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How Borax Can Help Alleviate Arthritis Symptoms Naturally

| Modified on Nov 11, 2024
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Borax for Arthritis

Borax is a natural remedy that can effectively treat various types of arthritis and joint problems. It's a low-cost and straightforward solution that can help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and more.

Borax is a mineral compound used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It contains boron, which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it an effective natural remedy for arthritis.

Understanding the Benefits of Borax for Arthritis Relief

There are several theories behind why borax is effective in treating arthritis. One reason is that borax contains boron, an essential nutrient for the skeletal system. Studies have shown that bones with higher boron content tend to be stronger than those with lower levels. (1)

Another theory is that borax helps alkalize the body, reducing pain and promoting overall health. Additionally, borax has antifungal properties that can combat any fungal infection that may contribute to arthritis.

Some people also believe that borax lubricates the joints, leading to improved mobility and less discomfort. Furthermore, borax can neutralize the fluoride found in tap water, which can have a negative impact on the immune system. By reversing fluoride poisoning, borax can potentially improve overall health and alleviate arthritis symptoms.

How Much Borax Should I Take for Arthritis?

To effectively use borax for arthritis, Earth Clinic's Ted suggests the following dosage guidelines:

  • For men, dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of borax in 1 liter of water, and sip it throughout the day for five days. Then, take two days off before repeating the cycle.
  • For women, dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of borax in 1 liter of water, and sip it throughout the day for five days. Then, take two days off before repeating the cycle.

However, these are general guidelines, and individuals may need to adjust their dosage based on their body weight and age. For instance, larger women may need a larger dose, while smaller men may benefit from a smaller one. The elderly may also do best with a lower dose, half the recommended amount.

It's important to note that borax can have side effects, such as digestive distress or flu-like symptoms. Therefore, starting with a smaller dose is recommended to assess how your body reacts to the remedy. If you experience any adverse reactions, reduce your dosage or discontinue use for a while. Additionally, more information about the possible side effects of borax can be found on this page.

How Long Does it Take for Borax to Work for Arthritis?

The timeline for experiencing relief from arthritis symptoms while using borax can vary. Some individuals may find relief within a day or two, while others may require more time. It's important to note that arthritis is a degenerative disease that has likely developed over several years; therefore, healing can also take time.

To optimize the benefits of using borax for arthritis, drinking plenty of water while taking it is recommended. Light exercise can also be helpful, as well as taking good care of yourself by maintaining a healthy diet.

Natural Alternatives to Borax for Treating Arthritis

Using borax internally as a treatment for health problems may not be comfortable for everyone. Fortunately, the boron found in borax can be obtained from alternative sources. While boron supplements are available, they typically contain a very low dosage per capsule and may not be effective for arthritis.

Another supplement option that contains boron is calcium fructoborate. According to a study published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research, calcium fructoborate may help alleviate joint pain and inflammation in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. (2)

However, it's worth noting that while foods such as nuts and legumes do contain boron, boron deficiency is still relatively common. In a review article published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, the authors note that "in the U.S. and other countries, soil boron depletion has led to a decline in boron content of certain crops and food items, thereby contributing to boron deficiency in humans." (1)

Take Away

In conclusion, borax is a natural remedy that can effectively solve various types of arthritis and joint problems. Borax contains boron, which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for arthritis. Borax can help alkalize the body, neutralize the fluoride found in tap water, and fight fungal infections. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and efficacy, using borax for arthritis has shown promise.

To use borax effectively for arthritis, it's important to follow the suggested dosage guidelines, adjust the dosage based on body weight and age, and be mindful of possible side effects. Light exercise and a healthy diet can also maximize the benefits of using borax for arthritis.

If using borax internally as a treatment is not comfortable, alternative sources of boron, such as supplements and certain foods, are available. While they may not be as effective as borax, they can still contribute to bone and joint health.

Overall, borax can be a low-cost and straightforward solution for individuals suffering from arthritis and joint problems. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.

Below, you can find informative and interesting reviews from our readers about their experiences using borax to treat arthritis. Have you tried borax for arthritis? Please share your experience with us! Watch Earth Clinic's video on borax for arthritis here. Learn specific dosages, best practices, and borax alternatives on this page.

References

  1. 2. Nielsen, F.H., & Meacham, S.L. (2010). Growing evidence for human health benefits of boron. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 16(3), 169-180. doi: 10.1177/1533210110392892
  2. Pál, A., Kálmán, S., Pajor, L., Kőszegi, T., Gáspár, R., Financsek, I., ... & Bender, T. (2014). Improvement of joint function with a specific nutraceutical containing calcium fructoborate in subjects with knee discomfort: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Biological Trace Element Research, 157(1), 56-61. doi: 10.1007/s12011-014-9945-8

Related Links:

Borax Topical Application for Rapid Pain Relief and Help for Arthritis
Effective Natural Arthritis Remedies: Relief & Healing
Effective Natural Remedies for Trigger Finger Relief
The Powerful Health Benefits of Borax: Natural Remedy for Wellness

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.
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Posted by Michelle (Australia ) on 05/26/2024

Hello earth clinic family, I just wanted to share my gratitude to you all. You have provided me with so much knowledge and inspiration throughout the last 4 years. I've just started on the borax protocol for women for arthritis and inflammation. I will share my progress in a few months. Much love and blessings Sincerely Michelle.

