Borax
Health Benefits

Borax Benefits and Uses: Boron Support, Dosing, and Safety

| Modified on Jan 19, 2026
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Health Benefits of Borax.

Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral compound rich in boron, and it remains one of the most vital topics in the Earth Clinic community. In 2026, interest in boron has reached new highs as modern diets and soil depletion continue to impact trace mineral intake. Many readers explore borax as a low-cost boron source for joint comfort, mineral balance, and hormonal resilience.

2026 Safety Perspective: Borax is a household product. If you choose to explore internal use, purity is paramount: select plain sodium borate. Avoid products with added fragrances, detergents, "Oxi" boosters, or surfactants. Start low, follow conservative dilution approaches, and consult a clinician if you have kidney disease, take prescription medications, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.

What Is Borax?

Borax is a mineral compound found worldwide, with major mining activity in the United States and Turkey.1 Its chemical formula is Na2B4O7 · 10H2O, composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and hydrogen.

Common Names

  • Sodium tetraborate
  • Sodium borate
  • Disodium tetraborate

Borax Mining

The Rio Tinto Borax Mine in Boron, California, describes long-term production and reserves.2

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Borax and Boron: Why Readers Are Interested

Much of the wellness interest centers on boron, a trace mineral that may be low in modern diets.3 Research often focuses on boron's role in bone/joint physiology, inflammatory signaling, and hormone metabolism.4

Important context: The topics below reflect community discussion. They are not claims that borax "treats" or "cures" disease. If you have a medical diagnosis, use professional guidance and do not replace standard care.

Topics Readers Commonly Discuss

  • Joint stiffness, bone spurs, and calcium deposits
  • Hormonal symptoms (PMS, libido, and menopause)
  • Fungal-related skin/scalp concerns (topical)
  • General mineral balance and inflammatory stress

Boron is involved in hormone metabolism and calcium–magnesium balance.5 Researchers have also explored its relationship to cognitive performance.6

Arthritis and Bone Health

Some studies suggest boron intake may be relevant for certain arthritis patterns.7 In the community, borax is often discussed as a practical way to manage "calcium deposit" concerns.

Hormonal Balance

Boron has been studied for its relationship to steroid hormone metabolism.8, 9 Readers discuss its use for libido changes and "brain fog."

Antifungal Properties

Boron compounds have been studied for antifungal activity.10 Earth Clinic discussions most commonly focus on topical applications for skin/scalp; internal use requires added caution.

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Borax Dosage for Men and Women

Disclaimer: The dosing approaches below reflect community discussion and are shared for education only.

Borax powder is estimated at approximately 11.3% boron. Community protocols often involve diluted-water mixtures.

Approach Preparation Common Use
Ted’s Men’s Protocol 1/4 tsp in 1 liter water Sipped throughout the day
Ted’s Women’s Protocol 1/8 tsp in 1 liter water Sipped throughout the day
Walter Last Dilution Concentrated stock solution 1 tsp of stock in water with meals

Borax Uses

Use Purpose Practical Note
Laundry Hard-water softening Ensure no "ultra" additives are present
Hair & Scalp Buildup removal Patch test first; can be drying
External Parasites Mites/Lice Avoid eyes and mucous membranes

Boron Deficiency

Boron is involved in bone metabolism and cell membrane function. Low intake is often linked to soil depletion and low consumption of nuts, legumes, and fruits.

Boron-Rich Foods

  • Fruits: Apples, pears, raisins, prunes
  • Vegetables: Broccoli, leafy greens
  • Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts
  • Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, beans

Adjustment Effects & Magnesium

In 2026, we refer to "detox" symptoms as an adjustment period. Temporary fatigue or digestive changes may occur.

  • Hydration: Significant water intake is essential.
  • Magnesium Support: Boron interacts with magnesium. Many readers find that supplementing with magnesium helps balance the body's response and prevents minor cramping during the adjustment phase.
  • Go Slow: If symptoms intensify, pause or reduce the dose.

Borax Safety Concerns

Internal use is a personal decision. Discontinue if you experience persistent GI upset or rash. Keep out of reach of children. Reference:17

Research Roundup

Ongoing research explores boron's role in cognition6, sports performance23, and wound healing25.

Borax Alternatives

For those uncomfortable with household borax, standardized boron supplements (ionic boron or boron glycinate) provide a precise, regulated alternative.

Storing Your Borax Solution

Store in a clean glass jar. Discard if the solution becomes cloudy or develops an odor.

Takeaway

Borax remains a cornerstone of the Earth Clinic community because it offers a practical, low-cost way to address boron deficiency. Whether you are exploring it for joint comfort or skin health, the key in 2026 remains the same: start low, stay consistent, and listen to your body.

Experience Matters. Watch our most popular borax video below, then explore the community posts to see how others approached boron support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laundry borax safe for internal use?

The community uses plain sodium borate. You must ensure there are no added "ultra" detergents, scents, or optical brighteners.

Why is magnesium mentioned with borax?

Boron influences how the body handles magnesium and calcium. Maintaining adequate magnesium levels may help smooth the adjustment period.

