Borax Lotion, Art Solbrig
Health Benefits

Borax Lotion for Arthritis Relief – Easy DIY Remedy

on Jul 23, 2025| Modified on Sep 29, 2025
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.
DIY Borax Lotion
Posted by Earth Clinic on 07/24/2025
★★★★★

If oral borax helped your arthritis but caused side effects, Art's new DIY Borax Lotion could be the perfect alternative. Art's friend experienced fast and dramatic pain relief in just a few days using this simple topical formula — and it's incredibly easy to make at home.

Here's the new page: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/borax-lotion.html

DIY Borax Lotion
Posted by Art (California) on 07/24/2025 2679 posts

Hi Austyn,

As I said in the post, it is just for the test period and given that the whole bottle only contains 1.5 ounces of tap water and you are only getting a tiny bit of that per use, it doesn't seem like that much of a problem, but if it is a problem for you, simply substitute distilled or filtered water for the tap water. Problem solved!

By the way, what water do you use when you take a shower or a bath?

Art


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 07/25/2025 2679 posts

Hi Karen,

As far as fibromyalgia pain, I got the following feedback from an Earth Clinic member :

' Now the good news, it works!!! I have fibromyalgia and I am always getting new pains and some go after a while and some stick around and are so bad I can't sleep. My newest pains were in my neck, shoulder, arm and hand and it was bad. I applied the lotion to my shoulder, neck and arm and when I woke up the next morning after sleeping the whole night! The pain was greatly reduced I couldn't believe it!

I am continuing to use it every night and just a touch during the day if I feel the need but my shoulder is 80% better, my arm and neck are being a bit more stubborn but at least 50% better and my hand is also 80% better. I have applied it to a sore bunion and that is pain free now!

I had started to use the magnesium oil in a spray bottle a while back with minimal help with pain but I continue to use it because I know it's good for me.

I also want to mention that I have tried all the prescriptions for Fibromyalgia non of which worked or worked enough to justify the side effects.

I do also take PEA400 (Palmitoylethanolamide) which has also helped me a fair amount and I would recommend to other Fibromyalgia sufferers.

The excellent results from using the melatonin lotion make me a little emotional because being in constant pain is hard on your spirit and I have finally found some relief and I can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge with everyone! Thank you Art! '

Here is a link on how to make melatonin lotion at home :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/melatonin-lotion.html

Art


DIY Borax Lotion
Posted by Art (California) on 07/24/2025 2679 posts

Hi Marten,

I think the Cetaphil lotion has too many "other ingredients" that the DMSO may help transport into your system and should not be used with this remedy. Used on the hands, as my friend did, this lotion worked fairly quickly by itself, without using DMSO.

Art


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 07/24/2025 2679 posts

Hi Patricia,

Both lotions can be beneficial for arthritic joints, but through different mechanisms of action, which increases the chances of them having synergy together. I can't tell you what to do, but if it were for me, because the borax lotion can reach higher local tissue levels than the oral borax, I would use the borax lotion on my knees in place of the oral borax in order to try and concentrate my efforts toward the knees if these are giving me the most problem. Here is a link discussing boron for joints in OA :

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4712861/#:~:text=Joint rigidity disappeared in one, in 62.5% at 8 weeks.

Here is a relevant quote from the link :

' Joint rigidity disappeared in one-half of the mild and medium OA patients in the first 4 weeks and decreased in the remaining one-half by 87.5% on average. By week 8, all subjects with mild- and medium-level OA were rigidity free. Mobility and flexibility were significantly improved in 71.4% of subjects at 4 weeks and in 77.8% at 8 weeks. '

I would also continue melatonin lotion on my knees at night for the potential reparative effects that melatonin has shown for joints in OA as discussed here :

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568163722000770#:~:text=Notably, melatonin has been associated, its potential anti-arthritic effects.

