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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 06/23/2013 184 posts
Hi, This question is for Ted / Bill or any body who has experienced it. If by mistake some one takes half a teaspoon of Borax in half a glass of water, what will be the symptoms, effect on the body and what should be given as an antidote to neutralise the effect of such a high dose of Borax. Or there is no need to worry body will take care of it, I am curious to know because it is higly alkaline and in small doses ( As advised by Ted ) it works wonders.
Baldev
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 06/11/2013
For Ted or Bill, Please Help!
Hi: I have been looking at everything I have done to determine why I am so itchy. I thought it was mites from my dog. But when this all started was when I was taking borax internally and I also started Willard water. I have breast cysts and am watching carefully. So the fungal link and protocol seemed a fit. But when I reflect, first my breasts started to itch uncontrollably as I progressed on the borax. I have been itching and scratching my back face, chin, ears, torso, and especially breasts, to the point that I have a wound on one of my breasts that has not healed, became infected and it has been there for 5 weeks. My back is covered with bumps from scratching. My chin is not looking very good. I have also been alkalysing with BS but was gaining weight at an alarming rate!! Up to 7 lbs. so I stopped but my am ph is 5.5 and that is even with months of trying to alkalyze. I just took 1 tsp of tumeric with water and pepper. I need to stop this! :(
Really need some suggestions. Would appreciate any feedback. if I go see my naturopath he will just tell me I am trying too many things but getting desperate.
Mary
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Kimsie (Arlington , Wa) on 06/07/2013
In response to Joe from Atlanta, who wrote: "The density of borax is 1.73 g/mL"...
mL is a liquid measure and Borax is a powder so I don't see where you get this from. I weighed a level 1/4 teaspoon of Borax on a gram scale and it was less than 800 mg so it only has 88 mg of boron at the most, not 245 mg. Maybe some borax is more dense than mine, so if anyone is concerned they should weigh it in mg and multiply by 0.11 to find the boron content.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mindy (Brisbane, Australia) on 04/05/2013
Hi this is a question for Ted -
I have started taking Borax. I am overweight (180lbs) and so am taking 1/4 tsp in 1L of water per day - the thing is I have been drinking this by the glassful and using the whole litre. Other info suggests that this is the base and only 1-3 tsp of this needs to be taken per day. I am really confused. I have noticed some cystitis over the last couple of days. I had been doing the fingertip dipping and putting in water and was fine, but wondered if it was enough so started adding the powder to water as above.
I am taking it to improve osteoarthritis and to strengthen teeth and bones, I am aged 65.
I am also trying to alkalise my body doing the 1/4 tsp baking soda, 2 tbsp lemon juice in 1/2 water. (Is the bottled pure lemon juice ok to use?)
Thank you for your help,
M
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Eddy (Perth, Western Australia) on 12/14/2012
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by J (San Luis Obispo, Ca) on 12/13/2012
Kidney pain is just the excess calcium being removed from the tissues and fluoride excretion passing thru the kidneys. Stop or slow down treatment for awhile.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Conniemerie (Twin Lakes, Wi) on 12/01/2012
Yes, indeed, there are many shills for western medicine and disinformation artists out there. In addition, too many people breast fed on western medicine do not want to take responsibility for their own health. If you do not know your body well enough, and do not listen to the signals that your body gives you then how do you expect a 3rd party (aka: the doctor) to do any better than you at healing you? alternative medicine is ALL about taking responsibility for yourself. All I know is that my body doesn't respond well to any other person's idea about cookie-cutter medicine designed to mean "one size fits all"
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Linda (Nashville, Tn) on 08/06/2012
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 Side Effects
Posted by Artlover8 (Lakewood, Co, Jefferson) on 08/01/2012
I am a 52-year old caucasian woman living in Colorado. I am 5'2" about 120 lbs. I took a lot of anti-biotics for acne over a long-term period 20 years ago and suspect systemic candida. I have joint pain, esp. in hips, with shoulder and neck injuries that frequently go into painful flairs with repetitive motion. I take magneisum which helps with the pain.
