The Health Benefits Of Borage Oil

Borage seed oil is oil extracted from the seeds of the Borago officinalis (borage).

Borage is a blue star shaped flower also known as a starflower, it is an annual herb, native to the Mediterranean region and this plant is cultivated mainly for its oil which is an excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a plant belonging to the Borabinaceae family.

Borage Oil

Borage oil is rich in iron, calcium, zinc, potassium, vitamins B, vitamin C, essential fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3 and is found as an ingredient in: –

-Skin Care Creams

-Lotions

-Scrubs

-Bath and Body Care Creams

-Lotions

-Scrubs

-Hair Conditioners

-Massage  / Body Oils

  • Borage oil is known to alleviate inflammation especially when it is associated with lupus. Inflammation in the kidneys, joints, skin, and other areas of the body caused by this condition because borage oil is enriched with anti-inflammatory properties.
  • It reduces the symptoms of eczema, dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis
  • Prevents pre-mature aging
  • Reduces pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis
  • Relieve the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome like breast tenderness and abdominal discomfort; it also treats endometriosis, and fibrocystic breasts.
  • Borage oil has been used in folk medicine to treat respiratory conditions like coughs and sore throats.
  • Treats impotence and female infertility
  • Prevents heart disease and stroke
  • Relieves stress
  • Treats allergies
  • Aid in weight loss
  • Lowers hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Treats alcoholism
  • Prevents gum disease
  • Treats diabetes and multiplesclerosis
  • Treats memory disorders like Alzheimer’s disease
  • Maintains healthy growing hair and nails

Borage oil is an excellent dietary supplement for women available in the form of capsules and works better when taken with food.

Side effects of borage oil use are very common and a more serious effect is liver damage, mild stomach and loose bowels is also a side effect of borage oil use.

Diarrhea and constipation have been reported, along with gas, bloating, indigestion, and nausea. These side effects are typically mild, and most of the time they will subside after the body has adjusted to this woman friendly supplement.

Borage oil is known for its blood-thinning properties. This can be amplified when taken in conjunction with other medications that thin the blood.

People with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, should use extreme caution when using borage oil supplements or contact a health care provider before consumption or avoided completely.