Here is a relevant quote from the link :

' With regards to OA, melatonin reportedly promotes synthesis of cartilage matrix, inhibition of chondrocyte apoptosis, attenuation of inflammatory response, and suppression of matrix degradation by regulating the TGF-β, MAPK, or NF-κB signaling pathways. Notably, melatonin has been associated with amelioration of oxidative damage by restoring the OA-impaired intracellular antioxidant defense system in articular cartilage. '

Please keep us posted on your progress!

Art


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 07/25/2025 2679 posts

Hi rumak,

Applying the borax lotion to the knees just the same as if you were applying regular lotion to the knees for moisturizing, but make sure you apply all the way around the knee front, back and sides. The small bottle should last quite awhile if just using for your knees.

Art


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 07/25/2025 2679 posts

Hi Patricia, I have a friend that was diagnosed with torn tendons and ligaments in his left shoulder after taking a long course of Ciprofloxacin which is noted for causing such issues in people. The doctor ordered a CT scan with contrast dye and told my friend only surgery would work, but he said it was possible that he could be worse after the surgery. So I suggested another option for my friend that worked very well for him. I describe his story here :

Https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/collagen-for-torn-ligaments.html

That was 5 years ago and I just spoke to him and he said he is still doing well! I think three topicals that may help in the repair process are melatonin gel/melatonin lotion, borax lotion and mag oil. All three are beneficial for both tendons and ligaments and the melatonin gel /lotion as well as the mag oil will offer some pain relief. Please keep us posted on your progress!

Art


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 08/08/2025 2679 posts

I just got the following update from my friend who is testing borax lotion (BL) for arthritis in her hands :

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

' UPDATE ON BORAX LOTION: '

' Art, I just realized that I can close both hands into a fist..... which I couldn't do before..... and I can wring out a washcloth using both hands. The right hand couldn't do that before without a lot of pain. '

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Art


DIY Borax Lotion
Posted by Art (California) on 07/24/2025 2679 posts

Hi Pam,

Perhaps you can stop the oral borax while you test the lotion since you say the problem is mainly in your hands. My friend said she got very fast results within the week.

Art


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 07/26/2025 2679 posts

Hi CFit,

The reason for the hot water is to dissolve the borax thoroughly before adding the lotion. If the borax does not fully dissolve, it can make for a gritty mix. If you mix the Cetaphil Lotion at 50% and the water at 50% it will not be too watery, but it will be waterier than just Cetaphil Lotion. The thinner mixture actually spreads easier than straight lotion does.

She told me she only used one application in the evening before bed and she described how it worked for her. I only reported my friends experience in less than a week of use as she said she was willing to test it. No two people are exactly alike so you will have to test it to find out if it works similarly for you.

Art


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 07/25/2025 2679 posts

Hi Karen,

Yes, It is 20 Mule Team Borax as described here :

https://www.walmart.com/search?q=borax 20 mule team borax&typeahead=borax

Art


DIY Borax Lotion
Posted by Tessa (Okanagan) on 07/29/2025

Hi Sue -

I've used Art's wonderful borax lotion using only borax and 100% aloe vera gel from the health food store.

The brand I use is "Lily of the Desert" - made in the U.S. and readily available (I live in Canada). I imagine any 100% pure aloe vera gel would work.

After I combined the borax and aloe vera gel, I let it sit for about 1 hour or 2.

The borax had dissolved completely. The lotion was nice, smooth and moisturizing - ready to be slathered on my aching joints.

I hope it works for you too!


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 07/27/2025 2679 posts

My friend texted me this morning to say that both of her hands are pain free! It has been about 1.5 weeks that she has used borax lotion on her hands.

Art


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 09/05/2025 2679 posts

Hi Lrsangon,

That was an older recipe. Here is a link to the newer and simpler and easier to make recipe:

https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/borax-lotion.html

Art


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 08/22/2025 2679 posts

Hi GertJr,

The only time I have used an antibiotic topically was to test it for a tooth/gum infection and it worked similarly to colloidal silver, very well and fairly quickly. Penicillin is absorbed through the skin, but at a much lesser rate than oral penicillin. I don't think penicillin has anti skin cancer effects but it should have antibiotic effects locally on the skin.