I have tried 1/8 Tea in about a liter of water for general alkalizing. I have read to do this in drinking water with 4 days on and then 3 days off. My goal is to raise by body's Ph level and to remove candida. Within a few days, my skin begins to itch here and there and then everywhere and becomes intolerable. My stools also become loose and watery. I discontinued the borax and began 1/4 Tea Baking Soda in water 30 minutes after 2 meals daily. The same thing happens with the itching and loose watery stools. I have also tried Candida Control Program, which is 2 tablespoons before breakfast, starting with their High Potency formula with the plan to do the Phase I and Phase II over a 3-month period. Again I get the itching and loose watery stools. I have tested my Ph urine levels and the readings are coming up in the 6.0 to 6.2 in the morning. I am doing my best to avoid sugar, but not easy.
Does anyone know why this happens and what I can do to correct?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Enda (Nashville, Tennessee, United States) on 07/18/2012
Boron/Borax have been known to work at normalizing the thyroid. This might be what is happening. You did say you are a vegetarian. Vegetarians are known for having unstable thyroid levels due to the lack of animal protein in their diets. If you are uncomfortable with the Borax, try Boron supplements from the health food store. They are made for human cosumption.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 07/17/2012
That doesn't sound like hives, it is candida die-off. Candida die-off or sometimes called "candida rash" is a by product of almost every successful detox. I got it about a month after I began eating organic produce and using the Borax remedy and ACV. Mine was all up and down the inside of my arms, but cleared up quicker than yours. The candida is just more concentrated in those areas you speak of.
Borax is used for chelating metals and eliminating flouride. You may want to try chlorella for a while to see if you like that better. If you're wanting to address pH balance, try Ted or Bill's alkalinizing remedies. That will also encurage candida elimination. ACV/baking soda at bedtime will also counteract overnight acidity.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Misty (Indiana, Usa) on 07/17/2012
I also experienced hives after taking taking the borax water. I get the breakout on my face, neck, hands, legs, and especially my lower back and buttocks (it fades everywhere but my back/buttocks). I initially thought it was from spending too much time with the family cat (I'm allergic), but when the rash didn't go away after taking an antihistamine, I knew something was up. Borax is the only new remedy I have been trying, so I googled "borax rash" and found similar stories. According to a Wikipedia article on borax, borax poisoning can cause the following symptoms: "
a beefy red skin rash affecting palms, soles, buttocks and scrotum has been described. With severe poisoning, erythematous and exfoliative rash, unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and renal failure."
I have also been experiencing hair loss since starting this remedy that I didn't connect to borax until I read of others experiencing this symptom. I have been urinating white specks for the past 2 weeks or so which could be borax buildup. My naturally soft skin has become dry all over my body; my lips are cracked. If I drink too much of the borax/water mixture at once, I will experience headaches and dizziness almost imediately. To me, these side effects indicate that this is not a very safe remedy, and I will discontinue my oral intake of borax at once. I will continue to bathe in borax water about once or twice a week (to treat my recurrent yeast infection) and hope the side effects disappear after I cease oral intake.
To be clear, my dosage is the recommended 1/8 tsp in 1 liter of water sipped throughout the day, 5 days on & 2 days off. I finish about 1/2 to 2/3 of the mixture in one day; I usually stop when I get a slight headache (it worsens if I continue taking it). I am a 115 lb woman. I eat an almost vegan diet (completely vegan for the past 2-3 weeks) and drink plenty of water. I'm not taking any hormones or anything as Ted speculated may be the cause. I also do not have symptoms of Morgellons disease or any other parasitic disorders aside from a recurrent yeast infection I've had for about a month. I started taking the borax because I believed it would help fight off the yeast infection (which I think may also reside in my gut causing constipation).
