Borage oil (BO) is a natural substance that provides high levels of GLA, which is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). It’s derived from the seeds of the borage plant, which has the species name Borago officinalis and is indigenous to North Africa and Europe. Gamma-linolenic acid is not found in high amounts in the human diet. Therefore, most people turn to supplements to provide its benefits, including both BO and evening primrose oil.

Borage Oil is extracted from the seeds of Borago officinalis. Borage is well known as being one of the richest sources of essential fatty acids that exists in nature which makes it useful to help ease sunburned and mature skin. Borage Oil is not recommended for use in pregnancy. It is widely used throughout the cosmetic and personal care industries in lotions, balms, topical serums, moisturizing skin creams and sun protection products. It is highly beneficial for skin and makes an excellent massage oil. Cold-pressed extracted from the seeds of the borage plant. Moisturizes skin, Hydrates hair, Reduce inflammations of the skin, Reduce wrinkles, and plump Helps soften cuticles, calluses, and heels, Help prevent stretch marks, Managing skin condition and replenish dry, mature, or sensitive skin, Great massage oil. There is no organization that regulates therapeutic quality. That terms are only for marketing purposes. Actually, NAHA disallows membership to those companies that use these terms. This is an organic product and relatively shorter than chemical products.

Borage oil has a high content of gamma-linolenic acid which is omega-6 fatty acids. This oil is extracted from the seeds which are produced by the Borage flowers. Borage oil has active phytocompounds and other nutritional lipids. It was used as an herbal plant for hundreds of years to lower pain and treat skin conditions. It is also taken internally in the form of capsules. It is blended with other oils such as rosehip, jojoba, sweet almond, and thistle oil. It is loaded with carbohydrates, protein, fats, fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, A, thiamine, choline, riboflavin, and minerals. It has a high content of iconic, stearic, oleic, and palmitic fatty chain acids.

Borage oil facts

This oil has been derived from Borage seeds which are annual and bristly herb that is inherent to Mediterranean region. Borage oil has gamma-linolenic acid which is found in about 17 to 20%. It could also be ingested and applied topically.

History

It is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated in North America. History shows that it was used medicinally for about 1500 years. In Europe, it is used for its healing purposes and added to soups, salads, and sauces. Being flowers edible, it is candied to decorate cakes and made as sweet syrup. It provides relief from inflammation and pain.

Health Benefits of Borage oil

Borage oil provides various health benefits:

Linolenic acid

As mentioned, borage oil has a high GLA or linolenic acid content. GLA is a type of fatty acid that your body converts to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), and is also found in other seeds and nuts, as well as vegetable oils.

This substance acts like a hormone in your body, helping reduce inflammation tied to skin diseases and cardiovascular issues. Borage oil has garnered a lot of attention because it’s said to have the highest GLA content compared with other seed oils. Though more research needs to be done, there are studies on borage oil for its GLA content that have backed up some of the anecdotal evidence.

DNA Protection and Lower Risk of Cancer

Various studies have been conducted to determine the effect of borage and its oil on cancer. A 2013 research paper suggests that a diet that consists of borage oil is beneficial as this oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA helps to protect you from DNA damage and also has the ability to fight cancer. ^[3] [4]

Anti-inflammatory

A 2014 study comparing borage oil, fish oil, and the combination of both, found that taking 1.8 grams borage oil and/or 2.1 grams of fish oil per day helped reduce rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms in 74 participants who were observed for 18 months.

The study concluded that these oils may be able to replace nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for some people, which would avoid some of the side effects of continuously taking NSAIDs. The study also noted that people may be able to reduce the amount of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs they’re taking, as well.

Skin barrier

Research on borage oil’s effects on eczema are mixed.

A review of studies using borage oil topically, and other GLA-containing plant oils, found borage oil has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can be beneficial for people with atopic dermatitis. In a separate 2013 review of the effect of borage oil taken by mouth, researchers concluded that borage oil showed no more benefits for people with eczema than placebos, based on an analysis of 19 related studies. Thus, clinical research is showing more promise with topical borage oil for skin diseases compared with oral versions.

