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 Marie (Co) on 03/24/2017
I have a question I would like to have answered by Ted or a knowledgeable person. I've been drinking 2 to 2/12 liters of water daily. I switched from table salt to Himalaya pink salt for the past several days and my research on mineralized salt led me to Borax. I added one level teaspoon of Borax to 1 liter of distilled water. Then I added 1 teaspoon of this concentrated liquid to another 1 liter of distilled water because I felt Ted's dose would be too high from all the research I did. I drank the Borax water in the evening towards bed time and took 400 mg of Magnesium just before bed.
As soon as I started drinking the Borax water I had mild itching on the surface of arms, face and legs that gradually went away. When I was getting into bed I removed my socks and realized my right foot and ankle was extremely swollen with edema. I had a pulmonary embolism a couple years ago which is a blood clot, had surgery to remove all blood clots and from the same leg that swelled and I'm on blood thinners and on oxygen full time. I ended up with a foot drop, the one that was swollen. It sometimes swells but not like it did on the borax. The next morning most of the swelling was gone. The reason I was interested in Borax is overall health and to see if it would help with the electric shock feelings I sometimes get in my foot. After having this extreme swelling I'm afraid to take it again.
Does anyone have any suggestions and do you think it is worth it for me to try to take Borax again?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jan (Mi) on 03/17/2017
What type of magnesium do you take?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Sunny (Sequim, Washington) on 02/17/2017
I started taking boron. Doing the 1/8th teaspoon in a liter of water. I think I might of used a little more than 1/8 as I don't have a 1/8 measuring spoon. My face did get flushed and my heart sped up a bit.
But night time was the worse! I had terrible gas pains and discomfort! And kept getting up to go to the bathroom for some relief. I'm thinking from reading the blog that I was detoxing.
This is the second day and I'm still not feeling like my old self. I only took it once and not planning to do it again and want to warn anyone to start with a very small amount. I'm planning to get some ginger root and making some tea to help me feel better.
Can anyone tell me when I'll be over this??! Normally I'm very healthy and feel good everyday. Thanks for your help!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Rachael (Jacksonville, Fl) on 10/28/2016
I have tried to take boron on several occasions. The first few times I was fine. The last 2 times I definitely had adverse effects. I immediately felt faint and my body tingled. Then my heart began to race and I felt like I may die. This was from drinking only a few gulps from a 1 1/2 liter pitcher of water I had added less than 1/8 teaspoon of boron. I had to drink a lot of milk and have a meal for the effects to subside. It took a while. Had that moment when I thought I had killed myself and it would be too late to call poison control(never did). The diarrhea that came within 30 minutes did not feel related to drinking the milk. Needless to say I am done with the Borax/boron. Hope this helps someone. God bless.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by April (Va) on 07/31/2016
I started taking 1/8 teaspoon of Borax mixed with a liter of water and divided it in 3 equal parts yesterday. During the day I had a full feeling in my stomach. Last night after the third dose I got really jittery, my body aches like I had the flu and I was shaking like I had a fever. ( Temp within normal range ) My throat hurts and I am really stiff today. This is the first time I have done anything natural. Should I slow down and if so to how much a day? Should I stop?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Guin (Baytown, Texas) on 06/25/2016
I wanted to try the Borax, because of yeast infection and living where there is a lot of fluoride in the water. I measured a little more than 1/8 tsp in 2pints of distilled water. Just started so no kind of reaction yet or "if", but does anyone else have a kind of a bitter taste in your mouth after you drink some? Seems to last.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Irma (San Diego) on 01/17/2016
Can anyone tell me why my kidneys hurt when I take the borax?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Lynn (Cali) on 08/20/2015
Anyone know why I get heartburn from drinking borax water? I am female and used the 1/8 tsp in a liter of water this morning. After the first drink, I started to get reflux which only got worse as the day went on and I continued to drink it. Is this to be expected when first starting borax water (like a die off type reaction) or should I quit drinking it?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Lynn (Cali) on 08/22/2015
Thanks Mama! I will lower my dose and try again.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jkresge (Elkton, Md) on 01/30/2017
I used 1/8 tsp in litre of water for Borax treatment. I had herximer reaction and my heart raced for hours. I only took 1 tsp internally. The next day I just dipped my finger in it and did not take it internally and my heart still raced for hours. I drank a lot of water and it finally subsided for a while and started again. Do you know why this is happening???