I had previously been trying whatever remedy was recommended on this website, forgetting that any nonprofessional individual can submit a testimonial. I rarely bothered to do research or even read the side effects posts on this site. I now realize that even "natural remedies" can be dangerous, and I encourage everyone to do their research so that they are aware of any adverse effects before they experience them.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Wayne (Coeur D'alene, Idaho, Usa) on 04/16/2012
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?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jennywren (Perth, Western Australia) on 03/19/2012
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!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 02/22/2012
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
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jennywren (Perth, Western Australia, Australia) on 02/19/2012
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! ;)
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 02/19/2012
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jennywren (Perth, Western Australia, Australia) on 02/19/2012
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...!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jennywren (Perth, Western Australia, Australia) on 02/09/2012
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jenny (Perth, Western Australia) on 02/07/2012
Hi there, well I'm on my 5th day of taking borax (one wet fingertip's worth in warm ACV and honey) as I'm desperately trying to get rid of the rheumatoid arthritis in my feet (I'm 43). Yesterday I noticed one eye was bloodshot, and today the other one is red and my face feels hot, like it's got sunburn. Any ideas? I'll give it one more day and if it gets any worse I'll stop taking it. It's made no difference to the arthritis or anything else btw.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Linda (New Haven, Connecticut) on 01/08/2012
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 11/22/2011
Hi Aim75, all of these symptoms happened to me also and a few other Earth clinic folks. It goes away. Cheers Lily.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Aim75 (Kane, Pa) on 11/21/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi,
I have a weird side effect of trying Borax for my arthritis. First, I seem to have kidney pain when taking doses of 1/8 tsp and higher. This is nothing new, certain things do give my kidneys problems since I had a E-coli infection in my blood 12 years ago. So I've been taking a little spoon, and just dipping the wet tip of it in and swishing it in my water. Kidney problem solved. Here is the weird side effect... I get this strange headache that is located at the tip of my head... Not really a headache, just a strange pressure or ache at the very center tip of my head. I've had this pain before, years ago, when I was really stressed and it used to be pretty bad that it would affect my thinking. But that went away years ago, and now it seems the borax brings it on again ever so slightly. Anybody have any ideas what this means?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Rhonda (Lakewood, Ca) on 11/05/2011
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jason (Melb, Vic/aus) on 10/17/2011
I've been using the borax face solution and the 1/8 teaspoon and have noticed some positive results! However tonight I though I would get into a bath of borax (about 1 1/2 cups) tea tree oil / small amount of hydrogen peroxide all was good when I got out however a hours or two later sitting at my computer got a few rashes on my body, went to bed and it was all over my chest and back! Not sure if its the mites saying goodbye or a rash from the borax itself?
Note: My original problem was itchy bumps on my face (possibly acne rosacea) which has died down quite a bit, during the rash episode my face was completely clear? (i did dunk my face into bath water).
Any help appreciated.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Sayno2gmo (Vancouver, Bc, Canada) on 10/14/2011
David (Dave) from Surrey, BC Canada that posted on 02/19/2009 saying he took it for 2 weeks then got kidney, testicle, and headaches, only to try it again on 04/15/2009 for 2 days and quitting due to the pain in the same areas.
I'm really glad some of these misinformation artists are dumb. Thank you for exposing yourself Dave!
People that are researching natural remedies, just know that there are many people like this, some paid some not, trying to scare you away from trying things like this.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Mistyk (Brooklyn, Ny) on 10/13/2011
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!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jen (Bozeman, Mt, Us) on 09/09/2011
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by John (Surfers Paradise, Qld) on 09/08/2011
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
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Kimmi (Park City-wichita, Ks) on 09/01/2011 12 posts
Yesterday I tried the Borax as suggested (1/8 tsp. To 1 litre of water) and got THE WORST cramping diarrhea EVER. Today my right kidney hurts severely and my sinuses are very painful. When I eat, I have a searing pain up over my right eye, into my forehead. I'm very unhappy over this, as I was really hoping for something that would help my rosacea and the possible fibromyalgia I suffer. :(
Ohh, well.. I guess I will use the rest for laundry and around the house!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Imb (Vista, Ca) on 08/29/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been taking the borax from the grocery store for three day. I have been feeling more energize but I also am experiencing kidney pain. Is it detox symptom? And should I take something else with it to ease the pain?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Writert (Riverside, Ca) on 08/21/2011
I'm not a chemist, but in the calculations set forth on June 29, 2011 it seems the 2160 mg of borax which equals 1/4 tsp should be divided by 60 kg to get 36 mg/kg as the highest dose recommended by Ted. Which would seem to be only 1.38 % of the MINIMUM lethal dose of boron of 2.6-3.5 g which he stated. Really need to understand because I am dealing with so many health issues but really want to try to the borax regimen.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Joe (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 06/29/2011
It seems like boron is the culprit for long-term effects, not necessarily whether it is in acid or salt form.
Borax is about 11% boron, boric acid is about 17% boron
MINIMUM lethal dose of boric acid in human adults 15g - 20g boric acid = 2. 6 g -3. 5 g boron (This is not the LD50. LD50 is defined as the dose that kills 50% of the population, so the LD50 may be somewhat greater than this, but it certainly won't be less than this amount. )
Take a 60 kg individual and that gives 43 mg B/Kg - 58 mg B/Kg minimum lethal dose.
I'm assuming the individual who died at 15 g was 60 Kg, as well as the individual who died at 20g. FYI my fellow Americans, 60 Kg = 132 lbs.
