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Borage oil, extracted from the seeds of the borage plant, is high in gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and is believed to have healing properties. It is commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases, skin disorders, and stress. It is generally safe, but pregnant or nursing women and those with certain medical conditions should consult a doctor before use.
Borage oil is extracted from the seeds of the borage plant, Borago officinalis, an herb with a long history of medicinal uses. The beautiful blue flowers and leaves of the plant, when brewed as an herbal tea, were believed to give warriors and travelers courage and strength. Today, however, it is the oil itself that has garnered much attention in the field of natural medicine, where borage oil benefits range from healing arthritics to relieving PMS symptoms.
It is borage oil’s high concentration of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) that is believed to account for its healing properties and benefits. FFA, a type of omega-6 essential fatty acid, is converted by the body into prostaglandins, important hormone-like substances that regulate bodily functions such as inflammation, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. This association with prostaglandins is the reason why borage oil’s most common benefits are in the treatment of inflammatory types of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, respiratory infections, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, borage oil has been recommended in the treatment of skin disorders such as acne, eczema, and rosacea; conditions such as brittle nails, gout, infertility, diabetes, and high cholesterol; and as a combatant of stress and high blood pressure.
Taken daily in capsule form, borage oil, which has even more GLA than evening primrose oil or blackcurrant oil, two similar natural remedies that also have anti-inflammatory properties, has become a popular supplement because it is virtually free. of side effects commonly seen with anti-inflammatories. However, results are not immediate, and it may take several weeks of supplementation for the benefits of borage oil to become apparent. Rare side effects include indigestion and nausea, particularly at high dosage levels. An amount of 2.5 teaspoons (12 g) per day is normally considered safe, but a discussion with a medical professional is always a good idea before deciding on a dosage for a treatment.
Although it is generally considered a safe and natural addition to anyone’s diet, women who are pregnant or nursing should not consume borage oil because it may pose a potential risk to the fetus or infant. Similarly, people who suffer from liver disease, epilepsy, or hemophilia or who plan to have surgery should consult with their doctor before trying to benefit from borage oil as a supplement to their diet.
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