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Boron & Borax: The Essential Guide to Trace Mineral Supplementation

| Modified on Mar 27, 2026
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Boron Vs Borax

When it comes to minerals that support bone and joint health, boron and borax are often discussed together—but they are not the same thing. In 2026, growing awareness around calcification, arthritis, and connective tissue disorders has renewed interest in how these two substances differ and why people choose one over the other.

This article explains the difference between boron and borax, why both appear on Earth Clinic, and why some readers report better results using borax for chronic joint conditions.

2026 Insight: Boron is no longer viewed as a minor trace mineral. It plays a central role in how the body handles calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and inflammatory signaling—especially in joints.

What Is Boron?

Boron is a naturally occurring trace element found in small amounts in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. It is commonly sold as a dietary supplement in capsule or tablet form, often labeled as “boron” or “triple boron.”

Research and clinical observation show that boron helps:

  • Regulate calcium placement in the body
  • Improve magnesium utilization
  • Extend the activity of vitamin D
  • Support healthy estrogen and testosterone balance
  • Reduce inflammatory markers associated with joint pain

For general bone health and maintenance, low-dose boron supplements are often sufficient.

What Is Borax?

Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral salt mined from ancient lake beds. It contains approximately 11.3% elemental boron.

While borax is widely known as a household product, it has also appeared in traditional mineral use and has been discussed on Earth Clinic for decades as a boron source.

It is important to distinguish borax from boric acid, which is a different chemical and should not be confused with borax.

Boron vs. Borax: The Core Difference

Category Boron Borax
Form Isolated mineral supplement Mineral compound containing boron
Typical Use Nutritional support Mineral delivery at higher exposure
Cost Moderate to high for large doses Very low cost

Why Joint Conditions Often Require More Boron

Joint disorders such as arthritis, trigger finger, tendon thickening, bone spurs, and calcification are not simple deficiencies—they are structural and inflammatory conditions that develop over years.

In these cases, boron is not just supporting bone maintenance; it is actively involved in:

  • Redirecting calcium away from soft tissues
  • Reducing inflammatory signaling in joints
  • Improving collagen and connective tissue integrity
  • Supporting enzymatic processes involved in cartilage repair

Many Earth Clinic readers report that the small amounts of boron provided by standard supplements were not enough to noticeably affect long-standing joint pain or stiffness.

Why Some People Choose Borax Instead of Boron Supplements

This is where borax enters the discussion.

To reach higher boron exposure using capsules alone, a person may need multiple supplements per day. Over time, this can become expensive and impractical—especially for those managing chronic conditions.

A diluted borax solution provides a cost-effective way to deliver higher boron exposure without relying on large numbers of capsules. This is why many readers experimenting with arthritis, trigger finger, or calcification report switching from boron supplements to borax.

This approach is based on long-standing anecdotal use shared on Earth Clinic rather than standardized supplement protocols.

Readers interested in this method should review Ted’s original borax page for preparation details and safety considerations.

Read Ted’s Borax Recipe and Guidelines →

Which Should You Choose?

There is no single answer.

  • Boron supplements may be appropriate for general bone health and maintenance.
  • Borax is most often explored by readers dealing with chronic joint issues who did not respond to lower boron doses.

As with all mineral protocols, individual tolerance, existing conditions, and overall diet matter.

Earth Clinic encourages readers to educate themselves, start conservatively, and review shared experiences before making changes.

Scroll down to read real-world experiences from readers using boron and borax for joint health, arthritis, and calcification.

Related Links:

Borax Benefits: Boron Uses, Dosing, Safety & Research


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.

7 User Reviews


Posted by Jo (Eu) on 12/09/2025
★★★★★
Hello all,

So I am not sure why Borax is so popular but Boron is not. Boron is life changing indeed. Borax maybe so as well. But it astounds me why people do not take Boron instead of Borax.

Boron is regulated and has a proven track record. We take 6 mg a day, and some weeks we up it to 9 mg a day, (3 mg tabs) and it has done wonders. Neither my wife or I have any bone, joint, arthritic pain, and at last check no more arthritis.