The density of borax is 1.73 g/mL
A teaspoon is 5 mL
So 1/4 of a teaspoon gives (1.73 g/mL)*(1/4)*(5mL) = 2. 16 g = 2160 mg borax = 245 mg For a 60 kg person 245 mg B-> 4 mg B/Kg
So taking 1/4 of a teaspoon of borax gives 10% of the MINIMUM lethal dose.
Now on to the report from the European Center for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC). Report No. 63. This is available free online.
The report is quite long, so I will concentrate on two sets of findings.
First, they review the fertility effects of acute exposure to borax and boric acid, in rats. That is, a one time exposure followed by monitoring. The lowest 'No observable adverse effect level' (NOAEL) is 88 mg B/Kg. They find testicular atrophy and decreased sperm volume above that level, but reversible up to 700 mg B/Kg. Beyond that concentration, the damage was not reversible.
Second, they review the fertility effects of repeated exposure to borax and boric acid. The lowest NOAEL is 17.5 mg/Kg /day for 2 years.
Based on that second review, they calculate a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for humans. Assuming a 60 Kg person:
TDI = NOAEL * 60Kg / [(UF intraspecies)* (UF interspecies)]
They use an interspecies factor of 3, accounting for the fact that humans may not tolerate boron as well as rats, but they state that interspecies differences are expected to be small. 3 is just a large safety margin.
"The toxicokinetics of borates in man and animals is similar irrespective of the route of administration. Borates are not metabolised and so there is no potential source of variation among species, with respect to metabolic competence. The same critical effects are found in all animal species examined. "
They use an intraspecies factor of 10, to account for the fact that some humans may be far more sensitive to boron than others.
They finally arrive at a TDI = 17.5 mg/Kg/day * 60Kg / [3*10] = 35 mg B/day for fertility effects. 1/28 of a teaspoon of borax
This is based on 2 years of daily consumption, so a human could theoretically consume this amount every day for 2 years and experience no adverse fertility effects.
If we apply this same standard to the acute exposure numbers, we get:
88 mg B/Kg * 60 Kg / [3*10] = 176 mg B for fertility effects
This is over the course of a single day. 176 mg B corresponds to 1600 mg of borax or about 1/5 of a teaspoon
Some individuals may be sensitive at this level, and that may explain why some people have reported adverse effects. However, these numbers are based on very large safety margins, so the vast majority of individuals will not have any adverse effects at these levels. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, there is no test for boron sensitivity.
The LOAEL for acute exposure was between 88 and 175 mg B/Kg. Translating that to humans and using the same factors means that adverse effects from a single exposure may start somewhere between 176 mg and 350 mg B in a single day.
I've been using boron on and off at the 1/4 teaspoon per day level for 2 weeks now, and have noticed very good effects. I will post a more detailed report on my own experience later.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Joe (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 06/29/2011
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Joe (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 06/29/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Joe (Atlanta, Georgia, Usa) on 06/26/2011
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Missy (Ny) on 06/13/2011
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?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Dave (Usa, Pa/usa) on 04/13/2011
Ted,
I would like your opinion on my reaction to borax I have taken borax as written about on your posts and have had a strong reaction on it. I was taking it for 4 days and felt a headache that moves from place to place with a bad taste in my mouth. Leading up to this dose I was sprinkling borax over coffee grounds of my coffee maker. I stopped taking it and started now for 2 days taking Idoral Potassium Iodine and the first day took two and had a stronger reaction and even felt vains of pressure on my face around my head (like a poison) sleeping all day and drinking plenty of water throughout this.
I feel much better now without stopping the Idoral suppliment. I only feel a pressure in my kidneys. Also I had strong feelings run through my body when I heard different sounds and is still there but minor now. I have had this reaction to sound for a number of months and is one of the reasons I am looking into causes. I suspect a fluoride/bromine build up but no tests have be taken and would like to figure this out on my own as much as possible. I have always thought I was much smarter than I am throughout my life. My memory isnt that great and have sensed a fog with me in some degree through childhood onward. I had odd stage fright as a child and onward but am a very confident person. I suspect that myself and family have been exposed to toxin in some form. My mother died of breast cancer when I was young, my sister has dystonia, and my dad has very bad brain fog and generally lost. I'm glad that I'm feeling better and plan on taking Iodine for some time for a long term detox if that is indeed what is happening. Also through my adult life I have had body parts fall asleep very easily during sleep and a certain sensation on the top of my legs. I can tune it out but I have had it for a very long time. Any thoughts you might have would be helpful. I see the world alot like you do.
