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Boron vs. Borax: Understanding the Difference and Their Uses

| Modified on Nov 11, 2024
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When it comes to minerals that support health, boron and borax often come up in discussions, but the difference between the two can be confusing. Are they the same? What are their uses? In this article, we'll break down the differences between boron and borax, their health benefits, and how they are commonly used.

What is Boron?

Boron is a trace mineral found naturally in the environment. It plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including:

  • Bone Health: Boron is essential for maintaining strong bones by aiding in the absorption of calcium and magnesium.
  • Hormone Regulation: It helps regulate hormones, particularly by supporting balanced estrogen and testosterone levels.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Boron has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
  • Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that boron may help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

What is Borax?

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a mineral compound composed of boron, sodium, oxygen, and water. It is often used as a cleaning agent, insecticide, and in various industrial applications. However, borax is also a source of boron, where its health-related uses come into play.

Boron vs. Borax: Key Differences

  • Composition: Boron is a pure element, while borax is a compound that contains boron. Specifically, borax is about 11.3% boron by weight.
  • Uses: Boron is primarily used in supplements for its health benefits, while borax is more commonly used in household cleaning and as a natural insecticide. However, when ingested in small amounts through borax, it can provide boron to the body.
  • Safety: Boron supplements are designed for human consumption, whereas borax, although used in some alternative health practices, should be used with caution. High doses of borax can be toxic, so it’s important to follow proper guidelines if using it as a source of boron.

Health Benefits of Boron (via Borax)

While borax itself is not consumed directly for its health benefits, it is often dissolved in water to create a solution that delivers boron to the body. This method is popular in alternative health practices, where boron is used for:

  • Supporting Bone Health: Boron helps in the prevention of osteoporosis by facilitating the absorption of minerals necessary for bone density.
  • Reducing Arthritis Symptoms: The anti-inflammatory properties of boron, derived from borax, can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
  • Hormone Balance: Boron plays a role in balancing hormones, which can be particularly beneficial for women going through menopause.

How to Safely Use Borax as a Boron Source

If you choose to use borax to obtain boron, it’s crucial to do so safely. The typical method involves dissolving a small amount of borax in water to create a solution where each drop contains a controlled amount of boron. This solution can then be added to water or juice to be consumed in small doses.

  • Dosage: Common recommendations include using a small dose, such as 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of borax in a liter of water, then consuming a small portion of this solution daily. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Conclusion

Boron and borax are closely related, but they serve different purposes. Boron is a critical mineral for health, while borax is a compound that provides boron and has other practical uses. Understanding their differences and uses can help you make informed decisions about how to incorporate them into your health routine.

Have you used borax as a source of boron? Share your experience and let us know how it worked for you! Keep reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers who have tried this approach.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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3 User Reviews

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Posted by JOANN G (SC) on 11/14/2022

I have found Pure Therapro "Bio Boron" which is 30 mg per capsule. It is highly bioavailable..What do you think about this one and then taking 3-4 capsules a day?

Youtube has been very controlling and evil for turning off comments and replies in the videos. So had to resort to this to comment.

Replied by Art
(California)
11/14/2022
2319 posts

JOANN G,

That may be a little too much boron for a woman. You might try 1 or 2 capsules and see how you are doing after a month.

Art

Replied by Tazx
(Croatia)
11/19/2023

So once again, I find myself asking...why not take Boron supplements? There are mountains of studies that Boron and Selenium have the exact same effects on arthritis as Borax.

It is understood that Borax does wonders, but in the state of the world we are in, are people not worried about contamination, quality, production and the fact that it is sold in the store in a box that is not airtight. All kinds of contamination could occur. We talk about our health and rightfully so, but then do not take the simplest precautions. I feel that the health forums/websites/and our version of industry that we operate in has become more of a cult like mindset. No on can disrupt the status quo. As someone who has done this for more than 30 years, we need to be more careful. We avoid the pharma industry and med docs cause they are either ill informed, corrupt or outright trying to make you ill, yet we dont go that extra mile to ensure we protect ourselves from the smaller possible intrusions. Some things to think about.

Boron Vs Borax
Posted by John (Michigan) on 11/27/2017
 ★★★★★

To Jerry who wrote: "Can I just take Boron Capsules?"

Things are dose dependent. All of the Boron supplements I find are rather low like less than or equal to about 10mg. 1/4 teaspoon per day though dissolved in water is between 115mg-158mg depending on the measuring spoon and how level or round your scoop is. That is a huge delta in dose. I have heard of 50mg-60mg tablets but have never actually seen them for sale.

In the late 1980's and early 1990's as a high school athlete the ones sold to athletes where 3mg-6mg - again far lower than what you get in a rather common dose of 1/4 teaspoon of borax in 1 liter of water sipped through the day!

I took 1/4 teaspoon per day the first 3 weeks then started to get diarrhea. I reduced it to 1/8 of a teaspoon a day for 2 weeks and all of the diarrhea went away completely. Some days I take 1/8 teaspoon some days I take a 1/4 and I am fine.