Lower inflammation

Borage oil has polyunsaturated fatty acid that has a positive effect on inflammation. It helps to counteract diseases. Borage oil is a great source of GLA which is found in low amounts in nuts and green leafy vegetables. It helps to lower inflammation by inhibiting leukotriene synthesis that is associated with thrombotic effects and raising autoimmune reactions. It also lowers atopic eczema, arthritis, and respiratory problems.

Treat cancer

This oil possesses anti-mutagenic properties as well as antioxidants that counteract cancer cell growth. The study shows that borage oil lowers the life span of toxic cells. It reduces underlying oxidative genetic damage that is the cause of disease development and inflammation.

Treats Respiratory Allergies

Borage seed oil can improve the functioning of the lungs, more so in individuals with inflamed respiratory disorders, including Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The oil aids the treatment of cough, cold, and flu.

It is also often used to treat bronchitis (5). And as per other studies, borage oil can be useful in the treatment of other allergic diseases as well (6). This includes asthma too.

Lower Arthritis

It is an aid for rheumatoid arthritis pain if used with anti-inflammatory medications. It lowers joint pain, the severity of tenderness, and swelling.

Helps Treat Acne And Related Disorders

The GLA in borage seed oil helps fight inflammation, and this can play an important role in treating acne. Herbal practitioners often suggest that the oil be taken orally or applied topically for this purpose. These anti-inflammatory properties of the oil also help treat conditions like rosacea. The oil also reduces skin reddening associated with the condition.

One Korean study talks about how gamma-linolenic acid, along with omega-3 fatty acids, can aid the treatment of acne vulgaris (4). Some sources say that borage oil can also help in the treatment of keratosis pilaris, which is another skin condition that causes rough patches and acne-like bumps on the skin.

Skin ailments

Borage oil helps to treat skin inflammatory disorders such as eczema. This oil improves eczema conditions in the patients if used instead of steroid cream.

Respiratory health

This oil helps to enhance the function of lungs in people having inflamed respiratory infections as well as disorders such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.  It could be used in the form of capsules. It speeds up the recovery of coughs, flu, and cold.

Assist growth

The evidence shows that borage oil assists in the growth and development of premature babies and infants. The supplements of borage oil support the central nervous system development and also lower the chances of premature births.

Supports losing weight

Borage has GLA that assists in lowering the accumulation of body fat in comparison to other refined vegetable oils. GLA has more accumulation of brown fat in comparison to white fat.

Growth in Premature Infants

There is some evidence that infant formula supplemented with borage oil might help the growth and development of premature infants, especially boys. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics showed that preterm infants given formula that included borage oil and fish oils showed greater improvement than those given standard formula.

Lung Function in ARDS Patients

Borage oil might reduce the number of days that patients with (or at risk for) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) might spend in intensive care. A study conducted on 146 patients in teaching hospitals across the US found that those who were tube-fed an EPA+GLA diet showed greater improvements and shorter ICU stays than patients fed a standard diet.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Borage oil shows promise in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder marked by inflammation in the lining of the joints. Although most of the data on borage oil’s effectiveness come from test-tube and animal research, several small studies indicate that borage oil may ease tenderness and swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Eczema

In a 2013 study on the use of borage oil with eczema, researchers found no significant difference between those who took borage oil supplements and those who took a placebo capsule for the same amount of time.4

Traditional uses

• It assists in healthy joints, vessel function, and blood flow.
• It helps to lower pain.
• It treats the skin problems such as neurodermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema.
• It is helpful for premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, ADHD, diabetes, alcoholism, acute respiratory distress syndrome, swelling, pain and prevents stroke and heart problems.
• It promotes the tone and elasticity of the skin.
• Massage with borage oil to provide relief from painful joints.
• In aromatherapy, it is used as a carrier oil.
• Massage with the mixture of wintergreen oil or copaiba essential oil and 4 oz of borage oil. This helps to lower gout swelling and arthritic pain in joints.
• The excess use of borage oil leads to seizures.
• inflammation
• acne
• breast pain
• cardiovascular disease
• eczema
• menopause
• rosacea
• arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

