suspect systemic candida. I have joint pain, esp. in hips, with shoulder and neck injuries that frequently go into painful flairs with repetitive motion. I take magneisum which helps with the pain.
I have tried 1/8 Tea in about a liter of water for general alkalizing. I have read to do this in drinking water with 4 days on and then 3 days off. My goal is to raise by body's Ph level and to remove candida. Within a few days, my skin begins to itch here and there and then everywhere and becomes intolerable. My stools also become loose and watery. I discontinued the borax and began 1/4 Tea Baking Soda in water 30 minutes after 2 meals daily. The same thing happens with the itching and loose watery stools. I have also tried Candida Control Program, which is 2 tablespoons before breakfast, starting with their High Potency formula with the plan to do the Phase I and Phase II over a 3-month period. Again I get the itching and loose watery stools. I have tested my Ph urine levels and the readings are coming up in the 6.0 to 6.2 in the morning. I am doing my best to avoid sugar, but not easy.
Does anyone know why this happens and what I can do to correct?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Enda (Nashville, Tennessee, United States) on 07/18/2012
Boron/Borax have been known to work at normalizing the thyroid. This might be what is happening. You did say you are a vegetarian. Vegetarians are known for having unstable thyroid levels due to the lack of animal protein in their diets. If you are uncomfortable with the Borax, try Boron supplements from the health food store. They are made for human cosumption.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 07/17/2012
That doesn't sound like hives, it is candida die-off. Candida die-off or sometimes called "candida rash" is a by product of almost every successful detox. I got it about a month after I began eating organic produce and using the Borax remedy and ACV. Mine was all up and down the inside of my arms, but cleared up quicker than yours. The candida is just more concentrated in those areas you speak of.
Borax is used for chelating metals and eliminating flouride. You may want to try chlorella for a while to see if you like that better. If you're wanting to address pH balance, try Ted or Bill's alkalinizing remedies. That will also encurage candida elimination. ACV/baking soda at bedtime will also counteract overnight acidity.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Misty (Indiana, Usa) on 07/17/2012
I also experienced hives after taking taking the borax water. I get the breakout on my face, neck, hands, legs, and especially my lower back and buttocks (it fades everywhere but my back/buttocks). I initially thought it was from spending too much time with the family cat (I'm allergic), but when the rash didn't go away after taking an antihistamine, I knew something was up. Borax is the only new remedy I have been trying, so I googled "borax rash" and found similar stories. According to a Wikipedia article on borax, borax poisoning can cause the following symptoms: "
a beefy red skin rash affecting palms, soles, buttocks and scrotum has been described. With severe poisoning, erythematous and exfoliative rash, unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and renal failure."
I have also been experiencing hair loss since starting this remedy that I didn't connect to borax until I read of others experiencing this symptom. I have been urinating white specks for the past 2 weeks or so which could be borax buildup. My naturally soft skin has become dry all over my body; my lips are cracked. If I drink too much of the borax/water mixture at once, I will experience headaches and dizziness almost imediately. To me, these side effects indicate that this is not a very safe remedy, and I will discontinue my oral intake of borax at once. I will continue to bathe in borax water about once or twice a week (to treat my recurrent yeast infection) and hope the side effects disappear after I cease oral intake.
To be clear, my dosage is the recommended 1/8 tsp in 1 liter of water sipped throughout the day, 5 days on & 2 days off. I finish about 1/2 to 2/3 of the mixture in one day; I usually stop when I get a slight headache (it worsens if I continue taking it). I am a 115 lb woman. I eat an almost vegan diet (completely vegan for the past 2-3 weeks) and drink plenty of water. I'm not taking any hormones or anything as Ted speculated may be the cause. I also do not have symptoms of Morgellons disease or any other parasitic disorders aside from a recurrent yeast infection I've had for about a month. I started taking the borax because I believed it would help fight off the yeast infection (which I think may also reside in my gut causing constipation).
