Borax
Health Benefits

Borax Side Effects & Safety Guide

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.

111 User Reviews

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Posted by Schunter (Ca) on 12/30/2017

I have been taking Borax now for a little over a month. I am getting bit concerned because my bladder is really beginning to bother me, in that I feel like I have to constantly urinate (not a bladder infection I checked) and I am worried that it may be too hard on my kidneys. I have had IC in the past but it was a long time ago. Also, I have Scleroderma and my extremities are colder than usual. I'm wondering if I should just force through this because it might be a herx or whether the Borax may just be too much for my system. I would think by now this would have passed. Any advice would be appreciated.

Replied by Rosalyn
(Georgia)
01/06/2018

Mix one rounded tsp of Borax in 1 quart of water - shake til dissolved. This is your Borax concentrate. I started out putting one tsp of the concentrate in my 22 oz. glass water bottle to drink throughout the day. After about a week (b/c I had no side effects), I increased it to 2 tsps. a day. My plan is to increase to no more than 3 tsp. per day. I was told this is the same as 3 mg of boron a day, which is the recommended dose.

Replied by Anon
(Usa)
01/10/2018

Your bladder symptoms are similar to the symptoms of oxalate kidney stones. The alkalinity of borax may be loosening the crystals. Drinking raw apple cidar vinegar in water or drinking lemon juice is often helpful for kidney stones. You may find your solution in that direction.

Replied by Rskorj
(Ga)
02/17/2018

Look into other nutrients, vitamins you may need. Iodine deficiency is common and one symptom of that is cold hands and feet.

Replied by Dean
(Mw Mt)
02/21/2018

Have you looked into DMSO for your scleroderma? In the book, "DMSO The Persecuted Drug" there is some good info on using it for that disease.

Replied by Natalia
(Mn, Usa)
04/06/2018

Actually, when mixing ionic Boron at 1 tsp Borax to 1 liter of water, the resulting water contains approx 3 mg of Boron per tsp. The greatest health benefits will be experienced when also balancing all the other needed primary and trace minerals, Magnesium is key among them. It's fantastic that you are tolerating high doses of ionic Boron as doses for adults are recommended at 30-80 mg daily.


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Sschulz (Ca) on 12/05/2017

I've been taking the Borax now for 4 weeks...1/8 tsp in 1 liter of water like Ted described... I built it up slowly from 1 day to 4, and at the end of last week I felt very depressed and nauseous...Took it again yesterday and the same nausea came back. I'm wondering if this is a herx or if I am allergic to the Borax or if I may have to reduce the dose...

I have scleroderma and also have Spincter of Oddi issues after having my gallbladder removed 6 years ago...Not sure what to do... I was on antibiotics for many years (I know bad) but I was hoping this would work out and help me feel better.. I am a low weight 95lbs and maybe need to reduce this to 1/16th of a teaspoon? I would be very grateful for any help...

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
12/06/2017

Yes Sschulz, reduce dosage. I only take a tiny pinch.

Replied by Michael
(New Zealand)
12/06/2017

Regarding the possible side-effects of taking Borax: I guess it can affect some folks differently but in my case it dries me out and I am not talking about "rehab" here!

I must talk to the ants and cockroaches about this, as castor sugar and borax dries them out also!! "Go figure", as you would say in the States!

My sinuses, ears and my (few remaining) lymph nodes get stuffed up and are sometimes quite painful. I promptly bring out the steam inhaler bowl, the kettle, the towel and the one drop of tea tree oil and have two, back-to-back sessions of this. Then, I do the ice pack at the back of the head trick for ten minutes or so and go to bed with a hot water bottle under my neck. This latter is a favourite of mine. Soo good.

Of course I stop the borax for a couple of days, reduce the dosage and hope that I won't suffer again (until the next time).

The definition of madness is to keep doing the same thing over and over again whilst expecting a different result!!

But I feel "in my bones" that the dreaded Arthritis is no worse than it was and some remote parts of my complicated anatomy may actually be feeling less sore as a consequence.

Long live the Borax Protocol. Just stay tuned to your body and listen to the subtle messages it is trying to convey to you !

P.S. I follow the E.C. guidelines on this one and do not overdose.

Cheers and Happy Christmas,

Michael

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
12/07/2017

Being a sort of curious person, this drying out, is it possible that borax being one of our minerals is off balancing another mineral. I know salt thins mucus secretions and too much potassium depletes salt and the list of these causes and effect is long but I think I read one on walter lasts website.... keep me updated as to the source of this mystery. I do pinch of borax in 2 gal hourlong footsoaks three days a week this month along with about thirty supplemental things to keep upright and moving forward. Blessings, Charity

Replied by Bridget
(Orlando, Florida)
03/11/2018
3 posts

Charity, just read your post from 2017. I was curious why you soak your feet? Thanks

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
03/12/2018

I try things in my feet first. I used Dhea as a foot cream and now I take it internal as a capsule.5 mg every other day. I had horrible foot pain for years from the ankle down and used activated charcoal with a couple drops of castor oil on large bandaids and in one night the pain stopped and never returned. I was trying the borax because I got a sliver in my foot while cutting blackberry vines back. It was a crazy experience . Eye opening and painful as my gut started to hurt, and my forehead swelled up, for three days from just a pinch of borax. My stomach has been a life issue of drama, and many panic attacks, so I have a fear of trying things I was allergic to everything for many years but not anymore. Watercure by Dr. Batmanghelidj gave me lots of insights.

