Borax Side Effects & Safety Guide

Hi Baldev, I don't know how dangerous borax at that level is. But if I had accidentally consumed a teaspoon in a glass of water, I would drink a lot of distilled water for the next week or so and take a dose or two of activated charcoal in a lot of water. Let us know how it turns out.

Hi Baldev... All you have to do is search EC to see how many people have mistakenly taken tablespoons instead of the proper dose of 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon of borax in a liter of water. These people haven't suffered that much -- although the high alkalinity caused by the excess borax dosages can cause typical hyper-alkaline symtoms in the body like diarrhea. Excessive borax intake can also stress and damage the liver over long term. Borax has about the same toxicity as comon table salt. However, if you have liver or kidney issues then excessive borax can cause considerable problems.

Therefore, to counteract the excessive alkalinity caused by high borax dosages, you could simply drink something acid -- like raw ACV(through a straw) -- to neutralize the excess alkalinity in the body.

Hi Mary an important part of any cure is diet and mental peace, without either just taking a cure probably won, t work. A candida free diet with lots of veges is just as important as the borax and baking soda. KEEP it up you wii get better. I would go fast on the diet and slow on the cure. I want to thank Ted and all who have contributed here. My partner and I are almost cured from the Incurable morgellons disease. But we have completely changed our diet and life style.

Peace and Health to all

Hello there... It feels to me you are experiencing the cleansing aspect of the parasites dying off. Loose watery stools, flatulence, low energy, flu like systems are a symptom of moving the dead toxic parasites through your system. Your body is healing itself... And this is know as a "healing crisis". Do your best to push on through... When I cleared myself of parasites... It took at least 6 weeks of flu-like symptoms. The cure can feel worse that the cause. Consider switching to mainly raw foods and having as much green juices as possible. Power on through... You can do it!

Borax is definitely causing a healing crisis, with flu-like symptoms, burning up (fever), etc.

As I have Graves Disease/Hyperthyroidism/Thyrotoxicosis, I was expecting a reaction, but am determined to push through because I read somewhere that continued use can and will heal Graves Disease, etc., and restore balance.

An update: all has calmed down now and I am taking a 3 day hiatus from the Borax. Will continue it in a 4 days on/3 days off routine and see if it makes any difference to the RA.

Update 2 - I thought I should add this because it seems it may not be the Borax producing these side effects after all but my ______ ACV. After having loss of appetite, nausea, burping, fatigue and diarrhoea a few days ago (an 80ml dose of colloidal silver in water fixed it), I went off the Borax and ACV drink for a day and all was well. BUT last night I had an ACV/honey hot toddy before bed (without the Borax). And this morning woke up with the same symptoms! Another dose of CS cured it. So I think the ACV may be too acidic for me. Yes, yes, I know despite it being made from acetic acid and having a ph of only 3. 075 ACV it is meant to have an alkalising effect. But as somebody who has a very acidic body, I think I'll stick with drinking my alkalising colloidal silver for now. ACV has never worked for me when drinking for asthma, hayfever, bronchitis, colds or rheumatoid arthritis - perhaps this is why? Mind you, it worked great topically for skin tags and herpes! :)

Anyway, thought I should update this is it doesn't look like the Borax is the culprit after all. If I have the courage to return to the Borax I'll update...!

Hi Jennywren, Just a thought if your ACV is not organic and doesn't have the mother then maybe sometime later try one that is and start with only a teaspoon. The other thing to try is to add the bi-carb soda as recommended by Ted. We tried the ACV that is double strength, because my father-in-law thinks its the bees knees, (plus it's readily available so we didn't have to drive through 2 towns to get to the one that has the organic ACV) but I found it was no good for me.

Hi Maria, thanks for your reply! Yes, I use _____s, so fully organic with Mother. I was just reading about the bicarb so might try that in a week or so after all has settled down. PS say hi to me Mum for me. She lives in Fish Creek! ;)

Hi Jennywren, Drove through Fishy in late January on the way to the beach could have then. My email is pharlapyes-ec [at] yahoo.com. Au

Hi Aim75, all of these symptoms happened to me also and a few other Earth clinic folks. It goes away. Cheers Lily.

Same side effects. A rash. I have had it for 4 months now. Anyone know if it will eventually go away?

I would stick with it if I were you. I too got extreme headaches and started feeling like I was coming down with an illness. I have been taking it for 3 weeks now and on about the 3rd day I started with the headaches, naseua, extreme fatigue, dizzyness, and just generally feeling yucky. I decided to stick it out and it lasted for about 1 week to 9 days. I am feeling way better now. I think it was the detox that my body was going through. I am hoping to get rid of all of the flouride in my body and I do not want to give up. I also had some pains in my kidneys and read Ted's post about making sure to take magnesium with it. I have not had any pain since.