Replied by Cindy
(Illinois, USA)
05/27/2024
523 posts

I know, right? You wake up in the middle of the night with a toothache or the kid wake up with an earache, "Who ya gonna call?" - EARTH CLINIC! WE ain't afraid of no tooth/earache!

Cuts down the stress of such situations by about 90%!

Arthritis
Posted by Normal Winter (Alberta, Canada) on 03/06/2024

Borax for arthritis:

I have been taking about 1/16 tsp of borax, Celtic salt and baking soda for about 2 weeks. Today I woke up with very sore thigh muscles. Would this be a side effect of the borax? Otherwise I feel great. I may not be drinking enough water. I should add that I am 83 years old.

Arthritis
Posted by chickenpatti13 (U S) on 01/18/2024
 ★★★★★

I started taking Borax to remove the fluoride from my bones more than 10 years ago. At that time, I was having to get pain shots almost monthly so I could walk due to rheumatoid arthritis.After starting Borax, I didn't notice any changes right away but I quit taking it after a couple of months because I ran out of bottled water. Within 2 weeks in July, I woke up, could hardly move&was so sore&stiff&in pain. As a former nurse, I started looking at what changed&I kept coming back to the Borax. After a little more research, I learned Borax was an old time arthritis treatment.I started taking it again&went back to no pain or stiffness in my bones&continue to this day. I put 1/8th teaspoon in my coffee at least 5 times a week. People have seen me before&after Borax&I tell them what I do&I get crazy looks.No one else will try it but I digress.While I'm still chasing chickens&climbing into tree stands, they can barely get off their couch.The best part about Borax-relief from arthritis symptoms, no more pain shots & no side effects like many arthritis medications. My doctor is amazed because she thought I'd be in a wheelchair by now. I'm almost 60 y o&I'm not going to let arthritis ruin the rest of my life. My question is-is arthritis today a real disease or is it consequences of drinking fluoridated water?

Replied by RSW
(OH)
01/18/2024

I woke up with body-wide rheumatitis a few years ago, and we have had a reverse osmosis drinking water system in our house for a decade, or longer. The only water we drink is RO water, although the water in our showers and baths is not RO water. I have no idea why I got this, but I don't think it is because of our drinking water.

virginia
(Windcrest Tx)
09/01/2024

RO water is usually PH. 4 which is acid. Water should be Ph 7 or higher for health benefits.

Replied by Petter
(chicago)
01/18/2024

Attn: ART

Art, what is your opinion taking Borax with coffee versus thru out the day? Does your body able to benefit 1/8 tsp all at one time? Is is very convenient.

I put 1/8th teaspoon

borax in my coffee at least 5 times a week.

Art
(California)
01/19/2024
2326 posts

Hi Petter,

That can work for some people, but it won't work for everyone because that is a relatively concentrated amount in a relatively short period of time. For people who have gastrointestinal sensitivity to borax it may be too much. Borax is a high pH product and that can be irritating for some people as has been reported on EC before. If you are sensitive to borax, diluting in a quart of water or more and sipping throughout the day can be the difference between being able to use borax or not being able to use borax if you take it in a more concentrated solution such as the cup of coffee you mentioned. The full quart dilution is essentially a timed release solution that will help to maintain a steady state of borax in your body, which is likely to be a more effective approach when first starting borax to try and achieve optimal effect.

For me, I would rather be able to take borax than not because it has been life changing for me.

Art

Replied by Daniel G.
(CALIFORNIA)
02/05/2024

THANKYOU I just started using this stuff and it has been a couple days and already noticed it is helping me.

Replied by DANIEL G.
(CALIFORNIA)
02/05/2024
★★★★★

FLORIDATED WATER the fluoride they are putting in our water is a toxic chemical version of fluoride that comes for nuclear power plants

fluoride in our water toothpaste s all toxic poison

Borax removes this toxin from the body

google it -- fluoridated water comes from a fluoride that is a toxic chemical that comes from all the nuclear power plants

Dano
(North Carolina)
09/02/2024

This is incorrect. RO water is not pH 4. It averages around 6-6.5.

Arthritis
Posted by Art (California) on 11/18/2023 2326 posts
 ★★★★★

A friend's sister from Texas was out visiting her sister near me about 8 months ago and she was telling me that she thought this would be her last time coming to visit her sister because her arthritis hurt so much that the travel by plane to visit her sister was really difficult and painful because of her arthritis. I suggested that she might give some consideration to borax, but she seemed really reluctant at first so I told her that I have used borax to keep my arthritis in remission for about 15 years now. She told me she would try it because the pain was really getting unbearable. By the time she went home to Texas, she had started taking borax water at 1/8th teaspoon per day on the weekdays with weekends off.

I picked her up at the local airport last week to take her to my friend's house. I told her that I thought she wasn't going to visit her sister any more because of her arthritis and she said that was her plan, but since being on borax for about a month or so, she no longer has any arthritis pain, so she can now come visit her sister regularly again, thanks to borax! She told me she still takes it and has recommended it to her friend's mother in Texas because it has worked so well for her.