dave /36
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Chris (Boulder, Co) on 02/19/2011
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 :)
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Lisa (Rabat, Morocco) on 02/19/2011
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Chris (Boulder, Co) on 02/18/2011
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?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 02/17/2011
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines) on 02/15/2011
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Garrett (Wichita, Ks, Usa) on 02/15/2011
All right, I've been doing research for about two weeks now and it seems to me that ingesting Sodium Tetraborate is potentially dangerous due to the fact that you are not VERY SPECIFICALLY measuring the amount of Boron you are receiving. The upper alowable limit for boron is around 17-20 mg per day for HEALTHY ADULTS. Now when you take borax, in amounts such as 1/4 teaspoon per day, this is very unregulated. The boron atom in sodium TETRAborate is multiplied by four so anyone taking this amount is putting themself at risk. Just do it right by taking a boron supplement.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read this info on Boron. It's very simple and straight forward. It explains ALL your negative side effects. I will be using this as a guys to my anti-flouridation efforts upon myself.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/894.html
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Piper (Toronto, On) on 01/08/2011
I tried drinking at the suggested rate. I found that my hair started falling out much more than normal. A friend told me that that hair falling out is a sign of kidney problems. I stopped drinking and my hair stopped falling out at such a drastic rate.
I will bath in it. I bath my kids in it too. I think your body absorbs things from baths-magnesium, boron. I haven't found any harm in bathing with it. I put about a 1/4 to a 1/3 cup in the water.
In laundry, if you wash colours in hot with laundry soap and about 1/4-1/3 cup of borax the colours come out remarkably bright. The water has to be hot, not warm.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Randy (Jc, Nj) on 01/04/2011
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Deirdre (Earth Clinic) on 10/07/2010
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
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Clcball (Buckeye, Az) on 10/03/2010
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!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Lisa (Lafayette, La) on 10/03/2010
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!!!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Clcball (Buckeye, Az, Us) on 10/03/2010
I started using 20 mule team borax for killing mycoplasma and rebuilding my bone structure and hormone regulation. It has been close to a month and I used it approximately 11 times 18 tsp to 1 ltr of water. I don't know if this is the cause or not, but I have developed 100`s of cherry angiomas all over my body and now have muscle spasms visual disturbances and an overall not right feeling(shakes, lungs hurt, and involuntary muscle movements). Also I have been using it to wash my hair and body. I started looking into the reason for the angiomas and found that it is possible for cleaning companies to add certain components without labeling it! They are not required to add it to the label when they add ingredients according to San Francisco chronicle. "It's difficult for consumers to know whether their favorite cleaner contains the chemical because manufacturers aren't required to list it on the label. "
So I urge you EC to please ask one of your multitalented partners to find out if this product may possibly contain 2-butoxyethanol so that we may find a different source of the very useful borax. Plus, if it this harmful substance is found to be in the 20 mule team borax, how can I get rid of the toxic side effects I am experiencing, and are they reversible? Thanks a mil... CLC
Borax Side Effects
Posted by L (Red Deer, Alberta Canada) on 09/26/2010
This is in response to Dave from Surrey, BC. My Genetics doctor decided last year, I'm in remission. I said, "Huh, that's funny, I've done the opposite of what you tell me. " With my kidney, liver, and heart condition, I'm told not to take potassium and magnesium. Well, I not only take those, I also take baking soda with the magnesium and potassium, once, twice, or three times a day. Additionally, I did take borax and H202, for four years. All these supplements, I started with small doses, as mentioned on earthclinic. Over time, I increased the dosages of all of these. So, I think there might be something else not quite right, going on with you:)
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 09/25/2010 392 posts
Sorry, don't have time to answer all the details, but briefly please refer to "UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION International Programme on Chemical Safety, Environment Health Criteria 204, Boron"
http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc204.htm
1.1.3 Kinetics and biological monitoring
The pharmacokinetics of boron appear to be quite similar across species in the following respects:
a) Absorption of borates is essentially complete (approximately 95% in humans and rats), and boron appears rapidly in the blood and body tissues of several mammalian species following ingestion.
b) Distribution of boron in mammals appears to occur by passive diffusion throughout the body fluids. In contrast to soft tissues and blood, bone shows selective uptake of boron (>4 times higher than serum) and significantly longer retention times.