So on monday I foot soak and tuesday I wake up with sticky blobs in my mouth, like it's killing my candida, then I use activated charcoal during the morning in my mouth to clean it up. I never had that until the foot soaking. On wednesday I footsoak and on thursday I wake up with sticky blobs in my mouth. Kill those candida, hope to find myself well this year.

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
03/13/2018

I was born sick and battled stuff my entire life in my gut, skin, and many other issues, so I try stuff from my feet first to keep stomach from going nuts. My stomach can set off some horrific panic attacks. Don't underestimate the power of the skin. I know a lot of people on here talk about being sick after a massage and I think it might be the oils they use during the massage might be too much. A bandage with activated charcoal on a couple drops of castor oil on my feet for one night healed my feet of years of pain I had .... Gone.

If my hip hurts I put the bandage on the hip overnight and my hip is pain free.

Replied by Natalia
(Mn, Usa)
04/05/2018

You may have leaky gut (protein spilling into the blood rather than being absorbed) and need to address your GI terrain issues while trying a lower dose and looking into your entire diet and lifestyle choices; pre- and pro-biotics are key. Healing can be a long and sometimes painful journey, but well worth the invested time and self-care.


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Joanna (New York ) on 11/07/2017

Hi, I am taking the female 1/8 tsp dose of borax after a main meal, however I have been experiencing stomach pains which are pretty uncomfortable. Should I discontinue or lower my dosage? Thanks!

Replied by Magnolia
(Baltimore)
11/07/2017

Definitely cut down dosage. Even a few grains a day can benefit.

Replied by Joanna
(Charlotte, Nc)
11/08/2017

Thank you! Should I also be taking activated charcoal? or whatever that is...I've read some posts below about that being beneficial with borax treatment.

Replied by Magnolia
(Baltimore)
11/08/2017

If you are still having stomach pain charcoal would probably help.

If you are taking borax to detox, charcoal may be good to use too, except charcoal is kind of a pain to use because you have to take it away from other supplements and meds.


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Bobbie (Usa ) on 11/04/2017

I've started taking 1/8 tsp in 1 liter of water and sinuses are more clear. I did get a racing heart but stopped it right away with essential oil application. I feel a bit of bone loss is happening in my neck. I know this feeling from when I overly nursed my 1st son to comfort him when he was suffering with undiagnosed thrush which turned systemically into full body eczema. I subsequently got a "hump" in my lower neck/upper back area. Oddly years ago I dealt the same bone loss from taking diatomaceous earth for about a week. I love the borax but can only continue if the ache of loss in this area goes away.

Replied by Amateur Researcher
(Earth)
11/29/2017

It's possible the pain in the neck and hump on your lower neck / upper back are due to a hormonal imbalance. Specifically too much cortisone (a stress hormone, which makes sense, as daily life is stressful, and pregnancy understandably adds to this).

Should you be noticing this hump coming back, if you can at all possibly afford to, see a doc (and I'm not a fan of having to see doctors, but sometimes...) and have your cortisone levels checked. Though we need some cortisone to live, it being too high (called Cushing's Syndrome) causes a mess of problems (including bone loss) that can get worse if not put in check.

Replied by Natalia
(Mn, Usa)
04/05/2018

That hump is a classic sign of Candida overgrowth! Borax will work for this, but you may need to add some additional supports for deep healing and detox.


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Gabriela (Czech Republic) on 10/25/2017

Hi, I have taken less than 1/8 teaspoon of borax in to a 2dcl glass and drunk a bit. Less than half. Now I have third day terrible stomach pain, I have a rapid heartbeat and body crack. Any idea to get rid of the excess boron? probably I took to much of boron.

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Usa)
10/26/2017

chanca piedra for any stone issues causing pain, milk thistle, or a liver detox supplement, Kefir 1 TBSP or some gut enzymes from a good yogurt. molybdenum, magnesium, selenium

At night use some activated charcoal 3 caps or tabs and 16 ounces of water and put some castor oil on your gut and a shirt you don't care about and go to bed.

some other things that might help is 1/4 to 1/2 tsp baking soda dissolved in water 12 oz, make sure it's mixed well before drinking it. 1 tsp. Apple cider vinegar with some honey in water ...

read more on earth clinic boron borax section

That's what I do.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tn)
10/26/2017

I usually take a couple capsules of activated charcoal when I think I am having side effects from something (especially digestive side effects), with plenty of water.

Also, 1 cup epsom salt in a warm bath for 20 minutes, especially to calm the heart racing down.

Hope you feel better soon!