Art

Arthritis
Posted by Pam (Phenix City Alabama ) on 08/19/2023
 ★★★★☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Hi, I started taking an 1/8 tsp in a capsule about six weeks ago. After 8 straight days, my palms started itching. So I stopped taking it for about a week, then started back taking it every other day for 2 weeks. At the end of the 2 weeks I started taking it again every day hoping my body would have gotten used to it. After a week and a half of taking it every day, I woke up (I take it at night before bed) and began to feel stomach cramps followed closely by terrible diarrhea, feeling nauseous, itching palms and feet, feeling faint, and I broke out in a sweat and got hives and whelps all over my body and face! Even my eyes were red and bloodshot! I was alone at home, so it was scary. I really don't want to stop taking it because for the first time in years I have had no arthritis pain! But now I am afraid to continue taking it. Should I stop all together? Take less than the 1/8 tsp per day? Take it every other day? Please help!

Replied by Art
(California)
08/20/2023
2326 posts

Pam,

Some people do not tolerate borax and you appear to be in that group and should stop borax altogether.

An alternative to consider is boron. Sometimes when people don't tolerate borax, they are able to take boron which is available in capsules from online supplement suppliers. Here is a typical product :

https://www.amazon.com/Nutricost-Capsules-Vegetarian-Gluten-Non-GMO/dp/B0BBY9TXSB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27SZC14HWTQTK&keywords=boron+20+mg&qid=1692592244&s=hpc&sprefix=boron+20+mg,hpc,145&sr=1-1

The originator of using borax for arthritis, Dr. Rex Newnham, found that using boron also worked well for arthritis and osteoporosis. You will have to find the dose that works for you. The following article suggests that 10 mg per day could be sufficient for arthritis and that might be a good place to start :

https://assureasmile.com/nutrition-2/preventing-arthritis-pain-with-boron/

By comparison, the 1/8th teaspoon of borax you were taking contained approximately 55 mg of boron.

Art

Replied by Karen
(Red Rock, Arizona)
08/23/2023
★★★★★

I would lessen the amount to half... Start low then work up slowly. I'm a believer in borax. I used it in my hair when it began to fall out dramatically after I got covid. In one week's use, it reversed my hair problem.... Yet I did get some hives and was uncomfortable.

Bea
(Calgary)
08/28/2023

Hi! How did you use it on your hair?

Adrienne
(FL)
08/28/2023

How did you use it? I have hair loss from Long Covid.

Adrienne!!!

Deirdre
(Earth Clinic)
08/28/2023

If the original poster does not reply, please see the post under the table of contents titled "Bald Spots" on the borax page. The below link will work with desktop computers but not mobile (sorry). https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/borax2.html#bald

Replied by Isabel
(AZ)
08/29/2023

Hi Pam. I read that taking Borax in a capsule is hard on your kidneys and should be taken dissolved in water.

Replied by Rita.Brightly
(California)
08/30/2023

Maybe topical would be better? I saw the recipe where borax is mixed with water, kept in a bottle. You apply it where sore. Dry it a little, then apply DMSO over it.

Replied by Brad
(California)
09/07/2023

You are obviously taking too much. I am no expert but if I was you, I would try half the dose and see how that goes. You have already probably figured that out. Good luck.

Replied by Connie
(Minnesota)
09/18/2023

In your 1st paragraph you say '...in a capsule'. Why not try like Ted prescribes 1/8 tsp dissolve in 1 liter water which is an ounce more than a quart I believe. Anyway, drink thru out the day & after that just drink regular water. It doesn't taste great but better than drugs they prescribe for Arthur, Haha

Replied by Mark
(NC)
09/20/2023

Do not take borax at bedtime on an empty stomach! Take right after breakfast with food, preferably with some carbs. If 1/4 teaspoon in a liter of water a day bothers you start with a smaller amount 1/16 teaspoon or less and work the dosage up to 1/4. Still some people may not be able to tolerate any borax.

Replied by Kimberly
(Michigan)
09/22/2023

If you cannot tolerate Borax go to your local health food store & purchase Boron, 3mg capsules, works very well for my arthritis pain.

Jayna D.
(Orange County, CA)
09/26/2023

I take boron because it is great for our bones and rids body of radiation. Swanson Vitamins has reasonable capsules.

Replied by Michelle
(Crosby, tx)
10/17/2023

Join Diatomaceous Earth, and Human Parasite Support groups on Facebook. Borax and DE are known parasite killers and these groups are very informative. It sounds like this could've been the cause of your reaction. You can start taking a binder like activated charcoal to help prevent and eliminate side effects of the chemicals that parasites release when they die.

Replied by Jace
(Sedona, Arizona)
10/22/2023

1/8 of an teaspoon of borax is a huge amount! Now you may get away with that and I see that formula on the internet consistently. 1/8 of a teaspoon for females, daily, in a liter of water, sipped throughout the day. A quarter teaspoon for males. But the original formula, is quite different and vastly and significantly lower in dosage, than this new formula! The original formula by the man who pioneered it, was to take one rounded teaspoon of Borax and put it in one liter of water. Then start out slowly with one teaspoon, of this solution, that you just made in a 1 liter bottle (1 Liter, for all of us Americans, is about four and a quarter cups of water) And mix it with your favorite juice or drink it straight and chase it with something. Do that once in the morning with a meal or drink and if that doesn't upset your stomach do it again in the evening. For aggravated conditions of disease, like arthritis, do this three times a day. Using that original formula, you can see where the math wouldn't add up, if you were to take anywhere from 1/8 reason, to a 1/4 of a teaspoon, per day or twice a day!