Sulfur has beneficial effects for the skin and it does have anticancer potential for skin cancer so his claim, seems supportable. Melatonin has multiple anticancer effects as discussed here :

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9844458/

Here is a relevant quote from the link :

' Drug repurposing has been explored as a potential alternative treatment strategy against disease pathophysiologies, including melanoma. To that end, multiple studies have suggested that melatonin produced by the pineal gland possesses anti-proliferative and oncostatic effects in experimental melanoma models. The anticarcinogenic activity of melatonin is attributed to its ability to target a variety of oncogenic signaling pathways, including the MAPK pathways which are involved in regulating the behavior of cancer cells, including cell survival and proliferation. Additionally, preclinical studies have demonstrated that melatonin in combination with chemotherapeutic agents exerts synergistic effects against melanoma. '

Mixing your own sulfur compound may have the issue of the smell of the sulfur and if his salve has too strong of a smell, it may be hard to use everyday for 4 months in a row.

Boric Acid and borax also have anti skin cancer effects and in my experience is odorless and easy to make as a spray solution or lotion.

You can also consider the potential of combinations if you let your mind wander.

Art


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 08/22/2025 2679 posts

Hi Margaret,

You don't say what is causing your pain issues such as arthritis or peripheral neuropathy(PN) or?

So, if the problem is arthritis, the Borax Lotion (BL) will be helpful, but it will take time to realize the benefit.

If the cause is PN, melatonin lotion (ML) or melatonin gel (MG) will be more helpful. I explain how to make melatonin lotion (ML) here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/melatonin-lotion.html

I explain how to make melatonin gel (MG) here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/melatonin-gel.html

I explain how to make Borax Lotion(BL) here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/borax-lotion.html

You can also consider using BL + ML simultaneously or alternating applications such as BL in the morning, ML in the evening. If you are applying these to the feet, apply to the whole foot. If you are applying to the knees, apply to the front, back and sides of the knees for best effect. ML and MG can help protect arthritic joints while BL can help repair the joints. ML and MG are best for peripheral neuropathy or just general pain relief from multiple causes.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Art


Q&A
Posted by Patricia (Riverside) on 08/15/2025

Thank you for being here for us, the public. I would like to know where I can purchase these products. Are these items something that can be purchased in local store? I have suffered with Rheumatoid arthritis and Astrophrosis for ten year know. Is there hope for me? The pain is scrutiating and I'm unable to move. I'm getting ready to do a parasitic cleanse. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing, but I am desperate due to the pain.

Petra

Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 08/15/2025 2679 posts


Q&A
Posted by Art (California) on 09/27/2025 2679 posts

Hi Rob,

To be honest, I haven't tried adding an essential oil (EO) because I was trying to keep it as simple as possible to try and increase the number of people who would try it. If I were to try an EO, I would likely try a peppermint oil for the menthol content which should offer additional pain relief. Similarly for eucalyptus EO, for its potential pain relieving activity or possibly lavender EO for its potential relaxing effect. If it has a negative reaction with the lotion, not much lost at just 3 oz. per mix. So testing an EO in the mix seems worth a try, IMO.

Art


DIY Borax Lotion
Posted by Marten (Yukon) on 07/24/2025

What about adding DMSO to your lotion?????


DIY Borax Lotion
Posted by Austyn (Texas) on 07/24/2025

Tap Water? ..are you crazy? We don't need birth control pills and chlorine in a 'healing lotion! Come On...


Q&A
Posted by Patricia (Pittsburgh) on 07/25/2025

Thanks so much Art! If I could add to my original question. I also deal with a torn rotator cuff on my right shoulder. Would this combination of melatonin and borax lotions be good for something like this or do you have another recommendation. I'm falling apart :)!


Q&A
Posted by Rob Yule (New Zealand) on 09/27/2025

Quick query Art

Am going to make your lotion recipe.

Is it ok to add something like peppermint oil or something similar to your recipe and if so how many dips of essential oil to be added.