I had previously been trying whatever remedy was recommended on this website, forgetting that any nonprofessional individual can submit a testimonial. I rarely bothered to do research or even read the side effects posts on this site. I now realize that even "natural remedies" can be dangerous, and I encourage everyone to do their research so that they are aware of any adverse effects before they experience them.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Wayne (Coeur D'alene, Idaho, Usa) on 04/16/2012
Want to take borax to protect from radiation coming over from Japan. Read Ted's advice on dosage and went to the store and bought a box of 20 mule team borax. It is now scented! Is it still safe to ingest?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jennywren (Perth, Western Australia) on 03/19/2012
Yes, I would be interested to hear the answer to this too. I have just started taking 1/8 tspn in 1 litre of water today, and am not sure how long it is meant to be continued for and when I need to take a break from it. Cheers!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 02/22/2012
Hi Jennywren, Drove through Fishy in late January on the way to the beach could have then. My email is pharlapyes-ec [at] yahoo.com. Au
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jennywren (Perth, Western Australia, Australia) on 02/19/2012
Hi Maria, thanks for your reply! Yes, I use _____s, so fully organic with Mother. I was just reading about the bicarb so might try that in a week or so after all has settled down. PS say hi to me Mum for me. She lives in Fish Creek! ;)
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 02/19/2012
Hi Jennywren, Just a thought if your ACV is not organic and doesn't have the mother then maybe sometime later try one that is and start with only a teaspoon. The other thing to try is to add the bi-carb soda as recommended by Ted. We tried the ACV that is double strength, because my father-in-law thinks its the bees knees, (plus it's readily available so we didn't have to drive through 2 towns to get to the one that has the organic ACV) but I found it was no good for me.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jennywren (Perth, Western Australia, Australia) on 02/19/2012
Update 2 - I thought I should add this because it seems it may not be the Borax producing these side effects after all but my ______ ACV. After having loss of appetite, nausea, burping, fatigue and diarrhoea a few days ago (an 80ml dose of colloidal silver in water fixed it), I went off the Borax and ACV drink for a day and all was well. BUT last night I had an ACV/honey hot toddy before bed (without the Borax). And this morning woke up with the same symptoms! Another dose of CS cured it. So I think the ACV may be too acidic for me. Yes, yes, I know despite it being made from acetic acid and having a ph of only 3. 075 ACV it is meant to have an alkalising effect. But as somebody who has a very acidic body, I think I'll stick with drinking my alkalising colloidal silver for now. ACV has never worked for me when drinking for asthma, hayfever, bronchitis, colds or rheumatoid arthritis - perhaps this is why? Mind you, it worked great topically for skin tags and herpes! :)
Anyway, thought I should update this is it doesn't look like the Borax is the culprit after all. If I have the courage to return to the Borax I'll update...!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jennywren (Perth, Western Australia, Australia) on 02/09/2012
An update: all has calmed down now and I am taking a 3 day hiatus from the Borax. Will continue it in a 4 days on/3 days off routine and see if it makes any difference to the RA.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jenny (Perth, Western Australia) on 02/07/2012
Hi there, well I'm on my 5th day of taking borax (one wet fingertip's worth in warm ACV and honey) as I'm desperately trying to get rid of the rheumatoid arthritis in my feet (I'm 43). Yesterday I noticed one eye was bloodshot, and today the other one is red and my face feels hot, like it's got sunburn. Any ideas? I'll give it one more day and if it gets any worse I'll stop taking it. It's made no difference to the arthritis or anything else btw.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Linda (New Haven, Connecticut) on 01/08/2012
Was just reading Ted's comments of 9/16/2010 stating that
"For most women the average dose is about 1/8 teaspoon taken for only a month."
I know he has recommented elsewhere to mix it with 1 litre of water and sip it throughout the day for 4 days on with 3 days off.
This is the first time I have seen that it is to only be done for a month. I thought this was suppossed to be an ongoing supplementation and was suprised to see the 1 month suggestion.