Replied by Jacqueline
(Uk)
02/10/2024

I have only just seen your post about feeling worse on Borax I think your symptoms are a detox reaction. I also use borax and drink a lot of vitamin c water, Barley green juice every day to help with this I also drink 6 to 8 large glasses of filtered water a day This will help your body to release the toxins.

Replied by Ines
(Buenos Aires)
04/08/2024

Pam, first of all, I like to recommend never to fear anything. Trust GOD and be free of that feeling that can only make things worse for you. Second, I believe that your body needs more time to take use to this wonderful medicine. My recommendation is that you take it for three days straight, and stop for taking it for too. Then three days again, and stop another too. Do this for a couple of months and see how your body reacts. After a while, you might want to take it for four days and two days break, then 6 days and two days break and so on until your body absorbs it without causing any side effects.
GOD BLESS!

Replied by Polly
(Nashville TN)
04/26/2024

Don't know if u'll see this- urs is an old post. Possible reason for your reactions: If you used Borax from the grocery store, it could have contaminants/dirt because it's not food grade. Because it's sold as a laundry booster, sanitary conditions aren't very scrutinized. You could try a food grade brand like: Https://pforlife.com/borax-pure-usp-nf-sodium-borate-10-mol-mineral-powder.html Good luck!! God Bless! PB

Replied by Marian
(TAS)
05/14/2024

This is a bit late, but I noticed you said you were taking your borax in a daily capsule. If it was dispersed in water and sipped over a longer period of time during the day, it may not have the unwanted effects.

Replied by Dianne
(Manitoba Canada)
05/21/2024

Hi Pam, so happy to hear of your success. My suggestion would be to add it to 4+ cups of water and sip on it during the day. The body does all its repairing and night and the Borax may be interfering. Follow what they suggest 7 days on 2 days off. Sending you love and light.

Dianne.

Replied by Nika
(Serbia)
05/22/2024

Hi, you must use him whit protocol, you must start whit lower dose for ex 10mg or 6mg in day for two week, than 2 wk 20mg, one month 30mg, 2 w 40mg, one month 50 mg ..., 1/8 - then ...... 5 days use -2 days pausa (not everyone have pausa all the time but you must have how I see) Because of detox symptoms, and not so fast on high doses, but slow, and use him in morning in water after that pause for one our, becouse he is alkaline, not whit food, and have light dinner not meat (! ), And you must use some good apsorable Mg whit no poison, ect MG bosglicinate, MG taurate, MG treonate, MG citrate, MG malate, no others, because B push in bones MG so you must use him, also some phosphore in food, that is that. You can see in sercher in group Diatomaceus earth maby there is some info. Slow, and if you have detox that stop for 2 days, a lot of water and use again in slower doses, then after some time slow up doses. Bigger doses fast can crush stones in kidneys and is not good for kidneys fast. If BX does not fit for you, just use some organic boron supplements, and do some anti-parasitic programe by drHulda Clark, nature program whit 3 herbs, wormwood must be in powder here, to kill parasites, becouse they can make arthritis also.

Arthritis
Posted by King (Perth Australia) on 08/12/2023
 ★★★★★

I have been on borax, a quarter of a teaspoon and a teaspoon of MSM for two months. Absolutely no arthritic pain anywhere. I thought I was heading for a wheelchair but now I'm out and about and loving life. The freedom from pain is unbelievable if you've heard about it and you're teetering on the edge whether to try it, I will tell you jump right in its marvellous all the best 🌸

Replied by Kim
(Westminster, MD)
09/06/2023

What kind of arthritis?

Replied by Lynette
(Australia)
11/26/2023

Can you tell me what sort of Borax you use in Australia please.

Arthritis
Posted by Art (California) on 07/17/2023 2326 posts
 ★★★★★

The sister of a friend of mine was visiting from Texas and her arthritis was really bothering her. I discussed borax water with her and after a little back and forth with her, she decided to give it a try. At two weeks in she said she could already feel an improvement and even more at three weeks in. She flew home at that point and said she would update me in a few months to let me know how well she does using borax. She is using the 1/8th teaspoon dose in water each day of the week with weekends off.

At the same time, her sister who is my friend and has osteoporosis decided to start on a regimen I had suggested for her which included borax water also, because borax is also good for osteoporosis. Her doctor wanted her to take a drug that required her to inject herself and she refused to do it so she asked me about alternatives. I won't know her results for some time because it takes quite awhile to help osteoporosis that is as bad as hers, but I will report them when she has them.

Art

Replied by Pamela
(Boynton Beach, FL)
01/16/2024

Any updates?

Art
(California)
01/17/2024
2326 posts

Hi Pamela,

The sister of my friend came back for a visit around Thanksgiving and she told me that she is pain free now from the arthritis that she felt would keep her from ever visiting her sister again. She told me she is continuing to take her borax water for the other benefits that it has shown in other people.

As to her sister, my friend, she won't know anything until this coming summer at the earliest when her doctor may likely test her to see if her osteoporosis has improved or not. Her doctor is still nagging her to take the self injections, but she has told her doctor, the only way she will take the injections is if she can stop by the doctor's office and have a nurse do the injections for her. Her doctor flatly told her no!