There is some anecdotal information (not research) about using borage oil for other conditions, including:

• adrenal fatigue
• breast milk production
• diabetes
• epilepsy
• premenstrual syndrome
• scleroderma
• Sjogren’s syndrome

Side Effects of Borage Oil

There are a number of side effects to borage oil that should be considered such as an increased risk of bleeding disorders, gastrointestinal distress, the potential risk for prostate cancer, seizures, and possible complications with pregnancy. Before using borage oil, either topically or internally, speak to your doctor about your particular health conditions.

• Bleeding: The anticoagulant nature of this oil can exacerbate bleeding disorders, so if you suffer from such a condition, or are planning on having surgery in the near future, speak to your doctor before using this oil as a natural remedy. ^[17]
• Gastrointestinal Issues: When consumed, even in small amounts, this oil can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, bloating, cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is not common, but if it occurs, discontinue the use of this oil immediately. ^[18]
• Prostate Health: Studies have shown that high levels of gamma-linolenic acid can occasionally cause increased prostate cell growth, which may increase the risk of tumor growth and prostate cancer. If you have an enlarged prostate, talk to your doctor before using borage oil. ^[19]
• Seizures: There have been reports of concentrated GLA causing seizures, so if you suffer from a seizure-related condition, such as epilepsy, the use of this oil can be dangerous and should be avoided. ^[20]
• Pregnancy: Although research in this area is somewhat limited, the general opinion says that the menstrual effects of this oil could stimulate premature labor, so this is a particularly risky oil for women in their first two trimesters, as it can increase your risk of miscarriage and pose a threat to the fetus. ^[21]

How to Use (Dosage)

Borage seed oil 1 to 3 g/day has been given in clinical trials (1 g/day has been used in children, and up to 3 g/day has been used in adults). The content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is between 20% and 26% of the oil. A 2 g dose of dried herb brewed in 1 cup of boiling water taken 3 times daily has been suggested. Oral doses of 2,000 to 4,000 mg/day (GLA 400 to 1,000 mg) in adults and 1,000 to 2,000 mg/day (GLA 240 to 480 mg) in children with atopic dermatitis have been studied.

The appropriate dose of BO depends on your medical history and what you’re using it for. It’s available over the counter in drug stores, online and in health food shops.

In most cases, for generally healthy adults the typical dosage of BO is usually 500 milligrams to 3,000 milligrams taken once or twice daily.

For patients hoping to relieve inflammation and pain caused by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, a higher dose up to three grams is usually most effective. One study found that a combination of 1.8 grams BO and 2 grams of fish oil per day helped reduce rheumatoid pain.

For anyone new to BO, a lower dose of around 500 milligrams is a good place to start.

Topical BO products are also available and work best when applied to the skin to help improve healing. Read directions for topical applications since products vary.

It’s recommended that you mix BO with a carrier oil before applying to your skin. Try mixing about 12 drops per one ounce of almond, jojoba or olive oil, and then apply twice daily while monitoring your reaction.

When purchasing BO, always look for a high-quality brand that is ideally certified organic. Some brands guarantee maximum potency and are tested and verified by a third party.

It’s also a good idea to buy capsules that are packaged in light-resistant containers and to store borage oil somewhere dark and cool, since the oil can become rancid when heated and exposed to UV light.

It can also help absorption and healthy immune function if you consume plenty of vitamin C, zinc and magnesium, all of which support your body’s ability to maintain healthy skin, heart health and more.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• The excessive use of Borage oil results in diarrhea, soft stool, bloating, and belching.
• It is harmful to the liver.
• Pregnant women should avoid it because it induces labor.
• It acts as a blood thinner so it should not be used with warfarin and aspirin.
• It might cause the side effects such as indigestion, nausea, constipation, upset stomach, belching, rashes, diarrhea, and bloating.
• If used excessively, it could lead to seizures.
• It should not be used by people having a schedule for surgery.

References

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