Borage oil is extracted from the seeds of the borage plants and is a rich source of gamma–linolenic acid (GLA), an omega–6 fatty acid. GLA is an essential fatty acids that our body can’t make on its own, so it must be obtained from our diet.
Borage oil is one of the few plant sources of GLA and is known for its health benefits. Some of the potential benefits of borage oil include reducing inflammation, improving skin health, boosting the immune system, reducing heart disease risk, relieving menopause symptoms, and improving joint health.
Similarly, borage oil has also been studied for its potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer, and its potential to reduce symptoms of depression. Borage oil is also thought to be beneficial for diabetes, weight loss, and improving brain health. It can be taken as a dietary supplement or applied topically.
What Is Borage Oil?
The borage plant, botanically known as Borago officinalis of the Boraginaceae family is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region. Its seeds are used to make the oil, which is also known as borage seed oil. Similarly, Borage comes in 3 colors: white, purple, and blue.
Other names of borage seed oil include, star flower oil, common bugloss, bee bread, echiun amoenum, and tailwort.
Health Benefits of Borage Oil and Uses – Borage Oil Benefits
Benefits of Borage Oil – Improves Skin Health
Borage oil enhances overall skin health in addition to addressing conditions like acne. It replenishes moisture and aids in treating dry skin and other Skin disorders.
Eczema and dermatitis are two skin conditions for which borage seed oil is particularly well-known. This can be linked to its capacity to restore skin lipid deficiencies. According to science, inflammation and skin burst occur when the skin cannot create enough of the protective oils.
Moreover, the oil can aid with psoriasis. Simply apply some borage oil to the affected areas and let it sit there overnight. In the morning, wash off with cold water.
Benefits of Borage Oil – Aid in Fighting Depression
To combat depression, borage is frequently made as tea (the flowers are soaked in hot water, and the tea is consumed). Other mental disorders including OCD and panic disorders are also thought to be treated with the oil. The larger proportion of GLA in borege oil, as was mentioned, calms the nervous system.
However, use caution when consuming herbs for treating nervous system disorders; one study associates borage oil consumption with epilepsy.
Despite the lack of studies, several sources claim that borage oil also aids in the treatment of adrenal fatigue. Please consult your doctor before consuming.
Benefits of Borage Oil – Improves Hair Health
Borage oil is well known for treating folliculitis, a condition when an infection causes the hair follicles to become damaged and irritated. Hair loss that is significant might result from this condition. Because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics, borage oil can be used to massage the scalp. Furthermore, borage oil’s omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy hair growth. In addition, the oil may be able to treat dandruff.
Borage Oil Benefits – Helps Treat Acne
The anti inflammatory effects of borage seed oil’s GLA can be very helpful in treating acne. For this reason, herbal remedies frequently advise applying the oil physically or taking it internally.
Gamma-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids are both mentioned in one Korean study as potential treatments for acne vulgaris. According to some studies, borage oil can also aid in the treatment of keratosis pilaris, another skin ailment that results in rough patches and lumps that resemble acne.
These anti-inflammatory properties of the oil aid in the treatment of diseases like rosacea. Moreover, the oil lessens the condition-related skin redness and swelling.
Benefits of Borage Oil – Soothes Dry Eyes
Borage oil has been credited for helping to relieve dry eyes in anecdotal evidence. Borage oil can be used for this purpose daily in a dose of a half teaspoon. According to some research, the GLA in borage seed oil can aid in the treatment of dry eye problems.
Benefits of Borage Oil – Reduces Symptoms Of Menopause
According to Cleveland Clinic research, the anti-inflammatory effects of borage oil can lessen premenstrual syndrome and menopause symptoms like mood swings, breast pain, and hot flashes. Moreover, it can lessen night sweats.
Borage Oil Benefits – Treats Respiratory Allergies
Borage seed oil can enhance lung function, especially in people with inflammatory respiratory conditions like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Cough, colds, and the flu can all be treated with the oil.
Furthermore, bronchitis is usually treated with it. Also, several research have shown that borage oil can be effective in treating asthma other allergy conditions.
Borage Oil Benefits – Reduces Inflammation
GLA directly affects inflammatory cells as well, which reduces inflammation, pain and swelling likewise beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis pains.
Borage oil is useful for osteoporosis and bone loss (especially when combined borage oil with bone-building supplements like omega-3 fish oils)
Gamma-linolenic acid and omega-6 fatty acids are crucial nutrients that your body converts into prostaglandins, which control your immune system and reduce inflammation.
Other Health Benefits of Borage Oil and Uses
- ADHD symptoms
- Hormonal imbalances, including adrenal insufficiency
- Preventing heart disease and stroke
- Dealing with stress
- Managing diabetes
- Promoting breast-milk production
- Helps relieve hangover from alcoholism
Borage Oil Side Effects
While borage oil is generally considered safe, it may cause some side effects. These include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It can also interact with certain medications and may lower blood sugar levels.
People allergic to borage or other plants in the Boraginaceae family should not use borage oil. People with bleeding disorders, gallstones, or kidney disease should also avoid borage oil.
Frequently Asked Questions on Borage Oil Benefits
Can borage oil raise blood pressure?
No, the GLA in borage oil may have qualities that reduce blood pressure.
Is borage oil good for anti-aging?
Feasibly. Borage oil includes linoleic acid, that could help increase skin firmness and prevent the appearance of early signs of aging.
Can I take borage oil supplements?
Yes. They may also be easy to consume as oil supplement and offer comparable advantages.
Is borage oil the same as evening primrose oil?
No, they’re not the same. Whereas evening primrose oil is generated from the yellow wildflower plant, borage oil is made from the seed of the starflower plant.
Does borage oil raise cholesterol?
Plasma triglyceride levels were reduced with borage oil, while HDL cholesterol levels were increased. The levels of good cholesterol. According to a study, borage oil helped raise HDL cholesterol and lower blood triglyceride levels.
Does borage make you sleepy?
The anecdotal research suggests that borage oil may have sleepiness as a side effect.
Who should not take borage oil?
Those with liver disease, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Is borage oil good for skin?
The secret for maintaining good skin is borage oil. It is a natural oil that can help persons with chronic skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis by relieving their symptoms in addition to restoring moisture and smoothness to dry, damaged skin.
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Conclusion
Borage oil is generally considered safe to use though in small amounts (moderation).
Borage oil is a natural dietary supplement derived from the borage plant and is used to treat a variety of health conditions. It is high in gamma–linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is necessary for the body to function properly.
The borage plant oil is believed to contain the greatest GLA content when compared to other seed oils, borage oil has attracted a lot of attention.