Art

Arthritis
Posted by Mark (Wilmington, NC) on 03/19/2023
 ★★★★★

Borax cured my arthritis like a miracle in 6 wks, more energy!!!

I have never left a health review before, but this seems like a miracle!!! I saw an article about borax on Facebook about 6 weeks ago and said "l have nothing to lose". I'm 64 and have been increasingly hurting from arthritis primarily muscle aches and inflammation for the past 10 years.

About a year and a half ago I developed sciatic nerve pain in both legs from (stupidly) replacing a bathroom floor, took me 2 weeks on my hands and knees - what a mistake!!! After many Chiropractic treatments I got some relief but not completely, last treatment was November 2022. After seeing the FB article, I did more research and found this website. I read the reviews on here about 6 weeks ago and decided to try the "20 Mule Team Borax" from Walmart using the quarter teaspoon daily dosage. I did this for about a week but then started to feel feverish so I stopped. After about a week I resumed taking borax but cut back to about 1/64th teaspoon, the amount from just licking my finger tip and touching the borax powder. I've been doing this every other day now for about 2 weeks. I noticed I was feeling better and better, but today I feel amazing!!!! I haven't felt rhis good in YEARS!!! I walked 2 miles today (I haven't walked that far in many years!!! ), then played basketball with my 11yo grandson, all with NO PAIN!!! I am not lying!!! Typically I would be aching like crazy and have to take lots of NSAIDS but I feel great!!! This is a miracle and this is why I'm leaving this review!!! Thank You Jesus!!! I will continue this small every other day dosage. If something changes I will repost the updated review.

Replied by Kathy
(Dewey, AZ)
04/01/2023

Green drinks are good for you but not every day. A couple of times a week tops. It's very chelating. It's probably pulling out her nutrients.

Replied by Marion
(Scotland)
08/13/2023
★★★★★

I too experienced flue, fever symptoms but after speaking with some people I now believe that these symptoms are some of the ways that your body gets toxins out. Boron helps to get rid of toxins / bad bacteria that cause inflammation which can result in arthritic and other diseases. I have no pain after taking borax. I dilute 1 rounded tsp in a litre of filtered water which I store in the fridge in a glass jar. I then take two tsps of this in a small glass of water 2x a day, usually 4 days on and 4 days off. It also helped me with candida.

Replied by Mark
(Wilmington, NC)
08/27/2023
★★★★★

Follow-up from my 1st post 3/19/23. Today is 8/27/23, and I wanted to give a follow-up report.

I'm still taking the borax, I'm now taking 1/8 teaspoon a day, Mon-Fri, and none on weekends. I'm still pain free, no arthritis, no sciatic nerve pain in back and legs, and no carpet tunnel. I initially felt a surge of energy and well-being, but that reduced after about a month of taking borax. Although I was basically pain free, I started to have less energy like I had before taking borax. But I tried changing my diet, and so far I've felt better and have more energy. I've gone basically (added)sugar-free, wheat-free and corn -free, and I definitely feel better with more energy!!! I still eat some potatoes, some rice, fruit, but I try to eat half the portions I used to, and this has helped my energy a lot!!! I've cut out sweets, candy, cakes, cookies, pies, ice cream, cereals, milk, (everything I love! ). I've gone from 193lbs to 177. If you have low energy, you will know in 2 weeks if this diet change works! Do not try to go carb-free!!! It will ruin your metabolism like it did mine years ago!

Gary
(Kitchener On)
08/30/2023

Hi Mark

Just reading your post. Do you know that men take 1/4 teaspoon and Women take 1/8 teaspoon. I have been taking Borax for 3 plus years, stopping weekends and starting over on Mondays like you are. I am 72 years old and no joint pain.

All the best

Gary

Replied by Kev
(Australia)
08/28/2023

Hi ... can I assume the same result would be achieved by using a Boron supplement?

Can I also assume the driver to use Borax is the primary costs?

Borax is Boron (12% ) + sodium + oxygen, how do you compensate for the sodium? I'm thinking it would make my lower legs hold fluid ...

Thank you and sorry in advance for stupid questions ..

Arthritis
Posted by Deirdre (Asheville, NC) on 09/28/2022
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I wanted to provide an update on my trigger finger, various arthritic joints, and Ted's famous borax protocol. I started the protocol in early June and have kept up with it very consistently since then. Here are my notes:

1. It took 3 weeks to get improvement in my trigger thumb, but my finger joint stiffness improved within the first week or so. Things continue to improve slowly.

2. Even though the women's dose is 1/8th teaspoon borax in 1 liter of water, the men's dosage, 1/4 teaspoon, seems to be what I need.

3. For the first 3 months, I could NOT do 5 days on and 2 days off because my thumb would start to get sore and stiff again after 1 day off the protocol. However, I am now able, in my 4th month, to take a day off here and there.

4. I use distilled water and add trace minerals to it in addition to the 1/4 teaspoon of borax.

Hope this helps. If borax isn't helping you, consider upping the dosage.
And stick with it for a while. Don't give up on it too soon.
I think the over 50 crowd (myself included) probably needs high-dose boron, quite frankly.

Replied by Tricia
(Little Elm, tx)
08/18/2023

If you don't mind me asking what trace minerals are you adding to your borax water?