c) Metabolism of boric acid is thermodynamically unfavourable in biological systems. Thus, the ionic species in systemic circulation are expected to be equivalent across mammals. This eliminates a major source of potential uncertainty for risk extrapolation, as interspecies differences in enzymatic pathways and/or metabolic rates do not need to be taken into consideration.
d) Elimination kinetics (especially route of elimination and terminal half-life) also appear to be similar for humans and rats. The similarities in pharmacokinetic parameters between humans and rats, the species defining the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for laboratory studies, reduce the uncertainty for risk extrapolation between these two species.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Shaun (York, Uk) on 09/24/2010
Miroslav, Have you have got your math wrong by chance? Are you mixing up mg (milligram's) with mcg, µg or ug (microgram's) by chance? Too many folk get their '00's/'000's all mixed up (such a mix-up cause's many, many deaths in hospitals). It seems to me that Ted's arguments (and math) are very, very sound indeed. I personally must report that I have been taking Borax (a [sea salt-like dash / quantity in my porridge daily) for about 3 years, and have nothing but positives to say about it. My partner is a little bit bashful about such matters, but she would otherwise confirm this! I'm nearly 60 by the way, and go about life like a 30 year old. I would hate that folk here on Earth Clinic forego the undoubted all round benefits of borax - as I'm sure some perspicuous posters like 'Bill' and 'Alain' would also heartily attest. Tra-la! It's borax forever for me!
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Miroslav (Prague, Czech) on 09/23/2010
Ted, I'm writing the same. Except one important detail: You assume doses for rat (per body weight) can be applied to human. But I'm confident we are not rats. Possible fatal intake for adult human was found at 15 to 20,000 of boric acid (or 40 mg boron/kg BW). And as I noted before, this value was established for a reason. Rat is more tolerant to boron intake likely by a factor of 10. So this is why I'm having concerns about dosage and this is probably the reason why people are reporting adverse effects. It is also worth to warn 1 tsp of borax is not 4 g, but rather about 100 % more.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 09/23/2010 392 posts
There are a couple of wrong information here. The LD50 of boric is 2.66 grams per kilogram, but not borax, but for convenience purpose in calculation I used just 2. gram per kilogram, just to be safe. The borax LD50 is LD50 for
borax was 5400 mg/kg in male rats and 5000 in female rats, see Borax Pesticide fact sheet. Toxicity Category IV, Table I, Oral. The correct name for borax is sodium tetraborate decahydrate. It's molecular weight is 381.37 while it has a boron molecular weight is 10. 81. In a typical borax, there is 11.33% boron content. That means there is 4 boron molecules in a sodium tetraborate hexahydrate. The dog and rat studies on testicular atrophy is based on boron content rather then borax content or boric acid content.
So if they were to calculate that the limit of boron is 20 mg per kilogram content per dose, this would mean if I were consuming borax, to get the same amount on a per kilogram basis, I would need to consume 20/.1133 = 176 mg per kilogram per dose. This means, I weigh 70 kilograms, I would need to consume 176 mg x 70 kilogram = 12,320 mg of borax, or 12.32 grams. Assuming that one teaspoons has 4 grams per teaspoon, this would mean consuming 4 teaspoons per dose to get a testicular atrophy. In a typical dose of 1/4 teaspoon this would be only 0.25/4 x100 = 6% of the unsafe dose. Animal studies of LD50 is based on per dose, rather then per day. This means the scientist has to literally stuff the chemicals down the throat. In a typical borax diluted in one liter of water, few people actually drink this in one sitting. The likelihood from suffering from death by water intoxication of taking all 4 teaspoon would require taking 16 liters of water in one sitting.
Sorry, but I can't go into further details, regarding individual studies, I have limited time at the moment.
Ted
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Rob (Manhattan, New York) on 09/22/2010
Interesting information Miroslav.. Thanks.. In my experience I found just a few sips (about 4oz) from a 1/4tsp, per liter solution before bedtime, had relatively strong effects, with increased night sweating and vivid dreams along with a calmness.. My intuition told me this was enough... So I would used up the bottle over a 4 or 5 days. Though I really did like the effect it seemed to wane on the following nights. I also need to hear more positive long term results do this for any legth of time..