Hi Garret... Although it is appreciated that you have great concern over people's use of Borax and the dangers therein, personally I would not trust any information put out by Medline, Pubmed or the FDA -- their only driver is to support the Pharmaceuticals profit. After all, would you really trust your doctor's recommendation if he advised that you must take anti-depressants for a problem? ALL anti-depressants contain fluoride (far more poisonous than Borax) which -- amongst its many other dangerous physical effects -- causes suicidal and aggressive tendencies. But you will take this anti-depressant because you trust your doctor.

The fact remains that Borax is about as poisonous as table salt.

Here is the MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) -- which is the Bible standard for all chemists and biochemists regarding toxicity -- for ordinary table salt:

http://msds.chem.ox.ac.uk/SO/sodium_chloride.html

And here is the MSDS for Borax:

http://www.omnia.co.za/pebble.asp?relid=1496

Notice that the Oral Rat LDL50(Median Lethal Dose) for salt is 3000 mgs/kgm whereas the Oral Rat LDL50 for borax is 2600mgs/kgm.

From these datasheets notice that the LDLo (Lower Lethal Dose) for man for salt is 1000 mgs/kgm and the LDLo for Borax is 709 mgs/kgm.

This means that to kill a 100 kgm person with salt(sodium chloride) would take 100 GRAMS (3.52 ounces) of salt and to kill a 100 kgm person with borax would require that he would have to ingest 70. 9 GRAMS (2.50 ounces) of borax.

Ted advises daily doses(4 days a week) of between 500 mgs(1/8 tspn) and 1000 mgs (1/4tspn) of borax in a liter of water per day(1 tspn = 4000 mgms approx). These amounts equate to 0.01 ounces and 0.03 ounces respectively.

I've also been using and ingesting Ted's Borax remedy in solution for four years for various problems -- I know borax well -- and I've had no problems or side-effects whatsoever from its use. It is a very powerful anti-fungal and fluoride remover. Cheap too.

Garrett, I went to the link you posted and at the bottom of the page they had about five references, four of which had links to click on and the one that didn't I googled, they make for interesting reading and have yet again reminded me how important this mineral is to us and also animals. Very interesting one of the references tells of the study where bones from the unsupplemented (no boron) were easy to saw through and yet the bones from the supplemented with boron were harder to saw.

For some more research (you may have already seen it) I have included a link about boron from: Mineral tolerance of animals, By National Research Council (U. S. ). Committee on Minerals and Toxic Substances in Diets and Water for Animals, National Research. Scroll to the start of Boron which is page 60.

books.google.com.au

It looks like some of the older studies were done using boric acid, which should not be taken orally. In the studies that used boric acid they call it boron, so I wonder if this is how boron got its undeserved reputation. After all we know that a small amount of salt is good for us but large amounts are bad. It is the same principle for boron (not boric acid) although the amounts are smaller as explained by Bill. I am very thankful for Ted's advice on Borax and everyone who have posted their experiences here on EC. Bill thanks for such a good clarification on boron safety.

I just wanted to comment on my treatment so far. I have been taking between 9 and 12mg of boron a day, in capsule form which also includes magnesium and calcium, so I am getting over 100 to 200% RDV of those last two but I dont think that is a problem.

The only side effect I have noticed besides increase in clarity of mind and more vivid dreams is a slight diarrhea. Like half-diarrhea. Is this common as a sign of your body removing toxins? Sorry to be unpleasant ;) It hardly counts as such as I am still going on normal schedule once a day, but juts noted that difference. Wanted to make sure that is not a sign of anything negative.

I am taking the boron with distilled water and stopped drinking tap water as I feel I get all the minerals I need in food and supplements. I am detoxing from fluoride for metaphysical reasons.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. Once you feel you are cleansed of fluoride what would a smaller dose of of boron daily be to merely neutralise your intake (as it is in everything nowadays, food etc) as opposed to cleansing old buildup?

Hi Chris, sometimes taking too much magnesium can cause diarrhea. Try cutting back on the amount you are taking and see if that helps. Everybody has different tolerance levels so you just have to play around with how much you take to find out what is right for you.

Thanks! I have been taking like 300 to 400% of the fillers because the boron is such a small amnt in each pill. So I might have to go back to 6 to 9mg a day or less instead of 12 on account that they have such a high amount of extras. It seems to be working well at any rate - I have much more success with everything pineal related :)

Hey Chris from Boulder, Co... I know this may be coming late, but can you explain a bit more about what you are doing for your pineal gland with the borax? And also what pill form are you taking? Thanks!