I wanted to start this to aid my osteoporosis & arthritis issues. Do I really only need a month's worth of treatment and that's all for the rest of my life? Please, I need someone who knows about the length of treatment to please advise me before I start this treatment.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 11/22/2011
Hi Aim75, all of these symptoms happened to me also and a few other Earth clinic folks. It goes away. Cheers Lily.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Aim75 (Kane, Pa) on 11/21/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi,
I have a weird side effect of trying Borax for my arthritis. First, I seem to have kidney pain when taking doses of 1/8 tsp and higher. This is nothing new, certain things do give my kidneys problems since I had a E-coli infection in my blood 12 years ago. So I've been taking a little spoon, and just dipping the wet tip of it in and swishing it in my water. Kidney problem solved. Here is the weird side effect... I get this strange headache that is located at the tip of my head... Not really a headache, just a strange pressure or ache at the very center tip of my head. I've had this pain before, years ago, when I was really stressed and it used to be pretty bad that it would affect my thinking. But that went away years ago, and now it seems the borax brings it on again ever so slightly. Anybody have any ideas what this means?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Rhonda (Lakewood, Ca) on 11/05/2011
My question is for Ted:
I began trying Ted's recipe of 1/8 tsp of Borax in 1L water and soon after, my period started early with heavy bleeding and cramping. I read on a bottle of Boron capsules at the health food store that Boron affects the estradiol levels, so I wonder if there is a connection. Did this cause me to become estrogen dominant? On the 15th day of my cycle each month, I take Bioidentical Progesterone and was late this month. I experienced heavy bleeding a few years back similar to this. This is when I started Hormone supplementation. But before that, I went to 5 different doctors. All wanted to do surgeries that included: ablation, hysterectomy, a procedure that involved clamping the arteries, etc. One gave me a shot that temporarily stopped the bleeding.
This went on for 6 months until I went to a chinese herbal doctor. I made a tea from the herbs and the bleeding lessened and then stopped in 8 days! I have heard the warnings of lead in chinese herbs, but this is an emergency, so I am going back for more herbs today. I oil pull and use Detoxamin on the weekends, when I have time. Hopefully, that will take care of any lead. I would like to know if Ted has any recommendations. Thanks, Ted. I respect your opinion.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jason (Melb, Vic/aus) on 10/17/2011
I've been using the borax face solution and the 1/8 teaspoon and have noticed some positive results! However tonight I though I would get into a bath of borax (about 1 1/2 cups) tea tree oil / small amount of hydrogen peroxide all was good when I got out however a hours or two later sitting at my computer got a few rashes on my body, went to bed and it was all over my chest and back! Not sure if its the mites saying goodbye or a rash from the borax itself?
Note: My original problem was itchy bumps on my face (possibly acne rosacea) which has died down quite a bit, during the rash episode my face was completely clear? (i did dunk my face into bath water).
Any help appreciated.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Sayno2gmo (Vancouver, Bc, Canada) on 10/14/2011
David (Dave) from Surrey, BC Canada that posted on 02/19/2009 saying he took it for 2 weeks then got kidney, testicle, and headaches, only to try it again on 04/15/2009 for 2 days and quitting due to the pain in the same areas.
I'm really glad some of these misinformation artists are dumb. Thank you for exposing yourself Dave!
People that are researching natural remedies, just know that there are many people like this, some paid some not, trying to scare you away from trying things like this.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mistyk (Brooklyn, Ny) on 10/13/2011
Hey Chris from Boulder, Co... I know this may be coming late, but can you explain a bit more about what you are doing for your pineal gland with the borax? And also what pill form are you taking? Thanks!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jen (Bozeman, Mt, Us) on 09/09/2011
I would stick with it if I were you. I too got extreme headaches and started feeling like I was coming down with an illness. I have been taking it for 3 weeks now and on about the 3rd day I started with the headaches, naseua, extreme fatigue, dizzyness, and just generally feeling yucky. I decided to stick it out and it lasted for about 1 week to 9 days. I am feeling way better now. I think it was the detox that my body was going through. I am hoping to get rid of all of the flouride in my body and I do not want to give up. I also had some pains in my kidneys and read Ted's post about making sure to take magnesium with it. I have not had any pain since.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by John (Surfers Paradise, Qld) on 09/08/2011