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Miroslav (Prague, Czech) on 09/21/2010
Ted, your experiences are interesting and welcome, however I was looking for more informations about boron which I'd like to share. There are many science papers about boron & rats. It was stated sterilization occurred on rats/dogs exposed to boron. 300 mg boron/kg BW/day is usually fatal to rats and around 600 mg/kg BW in single dose is fatal to rats. Based on accidental intake of boron by humans, lethal dose is guessed at 15,000 to 20,000 mg of boric acid, which equals to 3 000 mg of boron, which (70 kg person) is roughly 40 mg boron/kg BW. Looks like rat is more tolerant to boron by the ratio of 10 . Regarding to studies made, it was found that around 20 mg boron/kg BW/day is a level which does not affect testicles/health of rats. Higher boron intake leads to testicles atrophy either temporary or permanent, depends also on dosage. If 20 mg/kg BW/day is a threshold for rat, considering 10 ratio, it could be less than 2 mg/kg/day for human.
For 70 kg person, it is less than 140 mg of boron or 1400 mg of borax (safe for daily human intake). Now 1/4 teaspoon of borax is 5 ml/4 = 1,25 ml of borax or 2,000 mg of borax. Since measuring 1/4 tsp is not accurate in all cases and some people tend to take more the stuff to improve results of remedy, one can expect dosage can reach 4,000 mg/day or 2,500 mg boric acid/day. It is more than 10 % of dosage which is being lethal. It is 3 times more than safe level I guessed above. Therefore I've concerns this remedy/dosage is quite dangerous with strong damaging potential. It is also a fact people experienced side effects. Anyone can search Internet for document boron. Pdf, title 'Boron in Drinking-water', which is a comprehensive review of known facts about boron and laboratory tests on animals.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 09/20/2010 392 posts
If the concern of borax or borates is converted to boric acid, then just add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in case the hydrochloric acid of the stomach should convert to boric acid. Also stomach acidity varies greatly throughout the day. It is very high before meals, but is very low acidity after meals. Therefore this can be taken after meals, or before sleep. If kidney problem does occur, simply discontinue them until it does get better. To neutralize any borax negative effect, I usually take magnesium chloride drops and just skip a week or at least three days, allowing the body to get rid of excess borax from the body. Most lower back pain I have found turns out also taking excess calcium and not enough magnesium also.
Yes, I do receive emails of testical pain from taking borax from a few men. I got one person from Vietnam who is an earthclinic reeader and came to Bangkok on a tour packaged, and managed to find time to see me about his hair loss condition. He mentioned that taking borax did cause his testicular pain, but that went away because he masturbated. Apparently what I found was borax caused the pain from higher sperm volume and sperm count and as resulted the masturbation reduced that and made him feel more like a man. In other words more sexually responsive (getting it up) when having sex. It's the viagra effect for people who have low male hormone levels. Apparently, this particular person thought not masturbating was a normal thing because he had no desire, and got used to that line of thought. The borax remedy made him change some behavior to masturbate at least weekly, as he reports of much larger sperm volume he never he had it before. It should be noted that if person does not wish to masturbate at least weekly or need to abstain from sex, then borax is clearly not good.
The other problem concerning borax used is it's tendency to make women get pregnant too easily. If people do not wish to conceive, and have unprotected sex, you get pregnant much more easily. I have over four cases here in Bangkok of women becoming pregnant from taking this, but luckily most of them are married, or wish to have a child, so they were happy. One has been struggling to have a child for 10 years and got pregnant in just 1 month after taking the supplements. It seems it increases women's fertility and men's fertility also, through increasing sperm count and sperm volume. Therefore borax is not something a person will use if that person does not wish to have a child or requires sexual abstinence. The opposite is also true.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Miroslav (Prague, Czech) on 09/19/2010
According to Wikipedia "Borax is also easily converted to boric acid and other borates, which have many applications. Its reaction with hydrochloric acid to form boric acid is: Na2B4O7·10H2O + 2 HCl --> 4 B(OH)3 [or H3BO3] + 2 NaCl + 5 H2O"
There is enough HCl in our stomach so I expect borax is being converted into boric acid inside. Borax is not as rich in boron as boric acid is. Therefore I undestand receiving borax is equivalent to receiving lower doses of boric acid. I'm on day 5 of 1/4 teaspoon of borax solution daily (against mites) and my testicles started to hurt. Sometimes also feeling presence of my kidneys now. I'm terminating the remedy and hoping there was no irreversible damage made.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 09/16/2010 392 posts
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
Borax Side Effects
Posted by John (Greenport, New York, Usa) on 09/16/2010