References

  1. U.S. Geological Survey. Boron Statistics and Information. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/boron-statistics-and-information
  2. Rio Tinto Borax. Our Operations. https://www.borax.com/our-operations
  3. Nielsen FH. Update on human health effects of boron. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2014;28(4):383-387. PMID: 25063690.
  4. Newnham RE. Essentiality of boron for healthy bones and joints. Environ Health Perspect. 1994;102 Suppl 7:83-85. PMID: 7889887.
  5. Meacham SL, Taper LJ, Volpe SL. Effects of boron supplementation... Environ Health Perspect. 1994;102 Suppl 7:79-82. PMID: 7889886.
  6. Penland JG. Dietary boron, brain function, and cognitive performance. Environ Health Perspect. 1994;102 Suppl 7:65-72. PMID: 7889884.
  7. Travers RL, et al. Boron and arthritis: double-blind pilot study. J Nutritional Medicine. 1990;1(2):127-132. (Commonly hosted on ResearchGate.)
  8. Pizzorno L. Nothing Boring About Boron. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015;14(4):35-48. PMCID: PMC4712861.
  9. Naghii MR, et al. Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011;25(1):54-58. PMID: 21129941.
  10. Orak F, et al. Antifungal efficacy of pure boron on yeast and mold isolates causing superficial mycosis. J Pak Med Assoc. 2022;72(7):1330-1334. PMID: 36156555.
  11. Pizzorno L. Nothing Boring About Boron. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015;14(4):35-48. PMCID: PMC4712861.
  12. Last W. “Borax Conspiracy” (site). https://www.health-science-spirit.com/Healing_the_Body/The-Borax-Conspiracy.html
  13. American Cleaning Institute. Borax (Laundry). https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/laundry/borax
  14. Earth Clinic: Borax Remedies for Mange in Dogs. https://www.earthclinic.com/pets/mange-cure-borax.html
  15. Reviews and policy discussion on boron in human health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25057538/
  16. ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Boron. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp26.pdf
  17. Biţă A, et al. New Insights into Boron Essentiality in Humans and Animals. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(16):9147. PMID: 36012416.
  18. Uluisik I, Karakaya HC, Koc A. The importance of boron in biological systems. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2018;45:156-162. PMID: 29173473.
  19. Sayin Z, et al. Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Effects of Boron on Different Bacteria. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2016;173(1):241-246. PMID: 26864941.
  20. Ferrando AA, Green NR. The effect of boron supplementation on lean body mass, plasma testosterone levels, and strength in male bodybuilders. Int J Sport Nutr. 1993;3(2):140-149. PMID: 8508192.
  21. Karaca U, et al. The Possible Protective Effect of Boric Acid in an Alkaline-Induced Corneal Neovascularization Rat Model. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2022;200(12):5127-5133. PMID: 34988929.
  22. Nzietchueng RM, et al. Mechanisms implicated in the effects of boron on wound healing. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2002;16(4):239-244. PMID: 12530586.
  23. Shireen F, et al. Boron: Functions and Approaches to Enhance Its Availability in Plants for Sustainable Agriculture. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1856. PMCID: PMC6073895.

Related Links:

Borax Side Effects & Safety Guide
The Borax Conspiracy by Walter Last


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.

Interstitial Cystitis


Posted by Kim Lowe (Kansas City, MO) on 08/05/2025
★★★★★

Hi Stephanie (Nevada). What I did each day was measure out a rounded 1/8th of a teaspoon and put it in a Ramekin. Then I would take a pinch and put it in each cup of coffee (about 4 cups) in the morning. I would use most of it in the morning, but would still have a little left over in the Ramekin to put in warm spring water in the evening.

I used 2 different kinds of litmus paper by (Hydrion, bought on Amazon) to measure the PH of my drinks and my coffee which went from being acidic to alkaline with Borax in it and also bought litmus paper from the same company and place that is used to measure the PH of saliva and urine. My urine went from 5.5 to 7.0 - 8.0 within a 2 to 3 days.

I used up to a 1/4 of a teaspoon on some days. I weigh just a little over 100 lbs.

It not only took away the left sided kidney pain, but also stopped the excruciating burning bladder pain of Interstitial Cystitis.

Hopefully, you feel confident enough now to give the regular grocery store 20 Mule Team brand a try, to see if it can help with whatever is ailing you.

Blessings, Kim.

P.S. I would greatly appreciate, if EC could add/create this information under Conditions of both "Borax Health Benefits" and under Remedies for "Interstitial Cystitis" to create a known remedy/cure for Interstitial Cystitis. Thank you.

Replied by Mary
(CA)
10/05/2025

Hi Kim, although I have not used diluted dmso orally I do use it topically. I have read that it is prescribed by doctors for interstitial cystitis. You should look into the many benefits of DMSO and how to dilute for oral use. No prescription is needed to purchase DMSO however if you can get a doctor to prescribe it, I'm sure it will have specific dosage directions for use.