Thanks in advance

Robbie Y


Q&A
Posted by Karen (US) on 07/25/2025

Wanting to take borax for my arthritis and fibromyalgia. Is this the borax 20 mules or something different I can buy?

DIY Borax Lotion
Posted by Art (California) on 09/29/2025 2679 posts

Hi John,

There were two reasons for the lotion in borax lotion. For some people borax water can have a drying effect on the skin. The other reason is that borax is poorly absorbed through the skin and apparently Cetaphil and some other lotions have ingredients that enhance skin penetration. So the lotion seems to eliminate those two problems as simply as possible.

Art


Q&A
Posted by Patricia (Pittsburgh) on 07/24/2025
★★★★★

Right now I am using melatonin lotion for my knees at night. They both have deteriorated cartilage and osteoarthritis. I also put 1/4 t of borax in my morning coffee. It would be wonderful if the topical borax works. Should I continue the night-time application of the melatonin and then substitute the topical borax instead of in my morning coffee. It seems as though more than 1 application of the borax is recommended by Art. Thanks Art!

Q&A
Posted by Lrsangon (McAllen) on 09/05/2025
★★★★★

Borax lotion recipe

Hi. How many ibuprofen tablets are added to your recipe? Thank you.

Q&A
Posted by CFit (Albany USA) on 07/26/2025

Q: Why use water in the formula?

I made this up and it was very watery, so I made another batch and used just borax and Baby Oh Baby unscented herbal body lotion. Put both ingredients in a small glass jar with leakproof lid and shook it well.

Since I have my hands in water about 50 times a day I can only do this every evening before bed (I will wear my cotton gloves.)

Q: Is one application in evening going to be enough to help me in about a week or so?

Q&A
Posted by rumak (Chiangmai, Thailand) on 07/25/2025

For Art's Borax lotion, how much should be applied to the knees per application? All three ounces or will the lotion be ok to use numerous times?

DIY Borax Lotion
Posted by john (london) on 09/28/2025

Hi Art,

Why not just mix water with borax and apply that on the skin?


DIY Borax Lotion
Posted by Pam (Ohio) on 07/24/2025

Is it ok to use this while still taking the oral borax (1/8 tsp in a liter of water for me) or is that too much borax per day? My hands are really where I feel arthritis pain the most. Thanks!


DIY Borax Lotion
Posted by Sue (UK) on 07/25/2025

It's interesting that people are finding they have problems with the oral dosing of borax. I'm new to this and couldn't get my head around the difference in total borax between Ted's protocol and Newnham/Last. I have stuck to the latter and am up to 3 teaspoons a day (=9mg boron) spread over 3 doses. Obviously the single dose is as important as the total daily dose. And Ted's protocol using regular sips is less that a 3mg single dose in the Newnham protocol. Personally I found that doubling my 3mg to 6mg in a single dose was too much so I stick to the 3mg (x3 doses/day presently). I still wonder whether the 56mg/112mg of Ted's protocol is not too much, even with the 2 days off per week. I appreciate it's horses for courses.

With regard to Art's topical, could you use aloe vera gel in lieu of the other stuff?


Q&A
Posted by GertJr (Madison) on 08/22/2025

Art, I was at a convention and spoke to a man who goes to Mexico often and gets a penicillin salve. He said one formulation has sulfur in it and he actually used it on a skin cancer that totally disappeared after 4 months. Would this be a possibility like your melatonin or borax lotions? I don't know about penicillin, but you can get some antibiotics at TSC for animals, so just wondering. Any thoughts?

Q&A
Posted by Margaret (PA) on 08/22/2025

Can I use the borax lotion for my painful feet, knees, and legs and also a boron supplement or is that to much boron? Thank you.

Q&A
Posted by neco (Austria) on 08/16/2025

Hallo

MMS oder CDS

Borax und Magnesium und Gesundes basisches ernahrung...

Hello

MMS or CDS

Borax and magnesium and healthy alkaline nutrition...