Replied by Matt
(Uk)
11/03/2017

I've just started taking a very small dose in a litre of water. It's my second day now and my heart is racing. Anyone else experience this and did it last long/slow down?

Replied by Bobbie
(Usa)
11/04/2017

It's die off from parasites or candida I'm sure. Take activated charcoal and keep using the following day. That's what I would do.

Replied by John
(Michigan)
11/15/2017

You can always start with a lower dose and increase as tolerance allows! You can also start off limiting how many days a week you take it. Maybe once a week, then twice a week with many day in between then three days a week building up to something like every other day etc.... If you just woke up one day and decided to go run 10 miles or drink 4 gallons of water while exercise and water are both considered good moderation and building up is key. Just because something is good for you does not mean your body will like it right away or even handle it well! As I understand it an apple should have 20mg of Boron in it but today only has 1mg of boron in it. I have seen the apple bit listed as micro-grams and milligrams so do not know which one is accurate. So almost everyone is deficient in it. Since your body has been working with out it adding it in suddenly out of the blue could surely throw a monkey wrench into the works. When it comes to nutrition and supplements even prescription medicine it is not an all or nothing situation often you start low and have to work the dose up! So do not worry so much about the dose not being high enough or freq. enough. Even if your dose is not optimal it is better than not taking any at all. Compliance is always best if you have no negative side effects! Think long term!

Replied by Josephine
(Ny)
11/18/2017

I never knew Borax killed parasites. Does anyone have more information about this?

Replied by Trudyg
(Alabama)
11/20/2017

Borax is a 'surfactant', meaning that it works on the surface--think of a water drop on a freshly waxed car beading up. The wax prevents the water from spreading out and so the water's surface tension keeps it stuck together in a large drop. Soap reduces the surface tension and the water sheets over the car. In my opinion, if a parasite has a surface that repels attempts to penetrate it, then the borax acts to reduce that and, voila, the bug's defense is breached. Just my theory.

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
12/20/2017

I am still doing foot soaks 3 x a week but my pinch has increased of borax soap and every time, my body starts screaming out in pain where I have issues in my health, lousy sleep and then I get stronger after that subsides and feel healthier and more youthful. I guess NO Pain....NO gain....also read that msm lowers boron levels so if you overdid it you might use some msm with vits c and molybdenum because msm lowers them too. wonder what else I don't know that is causing me pains.


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Carolina (Santiago, Chile) on 10/14/2017

Hi, I´m in the second day of 1/8 teaspoon in liter of water. An hour after I felt clear of mind but a great kidney pain! Also I experienced pain in a knee where I have a kind of bone balls that appeared suddenly. I have the feeling that those balls are badly distributed calcium. Can anyone tell me about kidney pain? What can I do to help them? Anyway I feel fine!

Replied by Armin H.
(Switzerland)
06/14/2018

Same thing here. I took (very low dose) of Borax for a few days and got kidney pain. So I've stopped with Borax, but the kidney pain doesn't go away :-(
Any idea on that?


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Michelle (Georgia ) on 08/27/2017

I have been using the 1/8 teaspoon of borax in purified water for 5 days. I began experiencing flu like symptoms along with congestion and strong sadness. Please let me know if this is die off. From what I have read lesson the amount? Thank you.

Replied by Phyllis
(Tuscumbia, Alabama)
08/28/2017

Like any detox it's most likely die off, when all those toxins start getting stirred up they resist leaving the happy little home they've made. The symptoms shouldn't last more than the flu would.


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jason H. (Sacramento, Ca) on 05/10/2017

Congestion and Depression from Boron Detox from Candida and Fluoride detoxing; no side effects now.

I discovered boron/borax just over a year ago, January, 2016. I got sick the first week, it was my typical congestion sickness, and it cleared up in a week; I assumed it was a candida die off. I took 3-5 x 3 mg boron pills. Boron gave me increased mental clarity right away, the same day. But my suicidal thoughts increased, and they went away the day I took iodine. I started the 50 mg iodine/day high iodine/selenium protocol the following month, on Feb 7th 2016. Iodine did not give me any candida symptoms, which I attributed to starting boron a month earlier. I could also tell boron was helping my joints. After a few months, I wondered if boron was giving me a bit of depression. I stopped taking it, and the depression lifted.

By the fall of 2016, I increased my iodine to 150mg/day. Being convinced that boron was helpful, I tried it again, thinking the increased iodine would help prevent any depression. This week, I have taken 1 whole teaspoon of borax per day in my morning coffee, having increased it from about 1/4 teaspoon a few weeks ago. I do not notice any depression. No rashes. No kidney pain. No hair falling out. No side effects this time. I suspect that it is the candida die off, and/or the fluoride detox, which may take longer, that cause people's bad symptoms from taking boron.

I advocate iodine and boron; both have helped my health. I lift weights, I stretch, I eat green smoothies, protein, eggs, and lots of fruit. I'm healthy for the most part, but I'm seeking optimal health outside of the medical system, and I aim to keep myself super healthy so as to be able to avoid any harm the medical establishment offers. I also take Vitamins B complex, C, D, E, B12, magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium, and other assorted herbs from time to time.

