Borage

Species Name: borago officinalis, a member of the Boraginaceae family.

Other Names by which Borage is Known: Borage oil is also known as starflower oil and borage seed oil.

Borage oil is derived from the seeds of the borage plant, and contain Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is an essential fatty acid (EFA) in the omega-6 family, and is found primarily in plant-based oils like evening primrose, black currant seed, flax, and borage oil.

Coldwater fish like sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and salmon also contain GLA, but due to concerns over mercury levels in sufficient amounts of these essential elements to benefit health, have prompted the use of alternate sources such as Borage oil.

What is Borage? It is a plant that bears seeds from which borage oil is extracted. The health benefits of borage oil are attributed to GLA. GLA is an unusual constituent of living matter and is found in very few plants. 

Plants which contain GLA include borage, evening primrose, blackcurrant, and hemp.

Home Remedies using Borage:

Benefits of Borage:

GLA is known to suppress inflammatory processes, inhibits platelet aggregation (clogged arteries) and has vasodilatory activity (dilates veins and arteries).

Borage oil appears to be effective in some cases of rheumatoid arthritis and may be indicated in some other inflammatory disorders, such as Sjogren's syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

Success has been noted in diabetes, osteoporosis, diabetic neuropathy, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), hypertension and elevated serum lipids.

Borage oil has been used with some preliminary success in some cancers, principally cerebral gliomas.

Borage oil supplements have proven successful in severe skin conditions like eczema achieved noticeable benefits after six to twelve weeks of usage. Improvements in itching, inflammation, blister formation, and dryness were noticed.

Uses of Borage:

The seed is processed, so the oil can be extracted, and is generally taken as a gelcap. Experts recommend adults take between 1,000mg - 2,800mg daily.

Side Effects of Borage:

Borage has been found safe for long-term use.