Deirdre
(VA)
08/18/2023

Hi Tricia,

I slacked off on adding the trace mineral drops after a while, but here is the one I used: https://www.amazon.com/Trace-Minerals-Research-Concentrace-Mineral/dp/B005BP5UCM/

Thankfully, borax has continued to work incredibly well. I can still bend my thumbs without any issues. Two days ago, my previously bad thumb (the one that I couldn't bend over a year ago) was hit very hard during karate training and hurt like heck, but I went home and took a pinch of borax right away. Two days later, I can't tell it was hit. The soreness is completely gone. Amazing mineral!

antoine
(london)
08/20/2023

Hi Deirdre,

Obviously the borax you use works. Would you be kind enough to post the link from where you bought the borax?

I believe that the source of borax matter and the people who report that it does not work for them have a low quality borax source.

Thank you

EC: Hi Antoine,

I use 20 Mule Team borax found in the laundry section of a local grocery store. Not available in the UK unless you import it from eBay.

Arthritis
Posted by robert (PA) on 09/08/2022
 ★★★★★

I put about 2-3 oz boraxo in my daily bathwater. The skin is an organ too so it gets absorbed that way. No ill effects...once I ran out and went without Boraxo for about a week and the pain started to come back. As soon as I started using it again the pain and stiffness went away.

Replied by Capitanissa
(Greece)
02/13/2023

I have been thinking the same, I will start adding Borax to my bath.

Thank you.

Arthritis
Posted by Art (California) on 09/04/2022 2326 posts
 ★★★★★

I had previously reported about a friend who was able to effectively mitigate her osteoarthritis by taking borax to the point of being pain free for many years. About 3 years ago, she developed anemia and her doctor was unable to determine the cause of the anemia at that time, so he told her to stop using borax in case that was the cause.

About 6 months after stopping borax, her osteoarthritis returned and quickly became much worse than ever before. She told me that if she could do it all over again, she would have never stopped taking borax, even if it were the cause of her anemia because she said she is so miserable now, she would rather have tried to deal with the anemia through natural means. It turned out that borax was not the cause of her anemia so she decided to resume using it to try and alleviate her severe osteoarthritis again. Unfortunately, borax is no longer working for that purpose for her.

She is mad at her doctor for having told her to stop taking borax, but that anger is pointless now. In the meantime I continue to have her try other remedies for her OA, but because of her advanced age (80's) and using mostly green drinks for her meals, she is unable to tolerate other remedies as they all seem to cause her severe indigestion, nausea diarrhea and vomiting, even the remedies that she had previously taken with no problems.

My take away from my friend's predicament is that if borax is working well to keep your arthritis in remission, think long and hard before you decide to stop it for any reason. This also adds further confirmation to the idea that borax does not work for everybody all of the time, as I have previously seen in other friends.

Art

Replied by CL
(US)
09/08/2022

Chamomile is believed to benefit osteoporosis even after menopause.

It may be that she is being exposed to greater fluoride levels than before, and it will simply take time for the borax to clear out the new fluoride. Perhaps her dr gave her fluoride believing it would benefit her bones.

Psych meds may contain fluoride.

Replied by Edy
(CA)
10/10/2022

Hi Art,

I hate to say this, but I recently took a Rapid Gut Reset online course and those green juice drinks could be exacerbating the issue. I know we've been told how great they are, but if you do a bit of research they are loaded with lectins and oxalates, the oxalates are the really bad ones as they settle in the joints and can cause loads of pain. They make them to keep the bugs from eating them (smart yea?) and for the bugs it's like shards of glass, but for us our mouths and teeth are so big that we just gulp them down and the body deposits them in joints and muscles.

Art
(California)
10/10/2022
2326 posts

Edy,

Thank you for the interesting insight on green drinks! I will pass the information along to my friend, but she is a true believer in her green drinks so I know it is going to be an uphill battle to get her to listen to anything not in agreement with her green drinks.

Art

Replied by Carol
(Dewey AZ)
12/14/2022

Is Borax and DE safe to take if I have a joint replacement? Thank you.

Replied by Alexis
(FL)
01/11/2023

Tell her to look up oxalates and anemia. It's the oxalates in the green drinks that hinder absorption of iron.

Replied by Josephine
(Bc Canada)
02/11/2023

Lugols iodine

Replied by san diego girl
(San Diego)
04/01/2023

According to The Copper Revolution most people who are "anemic" are really deficient in copper and the copper/iron balance is upset. Copper supplements are easy to find. It is not toxic. My husband and I each take 4-6 mg per day.

Sam
(Miami)
04/04/2023

Your body could be intentionally lowering your iron. Don't mess with it without knowing more. Find the Anemia of chronic disease article.

Replied by Caroline
(Port Richey, Fl)
06/29/2023

My knee and hip arthritis went away by taking all processed foods out of my diet.

Replied by Daniel H
(CALIFORNIA)
02/05/2024
★★★★★

Herbs and Supplements for anemia:

  • Astragalus.
  • Copper.
  • Dong Quai.
  • Iron.
  • Spirulina.
  • Stinging Nettle.
  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Arthritis
Posted by Elaina (Kansas City) on 08/31/2022
 ★★★★☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I have had congestion in one ear and sinus cavity off and on for a long while. Nothing has helped remove it. It has never been extreme or painful, more an annoyance.