Replied by Leonardo
(Virginia)
10/08/2025

Just read your piece and I have a question about Borax...Are you saying that you can use it from the Box??????

Mary
(UK)
10/10/2025

Yes, mule team borax can be used directly as it is from the box.

Replied by Terri J Wright
(USA)
10/22/2025

Is sodium borate the same as sodium tetraborate?

Art
(California)
10/23/2025
2793 posts

Hi Terri J Wright,

Sodium borate and sodium tetraborate are considered to be the same.

Art


Kidney Pain


Posted by Kim Lowe (Kansas City, MO) on 01/26/2025
★★★★★

I've been meaning to share this for a few months now. I have had severe, intense left sided kidney pain for nearly 3 years. I was certain that it was a kidney stone, because I had one on my right side back in 2012 that I dealt with for 2 years, because I didn't have insurance. I always used the Lemon/Olive Oil that worked for so many others and it always took care of the pain and stopped it for the time being. I never passed the right sided kidney stone using Lemon/Olive Oil remedy, but it took away the pain I believe, because the citric acid from the lemon juice (fresh squeezed) likely shaved off the sharp edges each time. I assume I must of had a different type other than the usual calcium stone, because my husband used the same Lemon juice/Olive Oil remedy 1 time for his kidney stone attack and within an hour passed his kidney stone (about the size of a little smaller than a pencil eraser.) He said he felt no pain when passing either. Wow!

For my Kidney Stone on the right side in 2014, after seeing a Urologist, it was confirmed via just a regular X-ray (No CT Scan or any other tests) that I had a 3 mm stone. I went forward with having a lithotripsy and within about 3 weeks or less, it never bothered me again on the right side.

To no avail I tried to get the same Urologist to confirm the left sided kidney stone I knew I had. He said unfortunately, there was too much gas in my abdomen to see anything on the x-ray, so it was too bad, so sad for me, because he was now a very busy Cancer Urologist that didn't have time to see me again or do another x-ray. I assume this was more over not just because he was super busy, but due to the insurance game. Could've done another X-ray and tried putting air in my stomach before taking again, but didn't and wouldn't. I lived with this excruciating stabbing pain in my left kidney for 2 to 3 years.

I saw another Urologist in April 2023 without insurance and paid out-of-pocket. Got a CT scan and they said they found no kidney stone on left side. So, I began taking Borax for joint and bone pain in my coffee in the mornings and while it hasn't yet fixed my joint/bone pain, my left kidney no longer hurts and even when I stopped using the Borax the pain only returned for a couple of days. Then I used it again and once again the pain went away and since Nov. 2024 it has not returned and I am very inconsistent with the Borax.

So if you are dealing with excruciating back sided pain in the kidney area, I HIGHLY recommend trying Borax (20 Mule Team).

I am so thankful! God Bless you Earth Clinic and for everyone that shares their incredible testimonies that doctors can't seem to validate nor fix.

Replied by Sue
(Florida)
07/06/2025

Great information

Replied by Stephanie
(Nevada)
07/29/2025

Hi, I am really curious about this as a natural remedy. What amount do I use and how do I take it?

Kim Lowe
(Kansas City, MO)
08/05/2025

Hi Stephanie (Nevada). What I did each day was measure out a rounded 1/8th of a teaspoon and put it in a Ramekin. Then I would take a pinch and put it in each cup of coffee (about 4 cups) in the morning. I would use most of it in the morning, but would still have a little left over in the Ramekin to put in warm spring water in the evening.

I used 2 different kinds of litmus paper by (Hydrion, bought on Amazon) to measure the PH of my drinks and my coffee which went from being acidic to alkaline with Borax in it and also bought litmus paper from the same company and place that is used to measure the PH of saliva and urine. My urine went from 5.5 to 7.0 - 8.0 within a 2 to 3 days.

I used up to a 1/4 of a teaspoon on some days. I weigh just a little over 100 lbs.

It not only took away the left sided kidney pain, but also stopped the excruciating burning bladder pain of Interstitial Cystitis.

Hopefully, you feel confident enough now to give the regular grocery store 20 Mule Team brand a try, to see if it can help with whatever is ailing you.

Blessings, Kim.

P.S. I would greatly appreciate, if EC could add/create this information under Conditions of both "Borax Health Benefits" and under Remedies for "Interstitial Cystitis" to create a known remedy/cure for Interstitial Cystitis. Thank you.

allen
(OK)
11/12/2025

What is a Ramekin?

Kristine
(TX)
11/15/2025

A small dish

Lorelei Lambert
(Tampa, Fl)
12/01/2025

An excellent resource for the benefits of borax is a channel in Telegram: Borax and Boron 4 Health. Hope this helps 😊

Abby
(USA)
12/05/2025

Just a thought: It would be nice when links are mentioned that they would be included directly in the conversation. Also, there are a lot of abbreviations on this sight, so it would be appreciated especially for newcomers that terms would be written in full form with abbreviation to follow in the rest of the conversation. Much appreciation! This sight is very much appreciated for the wealth of knowledge it provides, and thanks to eveyone involved!!! .