Replied by Becky
(Ca)
12/01/2017
31 posts

To Jason.

Very interesting post. I have a serious systemic candida infection from antibiotics 12 years ago. I have started less then the 1/8 borax in liter of water and do fell like candida symptoms increased.

I am pretty sore when I wake each morning. Not sure if its the kidneys. My kidney lab (BUN) is one number under high.

I like Iodine but noticed increase hair loss everytime I use even at 12mg daily.

Any suggestion from anyone is greatly appreciated!

Becky

Replied by Epeach
(Ga)
01/02/2018

Do you take the complement vitamins, minerals, baking soda, and salt loading? I had hair loss, too, initially. I have a head full, now. I have been using iodine for 6 months. I use Borax, but not always orally. I add it to my bath water, too.

Replied by Annette
(Ohio)
09/28/2018

When u say u add 1t in ur coffee, do U mean straight borax or 1 t of borax solution diluted in water? Thx


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn) on 04/06/2017

HI U GOOD FOLKS DOIN,,,,,,, most have followed my drama after my fall 3 years ago which crushed my T 12. Know I's wearing you out with that true yarn, but now I think there is a tie with borax and my leg edema. All along I have thought it was totally due to my fall. I confess that I am not a disciplinarian and am a hit and miss kind of a guy. My edema has swung 180 and back several times over a period of time. A while back several good EC folks questioned the side effects of borax..i e. that it caused their edema. That is one of my hits and misses. Now I am totally off borax and will see what happens to my legs. There has not been a drastic change, but I think I can see my swelling going down. A pharmacist friend cured her sciatica problem by eating candied Ginger for three days. I am now eating candied Ginger.

My goal is to be smart by age 85 and if you birds think I's a smart ass now ........ just u wait for 5 more years. I will be voted out of EC by acclamation.

ATS =======ORH=========

Replied by Robert Henry
(Ten Mile, Tn)
04/23/2017

HI U GOOD FOLKS DOIN,,,,,,,,,,,

After a few weeks of no borax, I have now concluded that my edema has no correlation with that. I just wish it was because I now think my problem is far worse than I originally thought. It is probably my liver. Of course, at age 80, you have lots of problems. Some of you have followed me over the years as I have grown. My edema tells me that I have a bad problem. We will again start our EDTA Chelation tomorrow. Cleaning out your blood vessels can not hurt. The next day I go down to Ringo, Ga to a new doctor that does ozone. I want him to address my right knee and we will then discuss my lower back.

Have had a pissin contest over the years about getting a homeopathic solution for poison ivy . I am going to develop a solution that will make you immune to poison ivy. I plan to produce a weak solution of poison ivy so any one can be immune to poison ivy. Yep, I will be the guinea pig. We shall see. If I do this, then I want all on EC to take on a challenge that they choose and make it work. Can you imagine what thousands of folks can do it they just set their mind to it? I can...... can you?

I'm a dreamer....... are you? ======ORH=====

Replied by KT
(Usa)
04/24/2017

Dear ORH,

With all due respect, we have butt heads but I cannot resist sharing what I learned. Over forty years ago I learned too many carbohydrates caused me fluid retention. Still holds true today.

Now, with unavoidable GMO's infiltrating our entire food supply we need to eat differently than we have grown accustom to. I have learned what used to have "no carb content" can no longer be claimed. Who has the money for testing to prove one way or the other? My body retaining fluid, arthritis fare-ups or indigestion is my barometer.

Considering your age, edema, arthritis and diabetes, I would caution you trying to find something to make us immune to poison ivy. Long term studies would be required to test validity.

I care.

Love, KT

Replied by Robert Henry
(Ten Mile, Tn)
04/24/2017

KT, love you like a sister, but I have to have a process problem to solve least I end up in the top of a tall, tall pine tree. Went to EDTA chelation today and with all my problems I have not had a treatment in 3 years. You are supposed to have a treatment every month to maintain what you have already accomplished. We then went by our little farm to see what damage the flood had wrought. Well it took out a new raised bed, the fence on the South end and the water is still too high to tell the damage on the north end. Our green house plants are ready to be set in the ground, but the garden is standing in water. They will soon be root bound in their small cells.

I am in my glory as I have one heck of a problem and will have to think and work my way through it. I could cuss and throw my hat but that won't help a thing. My industry career was straightening out mills that were in the ditch. Once I got them running smoothly, life was boring and I then looked for another challenge. Right not with my health problems and our farm, life is about as interesting as I can stand. Oh yeah, slept with my legs elevated last night and my edema was slightly improved.

Thank you for your concern. ===ORH===

PS, here is a graph the Sewee Creek level at our farm. The Corp of Engineers tower is located on our property.

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=seet1&wfo=mrx

Replied by KT
(Usa)
04/25/2017

Dear ORH,

Vitamins B-6 and C are reported to reduced fluid retention. You might want to look for the B-Complex 100 as you get all the B's because I read where taking only one can cause deficiencies in the others. They are water soluble so you can't OD on them.