In theory anything is better than not taking borax so if someone was really sensitive or had IBS you could start at 1/16th of a teaspoon and slowly over weeks and months build up to 1/4 teaspoon. Evidence is showing that observational with individuals that you can get a lot of health benefits at varying does but the higher the dose the more consistent the results seem to be.

In post menopausal women a lot of individuals have found that reversing osteoporosis takes around 150mg of borax, vit and 400mg-600mg of magnesium per day to reverse it and that is a far higher dose than someone without osteoporosis needs. In those without severe fluorosis or osteoporosis that have healthy bone mass, 50mg per day seems to be the sweet spot but again you need magnesium and vitamin D3 in the diet. It is thought that enzymes and mineral metabolism is how boron works it's many benefits. Some people probably get enough minerals in their diet but for most Americans minerals and Vitamin D3 and iodine are almost always low. Iodine helps to keep your body from depositing fluoride in your bones.

Replied by Jonnybegood
(Australia)
09/27/2022

Hi, just had a question not sure where I should ask questions sorry if wrong spot.

I take a multi vitamin that has 3mg of Boron in it.

Questions

1. Is there any extra benefit to borax over Boron? to me, the extra compounds of borax vs boron are only sodium, hydrogen, oxygen, would that make a difference?

2. if I took borax, would I maybe need to take less like 1 tsp of the 1 liter mix every second day or maybe just not take it all as im getting most of the benefits from the 3mg boron in my multi?

Any thoughts or help would be great.

I'm leaning towards leaving it at my 3mg boron multi as enough, but maybe some has tried both and could notice a difference.

Thanks

p.s great site.

Art
(California)
09/27/2022
2319 posts

Jonnybegood,

I have taken both and 3 mg of boron did nothing for my arthritis. Borax is approximately 11.3% boron. My borax dose is roughly 950 mg. So 950 x .113 = 107.35 mg of boron. I take this dose of borax each weekday and take the weekends off. This has kept my arthritis in remission for way over a decade. I tried halving the dose and it helped my arthritis, but did not keep it in remission.

I have taken boron supplements up to around 36 mg and that was not enough to work for me, but I have seen it work in others.

Art

Replied by Teresa
(Fla)
07/31/2023

Could you please share where you got the information about dosing for post menopausal women with osteoporosis.
Thank you

Boron Vs Borax
Posted by Herman Rutner (Ma ) on 12/03/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I am a retired chemist and have used boric acid and borax extensively, in the lab and as supplement, both oral and topical. Though extensively used as an effective ant poison when mixed with sugar, boric acid is quite safe and non irritating, indeed having been used for decades as an eye wash. Similarly borax is basically boric acid with a lot of sodium. Both contain boron about 22% for boric acid versus 11% for borax. And oral borax is instantly converted to boric acid in stomach acid. Contrary to medical hype attempting to block its use as an effective arthritis remedy in Australia and Europe where sales are banned, it is about as toxic as common salt and widely used baking soda in antacids.

The major problem is high sodium in borax for persons on low salt diets. Luckily it can still be bought also as fairly pure 20 Mule borax for use as an excellent detergent enhancer and an arthritis remedy at about 1/4 teaspoon borax or hard to find pure boric acid, best USP or NF grade, in quart of water taken in small portions over about 16 hrs. Google The Borax Conspiracy to get the facts and disregard medical hype seeking to outlaw this arthritis remedy, another miracle drug like aspirin.

Also chelated boron sold as 3 mg capsules may not be as effective.

Replied by Ivan
(Slovenia)
03/15/2022

Hello dear Herman,

I would like to ask you something about borax. I did make a solution as recomended by Ted's clinic, a small- teaspoon of borax gave into the 1 liter of water. I take then just a one third of tea spoon this solution, but I feel a burning then in my stomack, like acid. Is this normal by everyone, even I take very small of this solution, as you wrote it convert to boron acid in stomack. Now I take a boron 3mg tablets and by this is ok and also it makes bigger my free testosteron- just once a day I take it. Thank you, Ivan.

Replied by Renee
(Boston)
05/15/2022
41 posts
★★★★★

I have a question about Borax. Is there a specific reason we are using Borax rather than buying Boron supplements? Since everyone is having questions about dosing and how to mix it, wouldn't it be easier to take pre measured supplements? Is it for cost purposes or is there another reason?

Art
(California)
05/15/2022
2319 posts

Borax is simple and very inexpensive and probably offers more potential health benefit than boron alone. Borax is about 11% boron. If you try to buy boron types of supplements, the actual boron content will usually be very low compared to the amount in borax and you will have to take several supplements to reach a similar dose. Boron type supplements will cost more than borax.

Art

Replied by Matthew
(SC)
12/07/2023

I was in a family business for flea control in the 90s. We discovered that Boric acid work to eliminate the flea cycle in carpets. We used sodium poly borate by Incide Technologies. Sodium polyborate can be obtained online.

RX For Fleas 5lb container.