My question is for Ted:

I began trying Ted's recipe of 1/8 tsp of Borax in 1L water and soon after, my period started early with heavy bleeding and cramping. I read on a bottle of Boron capsules at the health food store that Boron affects the estradiol levels, so I wonder if there is a connection. Did this cause me to become estrogen dominant? On the 15th day of my cycle each month, I take Bioidentical Progesterone and was late this month. I experienced heavy bleeding a few years back similar to this. This is when I started Hormone supplementation. But before that, I went to 5 different doctors. All wanted to do surgeries that included: ablation, hysterectomy, a procedure that involved clamping the arteries, etc. One gave me a shot that temporarily stopped the bleeding.

This went on for 6 months until I went to a chinese herbal doctor. I made a tea from the herbs and the bleeding lessened and then stopped in 8 days! I have heard the warnings of lead in chinese herbs, but this is an emergency, so I am going back for more herbs today. I oil pull and use Detoxamin on the weekends, when I have time. Hopefully, that will take care of any lead. I would like to know if Ted has any recommendations. Thanks, Ted. I respect your opinion.

Sweating is a good way to get rid of metals. I have heard that it is the only way, but I don't know if that's altogether true. It feels lovely too. When I'm having a bad day a good sweat can reset me nicely.

To clcball: Surely you don't really mean 18 tsp in one litre of water? Please correct this amount to read 1/8 tsp in one litre (approx 32 oz) of water, or I just might hyperventilate at the thought of you drinking that much borax!!!

I just saw my post... Correction it is 1/8th of a teaspoon of borax, plus I added a lot of other "stuff" like sea salt, baking soda, acv, kelp, took l-cysteine a few times as well as acetyl-l-carnitine, 1 drop of clove oil from time to time, olive leaf extract and cayenne and h2o2 3 drops in 8 oz. Of water , sodium ascorbate of course ALWAYS paying attention to the amounts as to not get too much or a bad mix, I did not take ALL at the same time or anything, just trying to make sure and follow All instructions to rid myself of any bacterium and rebuild my system. I am grateful for this site. None the less weary of being here in the States were they do not have to list all ingredients. I will still self heal, just gotta make sure and get a good source for the products!

Hi Everyone,

Peter from Chicago emailed me yesterday to ask if I would contact the manufacturer of 20 Mule Team Borax to find out if there are additional ingredients in the Borax. (Thanks, Peter!) Below is the customer service response I just received.

Deirdre

P.S. Here's their product page for more info: http://www.20muleteamlaundry.com/about - click on the FAQ tab at the top.

October 7, 2010

Dear Ms. Layne:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding Twenty Mule Team Borax.

Borax consists of the elements: Sodium, Oxygen, Boron & Water

Boron = 11.56%
Sodium = 12.06%
Trace Minerals (0.5%) found at the mining site

Thank you again for contacting us.

Consumer Affairs

I don't like the sound of those trace minerals found from the mining site. My concern is that these 'minerals' might be metals or other harmful substances. I sent an email to the company asking to be more specific about the minerals. I will repost if/when I hear back.

Randy, did you ever get a reply from the company? Also, I am wondering: if the ingredients are

Boron = 11.56%
Sodium = 12.06%
Trace Minerals (0. 5%) found at the mining site

for Borax, is it possible that the remaining 75.88% is only oxygen and water?

I think referring to the elements as 'ingredients' is misleading. It is not like a salad where the ingredients are mixed and consumed.

If I had a jar containing hydrogen gas, and I added oxygen, I wouldn't get water. There needs to be a chemical reaction to bond the elemental atoms to create water.

In the case of Borax Decahydrate, the ELEMENTS (sodium, boron, hydrogen and oxygen) are chemically bonded to form a specific chemical compound Borax Decahydrate, which may have properties completely different to those of the individual elements.

In the Borax Decahydratethe chemical COMPOUND there are fixed ratios of the contributing elements, Yes, the remaining 78% is hydrogen atoms and (mostly) oxygen atoms.

I was told to boil water in a sauce pan and boil it. than to slowly add the borax powder until it stopped dissolving. I used a large sauce pan and added almost half the box to it and it still was dissolving, so I stopped adding it. I was then told to add 1-2 tbsp. to a glass of water (8 oz.) for intake. Is this too much and how should I dilute it or measure it for intake?

That is too much Borax , you don't need to boil the water, just warm the water, and make sure the water is spring or distilled. Put 1/4 tsp. in 8 oz. of water and mix . Don't take more then that because it will give you kidney trouble.