Love,

KT

Replied by Kendra
(Washington)
07/15/2017

There is an antidote to poison ivy. Jewelweed is the antidote and there is a company that sells a spray, salve, and a soap, I think.


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Valdoria (Jacksonville, Fl) on 04/04/2017

I started taking 1/8 tsp of Borax in water throughout the day with a couple days off per week. After about 2-3 weeks I noticed old injuries hurting again. My old surgical site of my right ankle which had been reconstructed with pins, plates, etc.. had healed and all but forgotten over the last 25 years but this last week I have trouble walking on it.. same with some back pain. I am hoping this is a healing process but certainly don't want to continue if I am causing issues that will worsen. If anyone has insight into this, please advise. Would love to hear from Ted.

Replied by Sue
(Usa)
04/11/2017

Try reading the Boron Conspiracy article ( http://www.health-science-spirit.com/borax.htm ). It references the magnesium/calcium relationship as it relates to boron. I wonder if your boron regiment is causing calcium redistribution.

Replied by Frank
(Tampa)
08/02/2017

I've been using borax for about 3 weeks, at first I experienced some headaches and depression, but now an old broken toe (broke it 15 years ago) suddenly started to hurt, not the like the occasional ache associated with the weather. Now it hurts like I just broke it! I really think it re-broke all by itself, there's been no event to explain it. Calcium redistribution? Anyone else experience anything similar?

Replied by Timh
(Ky)
08/03/2017
2048 posts

Yes, kinda. As I have been dealing with Bone disease for several yrs, my experience with Borax has been rather effective in killing a chronic mycoplasma infection but not much improvement for Bones as far as I could tell. So a few months ago I assumed I was not getting enough boron from the Borax and started supplementing 4mg with very good results.

Recently in my up & down cycles of bone disease, I too get an acute or temporary episode of bone pain which is later sensed as marked improvement in the condition. This happened last night as well as July 3rd and both times I was noticeably better the fallowing day, which leaves me to conclude there is a point of pain into as well as out of disease, like a gateway; kinda like the emotional hurts-so-good phenomina.

Take Turmeric to reduce inflammation. Other minerals needed for bones are Calcium/Magnesium, Manganese, and Strontium. Vit D & K are need also.


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Ag (South Florida) on 03/25/2017

I'm seeking a cure or cause for my kidney pain related to heavy Borax use.

About 3 months ago, a friend mentioned the benefits of using Borax for health reasons. About 10 years ago, I began using iodine, had been reading both forum posts and research articles, and occasionally I'd see mention of borax, but I never followed up with it.

But considering I am working full-time outside and had done a physical showing alkaline urine (too much calcium loss), I decided to check it out. I began with 1/4 tsp., I felt lightheaded and woozy my first few days (I expected it due to cleaning out candida), and began using it daily with good results (mentally sharp, teeth pain gone, raised mood).

Well, what I did was up my dose about a month in. I carry 2 one gallon jugs of water to work, and I began using up to a teaspoon or more, sometimes in both jugs. (I put C powder, sea salt, and liquid iodine in my water too) Weeks went by with no reaction.

Then my kidneys began getting tender. I'd wake up from sleep, know my lower back hurt some (actually my kidneys), but I blew it off for weeks thinking I'd overdone myself at work picking up heavy items.

But the kidney pain continued, and I began wondering why. I don't regularly pick up heavy items. Why?

So, I googled kidney pain and borax, and saw some posts about it. Specifically, I found posts about using too much. So I stopped for a week. My kidney pain lessened, yet it still remained. I waited another week, me starting back at 1/4tsp. The slight discomfort remained, and I assumed/hoped I just needed to flush it out.

Then......I remembered about fluoride being excreted by borax, and I googled fluoride and kidneys, finding that fluoride can decimate kidneys (I may be exaggerating), but found out iodine actually chelates fluoride. I bought more iodine, using it heavily, like a dropperful in a gallon. (results: too much lowers blood pressure; felt lightheaded and dizzy during the day). So I'm doing sane amounts of iodine again. I didn't want fluoride taking out my kidneys! Additionally, I went to those filtered water machines in supermarkets filling up my water jugs for a week since I'm on city water, all fluoridated. My kidney pain did decrease some.

I'm actually still feeling some kidney discomfort, so I'm writing seeking feedback on healing myself and not worrying about doing something wrong or excessively again.

Note: I drink about 4-6 cups of coffee/day, and I know it can strain kidneys too.

I'm grateful I could share this here. Thank you :-)

Replied by Heather
(Connecticut)
03/26/2017

Yikes! I'm no doctor, but I would definitely suggest that you immediately stop taking ALL supplements and stop drinking so much coffee until you find out what's going on!! I'm not quite sure why you feel you need to use the iodine? Most of us get plenty of iodine just from table salt and deficiency is rare here in the U.S. unless you have some type of diagnosed thyroid issues going on. But seriously, give your body a break and let it do its own thing for a bit, and go get your kidneys checked out to be on the safe side. You can't buy replacements at Walmart!