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.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Piper (Toronto, On) on 09/16/2010
I had an itchy scalp and problems with acne and was using borax to cleanse mites and parasites - borax water 1/8 tsp in a litre of water and borax baths. I also used borax to clean home and in laundry. I was doing the borax regime for a couple of weeks and I started to experience hair loss and that may indicate kidney problems. I have now stopped drinking borax water. I do use Ted's mange cure for a facial wash and it is great. Any signal from your body should be heeded. Borax may help, but too much may not be good either.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Katey (Apex, Nc) on 08/30/2010
Upon further reflection and 3 total days in pain, I realize it was most likely intestinal pain (front) rather than kidney pain (usually manifests in the back). I fasted for a day and then upon eating the pain was significantly reduced.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Frank (Budapest, Hungary) on 08/27/2010
I am on day 3 of the borax remedy, taking 1/4 teaspoon in 1 liter water and sipping throughout the day. I am getting a very bitter soapy taste on my tongue when I eat. Just wondering if this is normal. I don't get this taste from drinking the borax solution. The taste will go away 1/'2 hour after eating and then return as soon as I eat again.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Katey (Apex, Nc, Usa) on 08/25/2010
I also am having kidney pain today after having 1/8 tsp. in over a liter of water yesterday. Also curious to know if Ted has a possible scientific explanation for this as I really don't want to mess with kidney damage but I could really use the benefits borax is supposed to provide.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Theo (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) on 08/11/2010
Last year I tried 1/8 teaspoon borax and sea salt in 1 liter of water to test if flouride was causing my health issues. After a couple of days I too experienced kidney pains. Since I had never felt internal pains like that before, even after trying many natural remedies and supplements over the years, I was quite scared. I stopped taking borax immediately. It didn't make sense to me that kidney pains would be a sign of detox. In conclusion, I no longer believe borax should be taken internally.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Robin (Chicago, Il) on 07/30/2010
Response to "Jgrau from Coquitlam, Bc"
Clearly, you have NOT read anything on this Web site regarding the differences between "boric acid" and "borax". They ARE NOT the same!! One is acid aka boric "acid", and one is alkaline - borax. Even the Web site you noted states "boric acid". COME ON, PEOPLE. TAKE THE TIME to "READ". This is a forum for sharing experiences, not one in which to exhibit your shortcomings... Furthermore, boric acid IS used medicinally, often for women who do not respond to conventional therapy for yeast infections. It is put into a capsule, placed into the vaginal canal, and actually works very well.
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Jgrau (Coquitlam, Bc) on 06/21/2010
This is a response to "David from Surrey, BC". And it is important for anyone trying Borax as a remedy.
No male should ever expose themselves to Borax or Boric Acid. David's symptoms (testicle and kidney atrophy) are classic case of Boric Acid poisoning -- just a few weeks of daily exposure to Borax is known to cause testicle atrophy and sterility in dogs and is suspected in sterility of humans that work with the chemical. It also damages kidneys and to lesser extent the liver. Please, people do not even let Borax touch your skin if you're a male. Look it up on Google and you'll find articles like http://www.peopleforcleanbeds.org/boric_acid_risks.htm
While there is a threshold below which Borax is fairly safe, if you go over that threshold it is quite dangerous. The threshold is very dependent on body weight -- definitely don't let Borax anywhere near an infant or a pregnant woman. So there certainly may be people who use it without noticeable adverse affect, it is not worth it to have some people seriously injured by it -- it is dangerous advice.
I understand your suspicion of flouride, but then you should be suspicious of all environmental chemical exposure -- why are you exposing yourself to a chemical with more proven risk than flouride?
Borax Side Effects
Posted by Lara (Sarasota, Florida) on 06/20/2010
I am on day 4 of the borax protocol (1/8th teaspoon in 1 liter of water, sipped slowly throughout the day). I didn't experience any side effects until this morning when I felt slight brain fog. At about noon I looked in the mirror and discovered that a blood vessel had burst in my left eye. I have had these before, but usually only after flying. I am guessing that this is related to the borax. I have also been regularly taking lugol's iodine (3 drops a day in water) for months but have never noticed this side effect. Anyone else experience this? I found some information on Dr. Weil's site about how certain supplements can cause a burst blood vessel in the eye, but nothing mentioned about borax or iodine.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400019/burst-blood-vessels-in-the-eye.html
I stopped the borax solution right away and am going to wait 3 days to pass before trying again. Will send update.