Ted, ... In doing a study on Borax uses today I was just wondering why you said this about a year ago, .... "Calcium deposits occur if too much diets are high in that, usually found eating coral calcium "........ Based on what evidence Ted? as I know pure coral powder (simply powdered coral) helps eliminate calcium deposits as it is an alkaliser and "system cleaner", .. Also what the body does not use it will naturally eliminate, .. Having been the Australia agent for pure coral calcium on behalf of the worlds largest supplier, for about 10 years now... This I can say I do know from the papers, studies, our own clinical studies in Qld Australia and from my own personal testimony, Pure coral actually has a different matrix that makes it ideal to help clean other types of calcium, toxins, wastes, heavy metals, etc, deposits from the body, .. Such as in particular synthetic calciums, etc...... Of the thousands of customers in Australia we have never heard of this as a problem, .... It is practically impossible, if you look at above sea coral (powdered and pure) under a microscope you will see why, ..... Now put pure coral powder and kelp together, .. WOW! Good Super Fuel! Thats why they live together in the ocean, ..... Regards, John
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Kimmi (Park City-wichita, Ks) on 09/01/2011 12 posts
Yesterday I tried the Borax as suggested (1/8 tsp. To 1 litre of water) and got THE WORST cramping diarrhea EVER. Today my right kidney hurts severely and my sinuses are very painful. When I eat, I have a searing pain up over my right eye, into my forehead. I'm very unhappy over this, as I was really hoping for something that would help my rosacea and the possible fibromyalgia I suffer. :(
Ohh, well.. I guess I will use the rest for laundry and around the house!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Imb (Vista, Ca) on 08/29/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been taking the borax from the grocery store for three day. I have been feeling more energize but I also am experiencing kidney pain. Is it detox symptom? And should I take something else with it to ease the pain?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Writert (Riverside, Ca) on 08/21/2011
I'm not a chemist, but in the calculations set forth on June 29, 2011 it seems the 2160 mg of borax which equals 1/4 tsp should be divided by 60 kg to get 36 mg/kg as the highest dose recommended by Ted. Which would seem to be only 1.38 % of the MINIMUM lethal dose of boron of 2.6-3.5 g which he stated. Really need to understand because I am dealing with so many health issues but really want to try to the borax regimen.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Joe (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 06/29/2011
It seems like boron is the culprit for long-term effects, not necessarily whether it is in acid or salt form.
Borax is about 11% boron, boric acid is about 17% boron
MINIMUM lethal dose of boric acid in human adults 15g - 20g boric acid = 2. 6 g -3. 5 g boron (This is not the LD50. LD50 is defined as the dose that kills 50% of the population, so the LD50 may be somewhat greater than this, but it certainly won't be less than this amount. )
Take a 60 kg individual and that gives 43 mg B/Kg - 58 mg B/Kg minimum lethal dose.
I'm assuming the individual who died at 15 g was 60 Kg, as well as the individual who died at 20g. FYI my fellow Americans, 60 Kg = 132 lbs.
The density of borax is 1.73 g/mL
A teaspoon is 5 mL
So 1/4 of a teaspoon gives (1.73 g/mL)*(1/4)*(5mL) = 2. 16 g = 2160 mg borax = 245 mg For a 60 kg person 245 mg B-> 4 mg B/Kg
So taking 1/4 of a teaspoon of borax gives 10% of the MINIMUM lethal dose.
Now on to the report from the European Center for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC). Report No. 63. This is available free online.
The report is quite long, so I will concentrate on two sets of findings.
First, they review the fertility effects of acute exposure to borax and boric acid, in rats. That is, a one time exposure followed by monitoring. The lowest 'No observable adverse effect level' (NOAEL) is 88 mg B/Kg. They find testicular atrophy and decreased sperm volume above that level, but reversible up to 700 mg B/Kg. Beyond that concentration, the damage was not reversible.
Second, they review the fertility effects of repeated exposure to borax and boric acid. The lowest NOAEL is 17.5 mg/Kg /day for 2 years.
Based on that second review, they calculate a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for humans. Assuming a 60 Kg person:
TDI = NOAEL * 60Kg / [(UF intraspecies)* (UF interspecies)]
They use an interspecies factor of 3, accounting for the fact that humans may not tolerate boron as well as rats, but they state that interspecies differences are expected to be small. 3 is just a large safety margin.
"The toxicokinetics of borates in man and animals is similar irrespective of the route of administration. Borates are not metabolised and so there is no potential source of variation among species, with respect to metabolic competence. The same critical effects are found in all animal species examined. "
They use an intraspecies factor of 10, to account for the fact that some humans may be far more sensitive to boron than others.
They finally arrive at a TDI = 17.5 mg/Kg/day * 60Kg / [3*10] = 35 mg B/day for fertility effects. 1/28 of a teaspoon of borax
This is based on 2 years of daily consumption, so a human could theoretically consume this amount every day for 2 years and experience no adverse fertility effects.