Replied by Marty
(Netherland)
05/05/2017

Dear Ag, My guess is that your kidneys have been overworked from the vast amounts of... WATER you are drinking every day!!! Two gallons (7,5 liters) a day is way too much for your kidneys to handle. Half a gallon (i.e. 2 liters) of water daily should be enough to flush your system. Take care!

Replied by Shelly
(Sacramento, Ca)
05/13/2017

I respectfully disagree about most of us in the U.S. getting adequate iodine through our diets. I believe, from extensive reading I have done, that the opposite is true.

Replied by Anna
(Huntsville, Al)
06/10/2017

It could be that you have kidney stones and the borax may be causing the stones to move. I started taking Borax two days ago and then yesterday I began having kidney pain. I've passed kidney stones in the past (and I still have a few stones lodged in my kidneys) and the kidney pain I began experiencing from the Borax was the exact same kind of pain that I experienced in the early stages of passing a stone. When the early pain begins, I take lemon juice and olive oil. It will usually stop the pain. Yesterday I drank the juice of three lemons with about 1/2 part olive oil in a three hour period. The kidney pain is gone. I'm going to cut back on the amount of Borax I was taking. You may want to find out if you have kidney stones so you won't be suddenly and rudely surprised if and when you pass one. When that stone drops down into the ureter, it is hell on earth! It is one of the worse pains known to mankind.

Replied by Ddb
(Pacific Northwest)
07/11/2017

Please go to the iodine forums on curezone.com and/or read Dr. Brownstien's book "Iodine, Why You Need it, Why You Can't Live Without It.". Read up on iodine supplementation and detox symptoms. The kidney pain is known as a detox symptom of iodine supplementation and is handled beautifully with the recommended protocol of taking iodine co-factors and supplements such as boron or borax, atp cofactors, magnesium, etc, and most importantly, the sea-salt flushes which remove the chelated halogens like fluoride, bromide and chlorine from your kidneys. If you only pull out the halogens from your tissues with substances like iodine and boron but you don't flush safely them from the kidneys you will overtax your organs and get some pretty unpleasant side-effects. You need the entire approved iodine protocol in order to speed healing safely. No need to experiment on yourselves, others have already researched and fine-tuned this wonderful protocol. Take care.

Replied by Carolina
(Chile)
10/14/2017

Good feedback. I'm passing through the hell on earth you say. Taking the second o third day with 1/8 teaspoon of B. But the kidney pain is frightening! Could u remember how many days it passed until the pain is gone? How many olive oil u took? and water? I dont know what to do but I dont want to stop B. thank you all :)

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Usa)
10/14/2017

You can also take borax up through skin on your feet . Pinch of borax in 2 gal water, soak for an hour. Chanca piedra for kidney stone breaking. Take it easy on your detox, you will still get to your destination but with much less discomfort. I did one foot soak a week for a month and now I do two a week.

Replied by Ag
(South Florida)
02/27/2018

Guys and gals, I wrote this almost a full year ago. I've had intermittent kidney pains, with or without using Borax, as I miss regularly.

But.....I still had kidney pains. It frightened me. I use tap water due mainly to the daily amount I need on my job outdoors--for convenience.

I learned something recently, and really wanted to share it. In short, I'd be using less salt in my drinking water, even using iodized table salt when I'd bypass buying good sea salt. And as my salt decreased, my kidney pain increased.

Why?

I realized I'd had long spells where I felt good years back working outside all day, with very minimal physical discomforts. So, I decided to buy some RealSalt again, which I'd used for a couple of years. While shopping on Amazon, I saw a book called "The Salt Fix" by an MD who really advocated for using salt, as he did a ton of research.

How is this related to kidney pain? When we lose out on natural salt needs, we'll often turn to another white crystal--sugar. I have, numerous times. The author pointed out that sugar consumption is a quiet and rapid destroyer of our kidneys, which was news to me.

He advised upping our salt, and proportionately our desires/cravings for sugar would drop too. I've been using good salt for almost 2 weeks, and my kidney pain is almost completely gone! No more waking up, stiff on my backside, aching as I roll out of bed. I'm not eyeing every sweet morsel in my vicinity anymore either.

Who would've known? I didn't. But experience says this works! Taking enough salt has almost obliterated the back/kidney pain!

Thanks for hearing me out.

Replied by Natalia
(Mn, Usa)
04/05/2018

Try adding ACV - at 1-3 Tblsp daily to soften the calcifications in your kidneys. And look into overall mineral balance and dietary changes.

Also, adding good sea salt - like Redmonds brand to the diet for adrenal support.


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?

Replied by Art
(California)
03/25/2017
2326 posts

In reply to Marie (Co) and others interested in trying borax.