I began taking Borax over a week ago primarily because of the bone and joint support it provides, but immediately noticed my lungs feeling clearer and in general, my body felt great and very responsive.

Then on day five, I noticed the congestion in my ear getting worse than it has ever been and woke the next day with it so bad, my teeth and gums on that side are extremely painful and I have a low grade fever. This has now gone one for about five days. My feeling is that it my be symptoms of the issue detoxing from my system and getting worse before better, but wanted to ask for any insight.

I've mixed two teaspoons of Borax into a liter of water and take two teaspoons of that distillation daily in water.

Thanks

Replied by Deirdre
(NC)
08/31/2022

Hi Elaine, borax may be what is causing it, BUT right now, trees and flowers are releasing a lot of pollen, and that could aggravate any existing sinus/ear/eye condition. If this is the case, an air filter inside will help. You can check the pollen count in your area at weather.com.

I would go with pollen first before borax as the cause... In my neighborhood, my car is covered in tree pollen every few hours!

Replied by KS
(IL)
10/11/2022

I have had good luck with this homeopathic product for my problem left ear and sinus issues, "Clear Sinus & Ear, Homeopathic" Https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Sinus-Capsules-Homeopathic-Formula/dp/B07QQVLB73 I only use them until it clears up, not all the time. I also bought ear plugs, "Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs" and use one in the left ear on windy days. Getting wind, especially cold, in that ear causes it to get stuffy again. If it's bad enough I can have some dizziness but not pain. When that happens lying on my left side for a couple of hours seems to drain the ear and stop the dizziness. Doctor didn't have any remedy for it, so I'm self medicating.

ElaineF
(New Brighton, MN)
12/16/2022

My husband takes Clear Sinus and Ear and has good results when using it.

Krysia
(IL)
12/16/2022

That's great. Thanks for sharing.

Arthritis
Posted by scott v (grand rapids, mi) on 08/23/2022
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I was diagnosed with arthritis in my back by a chiropractor. he said there was nothing that I could do about it. I investigated and found articles on Borax.... I started taking it every morning. it was scary at first, taking a cleaner.

on the fifth day, I got out of bed and wow! no pain! I've been taking it for 10 years, every day. no issues. Doctors and nurses are amazed when I tell them I take it daily. it works!

Replied by Elizabeth
(pasadena California)
06/19/2023

The man who has been taking for 10 years and it alleviated your pain... what amount in how much water and what is your height and weight???

Replied by Sherre
(Lebanon Mo)
07/18/2023

How much borax do you take daily?

Prioris
(ME)
07/18/2023

recommended dose is

1/8 tsp for women

1/4 tsp for men

it is synergistic with magnesium

Replied by June
(ID)
04/24/2024

Do you take the magnesium with the borax?

Arthritis
Posted by Basia (Buffalo, ny) on 07/11/2022

I took a large capsule size of borax for arthritis and experienced brain fogginess and slight dizziness. I believe I have some level of fluorosis and am trying borax for the accompanying joint pain.

Replied by Earth Clinic
07/13/2022

Hi Basia,

As you may know, large amounts of borax powder (aka 20 Mule Team) taken all at once are contraindicated. Are you referring to a boron supplement? The body needs only small amounts of borax in water sipped throughout the day, not a large amount all at once which may be toxic.

Read the recipes and feedback on EC's borax page. We now have almost 20 years of feedback from readers on borax, starting with Ted's borax dosage from 2004 of 1/4 teaspoon for men and 1/8 teaspoon for women in 1 liter of water sipped throughout the day, 5 days on, 2 days off.

Replied by Ann
(North Carolina, USA)
07/14/2022

You may have taken too much too quickly.

Replied by Brenda
(Lexington)
09/04/2022

Be careful, detoxing re-releases toxins into the blood to be filtered out and passed through kidneys, liver, bladder, etc. if you don't go slow and steady it can cause poisoning side effects especially since fluoride is a neurotoxin. You don't want all of it in your bloodstream at once.

Replied by Rick D
(Jacksonville Florida)
02/19/2023

Maybe you aren't supposed to take it undiluted.

Arthritis
Posted by Art (California) on 07/06/2022 2326 posts
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

A good friend of mine has been having arthritic pain in her hands and fingers for years and asked me if I had any suggestions. I explained to her about borax and different forms of arthritis and suggested she start by using homemade borax lotion since she was adverse to taking borax orally.

That helped reduce her pain level, but still the pain persisted after months of daily use. Next I suggested Deirdre's DMSO / Borax topical blend. This was more effective than the borax lotion, but she still had pain in both hands and her fingers would still lock in place such as when she was holding her steering wheel while driving and she would have to pry them open which she said was very painful and they would often make a loud popping noise when she would pry them open, which she said was very painful to do.

After explaining that the borax was helping and that she simply wasn't getting enough to the affected joints, she finally agreed to give oral borax a test. She agreed to use Ted's dose for women of 1/8th teaspoon for 4 or 5 days of the week while taking weekends off.

After about three weeks of use, she related that her hands had further reduced pain, but her fingers were still locking when she would drive. After a month of use she told me that there were areas of her hands, the padded areas, that were no longer painful and her fingers also had less pain, but here fingers were still locking.