If we apply this same standard to the acute exposure numbers, we get:
88 mg B/Kg * 60 Kg / [3*10] = 176 mg B for fertility effects
This is over the course of a single day. 176 mg B corresponds to 1600 mg of borax or about 1/5 of a teaspoon
Some individuals may be sensitive at this level, and that may explain why some people have reported adverse effects. However, these numbers are based on very large safety margins, so the vast majority of individuals will not have any adverse effects at these levels. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, there is no test for boron sensitivity.
The LOAEL for acute exposure was between 88 and 175 mg B/Kg. Translating that to humans and using the same factors means that adverse effects from a single exposure may start somewhere between 176 mg and 350 mg B in a single day.
I've been using boron on and off at the 1/4 teaspoon per day level for 2 weeks now, and have noticed very good effects. I will post a more detailed report on my own experience later.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Joe (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 06/29/2011
Hi, I just read the article you linked and noticed that they mentioned garlic and cayenne pepper as two foods that may trigger these burst blood vessels in the eye. I've recently upped my intake of both of those spices, so that may be the cause of the hemorrhage, rather than the borax.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Joe (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 06/29/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I had the same side effect. I took 1/4 of a teaspoon for 3 days, then skipped 3 days, then started again. I got a burst blood vessel in my right eye the first day back on. This same blood vessel has burst several times before so I'm not worried about it.
Otherwise, the borax has made me feel great.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Joe (Atlanta, Georgia, Usa) on 06/26/2011
I experienced the same side effect on the fourth day. I used 1/4 tsp on days 1-3. On the fourth day, I started using that same amount in the morning, but then I read more info on Earthclinic and the side effects some people had, I realized I already felt much better, so I decided to stop drinking the borax solution for a few days.
That fourth afternoon/night, I started feeling very hungry but no other side effects besides some flatulence. Then late that night I went out for drinks and noticed that bitter soapy taste you're talking about after drinking beer. Today is day 5, I haven't noticed any side effects today. I plan to stay off the borax for another couple of days. I will post if anything changes.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Missy (Ny) on 06/13/2011
Randy, did you ever get a reply from the company? Also, I am wondering: if the ingredients are
Boron = 11.56%
Sodium = 12.06%
Trace Minerals (0. 5%) found at the mining site
for Borax, is it possible that the remaining 75.88% is only oxygen and water?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Dave (Usa, Pa/usa) on 04/13/2011
Ted,
I would like your opinion on my reaction to borax I have taken borax as written about on your posts and have had a strong reaction on it. I was taking it for 4 days and felt a headache that moves from place to place with a bad taste in my mouth. Leading up to this dose I was sprinkling borax over coffee grounds of my coffee maker. I stopped taking it and started now for 2 days taking Idoral Potassium Iodine and the first day took two and had a stronger reaction and even felt vains of pressure on my face around my head (like a poison) sleeping all day and drinking plenty of water throughout this.
I feel much better now without stopping the Idoral suppliment. I only feel a pressure in my kidneys. Also I had strong feelings run through my body when I heard different sounds and is still there but minor now. I have had this reaction to sound for a number of months and is one of the reasons I am looking into causes. I suspect a fluoride/bromine build up but no tests have be taken and would like to figure this out on my own as much as possible. I have always thought I was much smarter than I am throughout my life. My memory isnt that great and have sensed a fog with me in some degree through childhood onward. I had odd stage fright as a child and onward but am a very confident person. I suspect that myself and family have been exposed to toxin in some form. My mother died of breast cancer when I was young, my sister has dystonia, and my dad has very bad brain fog and generally lost. I'm glad that I'm feeling better and plan on taking Iodine for some time for a long term detox if that is indeed what is happening. Also through my adult life I have had body parts fall asleep very easily during sleep and a certain sensation on the top of my legs. I can tune it out but I have had it for a very long time. Any thoughts you might have would be helpful. I see the world alot like you do.
dave /36
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Chris (Boulder, Co) on 02/19/2011
Thanks! I have been taking like 300 to 400% of the fillers because the boron is such a small amnt in each pill. So I might have to go back to 6 to 9mg a day or less instead of 12 on account that they have such a high amount of extras. It seems to be working well at any rate - I have much more success with everything pineal related :)
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Lisa (Rabat, Morocco) on 02/19/2011
Hi Chris, sometimes taking too much magnesium can cause diarrhea. Try cutting back on the amount you are taking and see if that helps. Everybody has different tolerance levels so you just have to play around with how much you take to find out what is right for you.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Chris (Boulder, Co) on 02/18/2011
I just wanted to comment on my treatment so far. I have been taking between 9 and 12mg of boron a day, in capsule form which also includes magnesium and calcium, so I am getting over 100 to 200% RDV of those last two but I dont think that is a problem.