If you read through the EC archives and the web on borax, you will learn that borax works extraordinarily well for some people, is very helpful for others, not at all helpful for some and is not tolerated by some. Pretty much the same as many other remedies and medications that people use all the time, there will be some people who get benefit and others who don't. Judging by anecdotes here on EC as well as the web, borax seems to help more people than it hinders, but this does not mean you should ignore a negative reaction just because others have found benefit with borax.

Itching and swelling are among other things, typical symptoms of an allergic reaction. I have a friend who tried borax for her RA, but even at just a small pinch of borax in a quart of water, she would get uncontrolled itching all over her body that she said was driving her crazy. In an effort to try and get the antiarthritic benefit that many people report from using borax or boron, she tried switching to a boron based supplement. This turned out to work quite well against her severe RA and she did not have the itching issue which borax gave her, however, after two to three weeks of daily use she realized that she was getting depressed and she had never had that problem before. She discontinued the boron and the depression went away within two days. She started on boron again once the depression went away, but shortly after restarting boron, the depression returned. She stopped taking boron and once again the depression went away. This clearly demonstrates that some people can not tolerate borax and or boron even though others not only tolerate, but get great benefit from these two.

Recognizing that your body is reacting negatively to any supplement or medication is very important and such a reaction should never be ignored, as allergic reactions can be life threatening. If you choose to experiment with borax or any supplement and you have a negative reaction to it, it is your responsibility and in your best interest to stop taking it and talk with your doctor to see what your options are.

It is good to be proactive about your health, but it is also good to be health smart and pay attention to what your body is telling you. On this forum, people report what works for them, but that is not a gurantee that it will work exactly the same for others and in reading through the various threads on EC, you will see that this is often the case with many of the listed remedies.

Art

Replied by Marie
(Co)
03/26/2017

Thank you so much for your quick response. I stopped taking the borax prior to reading your reply and felt better. Some swelling and stiffness is still present in my foot and ankle. It will continue to improve. I just want to mention I did a lot of research prior to taking the borax. I read The Borax conspiracy theory and a lot of information on Earth Clinic plus youtube. I would never start taking anything without first researching. Marie

Replied by Waltz
(India)
03/30/2017

Marie,

It could be that you are Magnesium deficient and need to take Magnesium continuously for few weeks before taking Borax. You will have to take the type of Mg with maximum absorption, like Mg Cl oil (massage on skin) or Magnesium Glycinate tablets.

Magnesium deficiency causes borax to produce all sorts of side effects. Same goes with Vitamin D. They all work together.

If you have already been taking Mg and Vitamin D from before, then this could be borax allergy.

Replied by Rosemary
(Kitchener, Canada)
04/01/2017

Borax is a salt of boric acid. Salt is the key word here. Salt draws or retains water in the body, so, likely, borax is doing just that.

One issue concerning oedema, or excess fluid build up in tissues, if oncotic pressure. from Wikipedia....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oncotic_pressure

"Oncotic pressure, or colloid osmotic pressure, is a form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins, notably albumin, in a blood vessel's plasma (blood/liquid) that usually tends to pull water into the circulatory system. It is the opposing force to hydrostatic pressure. It has a major effect on the glomerular filter pressure.Throughout the body, dissolved compounds have an osmotic pressure. Because large plasma proteins cannot easily cross through the capillary walls, their effect on the osmotic pressure of the capillary interiors will, to some extent, balance out the tendency for fluid to leak out of the capillaries. In other words, the oncotic pressure tends to pull fluid into the capillaries. In conditions where plasma proteins are reduced, e.g. from being lost in the urine (proteinuria) or from malnutrition, there will be a reduction in oncotic pressure and an increase in filtration across the capillary, resulting in excess fluid buildup in the tissues (edema).

The large majority of oncotic pressure in capillaries is generated by the presence of high quantities of albumin, a protein that constitutes approximately 80% of the total oncotic pressure exerted by blood plasma on interstitial fluid. The total oncotic pressure of an average capillary is about 28 mmHg with albumin contributing approximately 22 mmHg of this oncotic pressure. Because blood proteins cannot escape through capillary endothelium, oncotic pressure of capillary beds tends to draw water into the vessels. It is necessary to understand the oncotic pressure as a balance; because the blood proteins reduce interior permeability, less plasma fluid can exit the vessel. [1]

------------------------------

My experience with borax is like yours, it leads to fluid retention and generalized oedema. Being extremely salt sensitive is one facet of the problem for me, but low protein intake is also involved. Becoming vegan, I'm not eating enough protein which leads to low oncotic pressure and the following exit of fluid from capillaries into tissue.

I notice the difference when larger amounts of protein are ingested. Large amounts of vegetalbes, greens fresh and cooked help with diuresis, especially consuming dandelion greens which are know for their diuretic effect.

However, even when my diet is perfectly maintained, using borax [ as a candida remedy, which actually works ] within the hour I can feel and see my legs swell, and end with generalized oedema.

So, you may not have a borax allergy, but too much salt intake, or oversensitive to salt, as in sodium borate, or you need to have adequate protein intake. Take caution not to overdo the protein consumption which is not healthy either.

I'm considering trying borax remedy again but must use a diuretic along with it to, hopefully, counteract the swelling.