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Sabe (France) on 07/26/2015
Emergency Please:
I need advise: I ingested borax solution, made of 1 teaspoon for 250 ml, taking 100 ml a day, 3 to 5 days I believe. I bathed in borax dissolved in water (10 soupspoons with full bathtub). I bathed in cayenne pepper as well I am taking 3 neem capsules 3 times a day plus herbal sirop twice a day, apple cider vinega in water in the morning I don t know f it has to do with the treatment only or with food as well...but started to feel heavy in the stomach, not able to intake any of those tastes and medication I stopped everything for 1 day
Then I tried to ingest apple cider vinegar in the morning but immediately vomited it and as I have an undetected pulmonary (cough since 2007) problem, I started also coughing while vomiting and some blood came out in the mucus.
What shall I do? I am drinking massive garlic cinnamon turmeric herbal teas since more than two months, with essential oils which I stopped recently as I felt it could be too much and didn t know the interaction of borax and essential oils internally.
Thank you indeed. Sabe
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Rosemary (Canada) on 04/01/2017
Garlic is a known blood thinner so be careful.
'Massive doses' of garlic would cause a haemorrhage if you had surgery or a severe wound.
As with everything, research every supplement before you take it and moderation in everything.
Best wishes for good health, Rosemary
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 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 Jasmine C (Vero Beach, Fl) on 06/02/2015
My fibromyalgia symptoms are back with a vengeance and doubled. Alkalyzing not helping. I have tried to tell my doctors that these symptoms all started, in stages, after taking levaquin. They do not agree. If the cause of my pain is found, won't it help find a cure? And why isn't Alkalyzing helping me anymore? It has stopped working for over a month now, even with same lifestyle walking, vitamins, fluoride free water. Pain now so severe, wakes me in sleep. Thank so much in advance.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jasmine C (Vero Beach, Fl) on 06/03/2015
Hi Marlene, I am so glad to hear that you are cancer free!!! That is awesome. I just started doing the green drinks again over weekend I started. Thank you so much
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Pomegranate (Sw Usa) on 10/17/2015
Please check out mega-dose thiamine. I'm trying it right now and it is helping me a lot. Hope it helps you too, if you do try it.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Karen (Mi) on 03/18/2017
Can you elaborate on the use of Cipro (antibiotics) and neuropathy? I was hospitalized 3 times and they used antibiotics and I have neuropathy now! No diabetes and get my blood sugar tested annually too.
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 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 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 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 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 Donna (Ct) on 02/20/2017
Tim,
You may have just helped solve my problem as I had the same problem as Mireya the other day and I posted about having a higher blood pressure after taking Borax. I will try the Potassium. Should I get the blood levels for it checked first though? I am on Diltiazem and Losartan for the blood pressure so Im not sure if I could take potassium.
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 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 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 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 Pomegranate (Sw Usa) on 10/17/2015
Hi, have you gotten checked for sulfation defects in your genes? If I take in a lot of sulfur foods or supps, I will stink too. It is because I can't break down sulfur and process it normally, so it has to come out in my sweat as a toxin. You should get that checked. It is as simple as spitting into a tube and mailing it off. It will tell you a lot of other valuable info about yourself. It gives you pieces of the puzzle so that you don't have to experiment on yourself.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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 02/22/2012
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 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 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 Gp (Pa) on 05/28/2018
Same side effects. A rash. I have had it for 4 months now. Anyone know if it will eventually go away?