Borax is fine in moderation, but skin problems usually means you have an acidic body and deficiency in omega 3 oils, as well as vitamins A, D, C, and E. You must take mineral and enzyme supplements at each meal, and drink ionized water as much as possible. Once a day take a tablespoon of cod liver oil and a non-synthetic multi-vitamin. In addition take 4000I. U. Of vitamin D3 everyday (must be D3 only). Avoid acidic processed foods and eat mostly organic fruits and veggies (raw - use blender) with the usual meat, fish, eggs, butter, and virgin olive, coconut, and palm oils. Avoid table salt as much as possible, but use plenty of sea salt and crystal salt instead (trace minerals). Don't forget that a good probiotic is always necessary.

If you think it's causing kidney problem stopping them is just fine. Boron increases both magnesium and calcium retention for the bones. Too much might cause kidney pain. However, I haven't had a single case of problem at that dose here in Bangkok. For most women the average dose is about 1/8 teaspoon taken for only a month. Most kidney pain I have encountered with had do to with taking excessive calcium, which can really cause kidney pain and muscle pain. So obviously foods high in calcium with borax supplements may worsen the condition of kidney pain that way. Calcium deposits occur if too much diets are high in that, usually found eating coral calcium, potatoes (high in calcium) and nearly all calcium supplements. Obviously the antidote for excessive calcium retention is to take lemon juice for an entire day for about 2 to 4 days. This will significantly reduced calcium retention from either taking too much calcium, or diets too much with boron and calcium.

Ted

Ted, ... In doing a study on Borax uses today I was just wondering why you said this about a year ago, .... "Calcium deposits occur if too much diets are high in that, usually found eating coral calcium "........ Based on what evidence Ted? as I know pure coral powder (simply powdered coral) helps eliminate calcium deposits as it is an alkaliser and "system cleaner", .. Also what the body does not use it will naturally eliminate, .. Having been the Australia agent for pure coral calcium on behalf of the worlds largest supplier, for about 10 years now... This I can say I do know from the papers, studies, our own clinical studies in Qld Australia and from my own personal testimony, Pure coral actually has a different matrix that makes it ideal to help clean other types of calcium, toxins, wastes, heavy metals, etc, deposits from the body, .. Such as in particular synthetic calciums, etc...... Of the thousands of customers in Australia we have never heard of this as a problem, .... It is practically impossible, if you look at above sea coral (powdered and pure) under a microscope you will see why, ..... Now put pure coral powder and kelp together, .. WOW! Good Super Fuel! Thats why they live together in the ocean, ..... Regards, John

Was just reading Ted's comments of 9/16/2010 stating that "For most women the average dose is about 1/8 teaspoon taken for only a month."

I know he has recommented elsewhere to mix it with 1 litre of water and sip it throughout the day for 4 days on with 3 days off.

This is the first time I have seen that it is to only be done for a month. I thought this was suppossed to be an ongoing supplementation and was suprised to see the 1 month suggestion.

I wanted to start this to aid my osteoporosis & arthritis issues. Do I really only need a month's worth of treatment and that's all for the rest of my life? Please, I need someone who knows about the length of treatment to please advise me before I start this treatment.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Yes, I would be interested to hear the answer to this too. I have just started taking 1/8 tspn in 1 litre of water today, and am not sure how long it is meant to be continued for and when I need to take a break from it. Cheers!

I experienced the same side effect on the fourth day. I used 1/4 tsp on days 1-3. On the fourth day, I started using that same amount in the morning, but then I read more info on Earthclinic and the side effects some people had, I realized I already felt much better, so I decided to stop drinking the borax solution for a few days.

That fourth afternoon/night, I started feeling very hungry but no other side effects besides some flatulence. Then late that night I went out for drinks and noticed that bitter soapy taste you're talking about after drinking beer. Today is day 5, I haven't noticed any side effects today. I plan to stay off the borax for another couple of days. I will post if anything changes.

I had the same side effect. I took 1/4 of a teaspoon for 3 days, then skipped 3 days, then started again. I got a burst blood vessel in my right eye the first day back on. This same blood vessel has burst several times before so I'm not worried about it.

Otherwise, the borax has made me feel great.

Hi, I just read the article you linked and noticed that they mentioned garlic and cayenne pepper as two foods that may trigger these burst blood vessels in the eye. I've recently upped my intake of both of those spices, so that may be the cause of the hemorrhage, rather than the borax.

Want to take borax to protect from radiation coming over from Japan. Read Ted's advice on dosage and went to the store and bought a box of 20 mule team borax. It is now scented! Is it still safe to ingest?

Don't mix borax with high amounts of iodine - they seem to have a negative interaction (I took 60mg KI and around 1 gram boraxat the same time). And of course both tend to increase T3 so you are likely becoming very hyperthyroid. I have my theories about what the problematic interaction is...but needless to say best not to mix them.