Wishing you the best of health, with thanks to Earthclinic for its invaluable help,

Sincerely,

Rosemary


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Lolo (Ontario, Oregon) on 03/23/2017

I have been taking diatomaceous earth, using magnesium oil, and started the borax treatment. And my question is since I started the borax prototol suggested on here and all of sudden these pains randomly in my body flared up the pass few weeks which were pains and old injuries I had through a 20 + year period. Such as neck pain, sciatic nerves on both right and left side, both knee, old stress fraction, and more. They come and go it's so weird. So is it because they are getting a treatment they open back up to truly heal. A month ago I had no pain in most of these parts of my body but now I'm feeling achy and harder to move around even though I exercise everyday it's just a little tougher. So should it eventually heal and go away or what should I do? I just found a bump on my small toe. And it hurts.

Replied by Brad
(Providence)
03/24/2017

Going thru something similar right now. 20 yr old injuries on a detox coming back. It's called retracing/healing crises and it's miserable. 6 weeks of hip and knee pain. Can't sleep.


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Meyerbl (Tacoma Wa) on 03/14/2017
★★★★☆

I put 1 teaspoon of borax in a liter of filtered water and have taken 1 teaspoon of this solution per day for a week now and at first I had bloated stomach for 3 days and now everything seems fine and I am going to continue and hope for good things to happen!


Borax Side Effects
Posted by Donna (East Hampton, Ct) on 02/19/2017

I am so dissappointed as I was hoping this could be my cure and detox from fluoride poisioning which I received from antibiotics and anesthesia from three surgeries and 30 years of drinking fluoridated water. All of this poison has caused me to have atrial fibulation and high blood pressure. I was so excited to try this but now I have these issues.

I put 1/8 tsp of borax in a half gallon of water and only drank a bit more than half yesterday. I got some severe stomach upset and it started some of my Gerd issues up which in turn raised my blood pressure up to 192/108. I did have some food which I should not have had but now it is hard to tell what if or both could be causing it. I got a stinging sensation in my right big toe after I went to bed last night and it is still there upon awakening. I have a little bit of trouble breathing and kept waking up through the night. I am recovering from esophageal or silent reflux less than three weeks ago and it has been good up until niw.

I have been taking A gi repair supplement that has been working wonderfully, also sleeping on a bed wedge. I wanted desperately for the borax to work and am hoping maybe there is something I can take with it to counteract the stomach upset? My first step is to get the fluoride out, then the mercury and three root canals. Im afraid my heart conditions wont hold out before I can get detoxed and it is so so depressing. I have never been depressed like this in my whole life, I am 52. I hope someone reads this and can help. Thanks.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
02/19/2017

Donna and Julie, why don't you try with MUCH less for a start?

Replied by Eve
(Uk)
02/23/2017

You are taking far too much! No wonder you feel sick!!!!! Make up 1 litre of filtered water with 1 teaspoon borax - then take 1 teaspoon of THAT diluted solution and dilute AGAIN in a cup of water and take twice a day with food. Start possibly with one teaspoon a day and build up to 3. This is why alternative medicines get a bad rap and taken off the market because people overdo it. Also, for the first few days there is the possibility of the Herxheimer effect, where you might feel ill, it supposedly means the treatment is working. If you feel ill, stop for a couple of days and start again, building up slowly as you get used to it.

Replied by Mitch
(Canada)
03/01/2017

I guess everyone is different!

I started off by taking 1/2 teaspoon of borax twice each day. I went through a couple of days of flew like symptoms, a few days after I started taking it. I cut back to 1/4 teaspoon twice each day.

Now after 2 months, I have no side effects and feel great, mind you I also exercise regularly and eat mostly fat and protein except on exercise days where I eat more carbs.

People should be more concerned about eating that processed stuff and not so concerned about natural stuff that comes out of the ground.

How many people know if they're getting too much or too little calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, E, C, D, B, etc... Not many I think. I'm 56 and in better shape than when I was in my 20s!

If your not eating fish, leafy greens, nuts, etc..., then your fighting a battle with only twinkies in your hands.

Replied by Alice
(U.s.)
03/15/2017

Are you taking Magnesium? You should be taking extra magnesium and for sure with any heart condition. Borax does wonders for me but I also take magnesium and trace minerals in general. Also, one must get rid of sugar/high carb processed foods in diet.

Replied by Jan
(Mi)
03/17/2017

What type of magnesium do you take?

Replied by Mic
(New Jersey)
04/27/2021

For LPR or "silent gerd" try pharmaceutical-grade D-Limonene from Integrative Therapeutics at bedtime only and as directed at:

https://www.integrativepro.com/products/d-limonene

Take together with a measured teaspoon (5 mL) of organic apple cider vinegar in eight ounces of filtered or distilled water. Sleep with upper body at an angle. I use three pillows to accomplish this. A European square pillow and two standard pillows. One in back of the European square and against the headboard and the other in front of the European square and behind my head.

Do not consume borax.



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