We have never tried borax for the very reason that it is not regulated for safety, and can have contaminants in it. In fact it can be severely contaminated as in processing it can be processed in places where other toxic powders are processed as well.

Now by saying this post, do not assume I am against people helping or curing themselves through natural solutions. I am not. Our whole life has been about that. I am just concerned that you could be getting more than you bargained for using borax, instead of boron.

Replied by neco
(Austria)
12/15/2025

Hallo Borax besteht das Ausgangsmaterial den Elementen Natrium, Bor, Sauerstoff und Wasserstoff. Ein Gramm Borax enthält 11,3% BOR Ich nehme bis 3 Gr Borax am Tag 340 mg Bor. Je nach Lust und Laune...


Hello, borax is composed of the elements sodium, boron, oxygen, and hydrogen. One gram of borax contains 11.3% boron. I take up to 3 grams of borax a day, which is 340 mg of boron. It depends on my mood...

Jo
(Eu)
12/15/2025

Yes that may be true. But what I was getting at with my post is that Borax is made in Agriculture production facilities, whereas Boron in a pharma (more controlled) facility.

Not that Borax does not have the properties you mention, its just that the possibility of contaminants is far greater.

Replied by Borax
(Purity)
12/15/2025

Guys,

Henkel now owns 20 Mule Team Borax. Their website begs ppl not to ingest their borax or use it on the skin. They don't explain why it is unsafe.

We've seen the MSDS comparing borax to table salt. We know it is safe in its pure form. Why don't we all contact them asking for a borax product that IS pure enough to be ingested and used on the skin. Obviously there is a market for it.

This is their contact page

https://www.henkel-northamerica.com/contact-us/

Suggested text:

The MSDS shows borax in its pure form is safe for both ingestion and use on the skin within reasonable limitations. We are requesting Henkel offer a borax product that is pure enough to be ingested and used on the skin. There is a market for such a product.

Replied by Becky
(Georgia)
02/28/2026
★★★★★

After listening to a seminar for biological dentists, by Dr Jorge Flechas, and also Dr Henry Ealy, I increased my Boron intake to 18-24mg per day. Both of those doctors recommend up to 30mg per day.

Prior to doing this, I was taking 6mg per day. Couldn't raise my shoulders, which were severely damaged by Bursitis about 11 years ago after a weekend project that I shouldn't have done alone. They hurt, it was hard to sleep on either side, hard to put my hair into a ponytail. After increasing my Boron intake, I can now raise my arms, sleep on either side, put my hair into a ponytail, & even reach around & unhook my bra -- something I haven't been able to do in years!!

So I'm a believer that at least some of us are deficient in Boron!! I'm like a totally different person!! Also, Dr Ealy has found that Boron chelates aluminum out of the body, in higher doses -- aluminum as from the toxic chemtrails?? This was a HUGE discovery!!

Nika
(Jagodina)
03/23/2026

I think that in that video drFleches said not less then 30mg in day?


Boron Vs Borax
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
2825 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

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

Editor's Choice

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
2825 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

Wm
(Texas)
09/29/2025

I have read recently that arthritis can be cured with chlorine dioxide.

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.

Rebecca
(OH)
09/09/2025

I read in some posts you should use that mixture (of 1/8th tsp. borax in 1 liter of water) and use 1tsp. of that mixture per glass of water. Consuming the mixture over the course of a day. Sincerely, Rebecca

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
2825 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.

Replied by Deborah
(LA)
01/08/2025

Can it destroy gut bacteria?


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.

Carol
(Dallas Texas)
07/16/2025

Hi, did you try this and how did it work out for you?
Can you tell me how you mixed it with water?
Thank you, Carol H.

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.

Art
(California)
07/16/2025
2825 posts

Hi Carol,

That post was from 2013 and you may not get a reply to your inquiry. In the alternative, here is a link to Earth Clinic's Borax page for arthritis which should answer any questions you may have regarding using Borax for arthritis :

/borax-remedy-for-arthritis.html

Art


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!