Boron Vs Borax
Posted by Crista (Pekin, Illinois) on 10/03/2009

I have been researching the boron/borax issue because I want to use it, but have been quite afraid because of all the talk of it being toxic or poisonous. So I found a sientific article online that states this:

"Borax is necessary in small amounts for plant growth, one of the 16 essential nutrients. In larger amounts it is poisonous to plants, and the range can be small. For peaches, 1 ppm is required, but more than 5 ppm is toxic. If the signs of boron deficiency are noted in plants, a boron supplement can be applied. Borates can be used as non-toxic and non-specific herbicides. Borates are non-toxic to animals. The LD50 (dose at which there is 50% mortality) for humans is about 6 g per kg of body weight. Anything above 2 g is considered non-toxic, and borates are only 2 to 3 times as toxic as aspirin. Therefore, you are pretty safe unless you eat a pound and a half of borax for a snack. Borates are more toxic to insects than to mammals. The boranes and similar gaseous compounds are quite poisonous. As usual, it is not an element that is intrinsically poisonous, but toxicity depends on structure."

J.B. Calvert, (24 November 2002). Boron. Retrieved 03 October 2009, from http://mysite.du.edu/~jcalvert/phys/boron.htm

Sorry I am all about the references, plus this article has several quality references in it.

My husband was worried about me ingesting this so that is why I have done so much reasearch. I really feel it is safe, but even with this I am still a bit slow to try it. I will get up the courage soon. I just wanted to put this fact out there for all the people that argue about it. I think mainly I am afraid of the detox reaction I might have because my face has been pink for quite some time and if I put lotion on it or anything else it become very red till it is dry. I have washed my face twice with it so far though and it has at least dried up my acne. I also just used a bathroom cup to add water to some borax and then poored it on my hair. After rinsing then I shampooed. It did make it soft, although I tried to combine it with my body wash and it created a perm smell so I am going to do it by itself next time. Good luck everyone who tries Borax, but it is safe in small quantities.

Replied by 1947hoppy
(Winamac, Indiana)
02/25/2013

I found a reference to using borax for arthritis quite by accident. Having had more than one bad experience with "possible side effects" from both prescription and otc drugs, my interest is arroused by any and all 'natural' remedies.

Like most people, I want to do plenty of research prior to taking the big step into the unknow. Along the way I happened to google "20 mule team borax" to see what the company itself had to say about their product. I was quite surprised to see this actual quote from their site.

"In earlier times, borax was proclaimed to be a magical crystal that was used to aid digestion, keep milk sweet and even cure epilepsy. Common sense and modern technology have brought us better solutions to these and other problems, but 20 Mule Team Borax still has a place in your home."

I'm not a rocket scientist, but it seems to me that if it can be used to sweeten milk, aid digestion and cure (not help, but cure) epilepsy, in the words of the company that sells it, it would seemingly be safe to mix small amounts with water and consume.

I just picked up a box and will be giving it a try post haste. I also plan to give my aging dog a taste of it for his arthritis.

Glad I found this site, again an accident, and plan to do a lot of reading and perhaps a little contributing.

Replied by Teresa
(Southport)
10/13/2016

I have been reading all day. I use borax to clean my house and have not had to deal with insects inside our home since I sprinkled it under the sinks. Today, I mixed a 1/8 tsp per liter into a 9.6 liter container and began drinking it because the literature says it removes fluoride from the tap water and the human body. Fluoride poisoning has destroyed many lives and no one has been brought to justice to-date. I choose to live as healthy as possible and the more I learn, the more I change to help myself and those around me. Peace to all.

Replied by Kathy
(Ft Laud)
06/24/2017

Not an accident.

God led you here as well as me.

Boron Vs Borax
Posted by Crista (Pekin, Illinois) on 10/03/2009

I know I posted the quote earlier, but as I have been continuing to research, why not just take the Boron suppliments versus drinking the Borax? Is there a big difference in taking one or the other? If Ted or someone else could answer this that would be great.

Replied by Katey
(Apex, Nc)
08/25/2010

I am interested in this as well. Saw "chelated Boron" at the health food store and would prefer to take it if it has similar properties.

Replied by Anon
(Anon)
08/25/2010

I believe Ted has answered this before on here. If I recall right, he moonlighted on a job where they made boron supplements. The boron supplements are made from borax (boron). The difference is that the supplements have added fillers and may not be absorbed by the body as well. Perhaps chewing the pill or crushing it will help it absorb better. Borax is cheaper than buying the supplements as well, but the choice has to be yours to make.

Replied by Paldrin
(Australia)
06/26/2017

I realise this post was started some years ago but just thought to mention....

I went recently to a Dr Klinghardt seminar. He said to use Borax over Boron supplements.. something about working better in their more active biological form if I recall (and yes less fillers, capsules to eat etc). Best wishes.

Replied by Katherine
(Wiscosin, Usa)
06/28/2017

Can anyone tell me more about this? Where can I find what this "Ted" wrote about how the boron supplements are made?

I recommended Borax to my husband, after it cured my Arthritis completely, and erased most muscle pains most of the time too. So DH bought a bottle of Boron supplements instead. lol. soooo much money for a bunch of fillers!



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