After 5 weeks of use, she said that the pain level continues to very slowly diminish, but more importantly, she told me that she was now having days where her fingers aren't locking and popping! She is starting her 6th week of oral borax each of 4 to 5 days per week and she said the pain is at a new all time low and her fingers no longer seem to be locking up on her. She also said that her knees which would occasionally cause her some pain had not given her any pain lately. She is also knitting again which had gotten to painful to do as she liked to do. She said she can push and pull with her hands again without pain, making her hands much more functional again!

She no longer has a fear of oral borax at Ted's suggested dose of 1/8th teaspoon in a quart of water each day for 4 or 5 days per week. I reminded her that the original founder of borax for arthritis, Dr. Rex Newnham said that in more severe cases of arthritis it can take up to 3 to 4 months to reach the point where borax has done all it can to relieve your arthritis. I also reminded her that borax is helpful for staving off osteopenia and osteoporosis. She said she plans to continue taking it for the rest of her life!

Art

Replied by Wendy
(Dublin, OH)
07/14/2022
25 posts

This is a question for Art.

Background: I've been diagnosed with osteopenia, & some age-related osteoarthritis, and am mostly non-symptomatic especially when I'm consistent in completely avoiding sugar, dairy, and "bad" carbs! I'm 67 and a post-kidney transplant patient. This was a pre-emptive transplant back in 2016 meaning I never had to go on dialysis. My sister donated one of her kidneys. I'm in generally very good health, and per my last yearly follow-up appt with my transplant coordinator, my blood work (kidney function, etc.) has been excellent over these past 6 years. She also stated that since I'm a perfect match with my sister (based on certain markers), I virtually would never run the risk of rejecting the new kidney, and thus slightly decreased my immunosuppressant doses.

My question: In your opinion, would it be "safe" for me to follow this Borax protocol for women? This would be the 1/8 tspn of Borax per liter of water sipped throughout the day for the recommended amount of days.

Of course I would check with my transplant coordinator first, as I've always done when wanting to take a new supplement.

Thanks for all your input to EC!

Art
(California)
07/16/2022
2326 posts

Wendy,

This is a complicated subject.

Judging by the available studies, which are very limited, there could be a risk for kidney issues at high enough dosing. That would tend to make me look at borax and boron as last ditch supplements for you, but you can talk to your transplant coordinator or doctor about possibly using boron at their highest allowable dose. Boron has shown anti-arthritic activity and anti-osteoporosis activity in people also. That seems like it would be a safer option than borax, but your doctor's approval would definitely be needed.

If your medical team says no to borax and boron, another consideration would be a supplement that has shown kidney protective qualities as well as a potent anti-inflammatory, anti osteoarthritis and anti-osteoporosis activities. You could consider a higher bioavailable liposome form of curcumin such as Meriva. While it is not as antiarthritic as borax, it does have anti-osteoporosis effects, it also has multiple protective effects throughout the body and your medical team may be more open to its use because of these multiple health protective activities that it has displayed in hundreds of studies. Curcumin doesn't stop osteoarthritis the way borax can, but it can significantly reduce the damaging inflammation and oxidative stress that it causes and consequently, significantly reduce joint damage, potentially making it possible for you to live with osteoarthritis indefinitely. Curcumin has shown benefits in transplant cases. Curcumin and Meriva have a very good safety profile. The downside to curcumin is it has shown reactivity with Tacrolimus, a common transplant drug.

Another option is to use higher dose lysine, vitamin C and glycine as a means to replace damaged joint material at a rate faster than the rate of joint destruction from osteoarthritis, but this is a little controversial and your medical team may not be open to this idea, but a definite consideration if they are.

Another consideration is melatonin which has a very good safety profile, may be beneficial in transplantation cases, has shown protective effects against the articular damage caused by osteoarthritis, is a potent ani inflammatory, has anti osteoporosis activity and is also protective of the kidneys while having very potent antioxidative stress qualities which seems like significant positives in your situation.

Those are the ideas that come to mind off the top of my head for your situation, Wendy. Being a transplant recipient, is a special circumstance that can make taking supplements a much more complicated proposition. In any case, you can run these ideas by your transplant team and doctor to see if they are open to any of these options.

Highly potent prescription biologics are sometimes used for osteoarthritis, but in transplant patients who are already taking drugs to lower their immune system, the biologics add to this immune lowering effect in order to reduce the osteoarthritis inflammation and damage. Consequently, the chance for infections increases, so it would be nice to avoid biologics and their associated complications. On the positive side, biologics may reduce the potential for osteoporosis.

Art

ElaineF
(New Brighton, MN)
12/16/2022

Wendy,

Check out this information, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34677681/ This article, in my opinion, states that boron, which is what borax is, is very beneficial for kidney transplant patients. If you are allowed to take anti rejection drugs and antibiotics, boron, as a natural supplement, should be as safe or safer than those toxic Pharma drugs.

Replied by Wendy
(Dublin, OH)
07/16/2022

Thank you so much Art, for your very helpful and comprehensive reply!

Replied by Renee
(Boston)
07/07/2022

I have lost faith in doctors after having them prescribe medications that cause worse symptoms than the actual ailment. I have found tremendous amounts of help on Earth Clinic and I have been telling almost everyone I know. I wish I knew about this website years ago. Thank you Earth Clinic and all that participate. Give back, tell your story.


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