The only side effect I have noticed besides increase in clarity of mind and more vivid dreams is a slight diarrhea. Like half-diarrhea. Is this common as a sign of your body removing toxins? Sorry to be unpleasant ;) It hardly counts as such as I am still going on normal schedule once a day, but juts noted that difference. Wanted to make sure that is not a sign of anything negative.
I am taking the boron with distilled water and stopped drinking tap water as I feel I get all the minerals I need in food and supplements. I am detoxing from fluoride for metaphysical reasons.
Thanks in advance.
P.S. Once you feel you are cleansed of fluoride what would a smaller dose of of boron daily be to merely neutralise your intake (as it is in everything nowadays, food etc) as opposed to cleansing old buildup?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 02/17/2011
Garrett, I went to the link you posted and at the bottom of the page they had about five references, four of which had links to click on and the one that didn't I googled, they make for interesting reading and have yet again reminded me how important this mineral is to us and also animals. Very interesting one of the references tells of the study where bones from the unsupplemented (no boron) were easy to saw through and yet the bones from the supplemented with boron were harder to saw.
For some more research (you may have already seen it) I have included a link about boron from: Mineral tolerance of animals, By National Research Council (U. S. ). Committee on Minerals and Toxic Substances in Diets and Water for Animals, National Research. Scroll to the start of Boron which is page 60.
books.google.com.au
It looks like some of the older studies were done using boric acid, which should not be taken orally. In the studies that used boric acid they call it boron, so I wonder if this is how boron got its undeserved reputation. After all we know that a small amount of salt is good for us but large amounts are bad. It is the same principle for boron (not boric acid) although the amounts are smaller as explained by Bill. I am very thankful for Ted's advice on Borax and everyone who have posted their experiences here on EC. Bill thanks for such a good clarification on boron safety.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines) on 02/15/2011
Hi Garret... Although it is appreciated that you have great concern over people's use of Borax and the dangers therein, personally I would not trust any information put out by Medline, Pubmed or the FDA -- their only driver is to support the Pharmaceuticals profit. After all, would you really trust your doctor's recommendation if he advised that you must take anti-depressants for a problem? ALL anti-depressants contain fluoride (far more poisonous than Borax) which -- amongst its many other dangerous physical effects -- causes suicidal and aggressive tendencies. But you will take this anti-depressant because you trust your doctor.
The fact remains that Borax is about as poisonous as table salt.
Here is the MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) -- which is the Bible standard for all chemists and biochemists regarding toxicity -- for ordinary table salt:
http://msds.chem.ox.ac.uk/SO/sodium_chloride.html
And here is the MSDS for Borax:
http://www.omnia.co.za/pebble.asp?relid=1496
Notice that the Oral Rat LDL50(Median Lethal Dose) for salt is 3000 mgs/kgm whereas the Oral Rat LDL50 for borax is 2600mgs/kgm.
From these datasheets notice that the LDLo (Lower Lethal Dose) for man for salt is 1000 mgs/kgm and the LDLo for Borax is 709 mgs/kgm.
This means that to kill a 100 kgm person with salt(sodium chloride) would take 100 GRAMS (3.52 ounces) of salt and to kill a 100 kgm person with borax would require that he would have to ingest 70. 9 GRAMS (2.50 ounces) of borax.
Ted advises daily doses(4 days a week) of between 500 mgs(1/8 tspn) and 1000 mgs (1/4tspn) of borax in a liter of water per day(1 tspn = 4000 mgms approx). These amounts equate to 0.01 ounces and 0.03 ounces respectively.
I've also been using and ingesting Ted's Borax remedy in solution for four years for various problems -- I know borax well -- and I've had no problems or side-effects whatsoever from its use. It is a very powerful anti-fungal and fluoride remover. Cheap too.
