Borage oil is a greenish-yellow oil with a somewhat fishy smell. Apart from the smell, it is excellent for specific medicinal uses. Borage oil comes from the seeds of Borage seeds, which is a flowering plant. Borage oil is also called borage seed oil, and these two can be used interchangeably. This oil has the highest Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) , an Omega – 6 fatty acids. This selectively high concentration of omega – 6 in borage seed oil is responsible for many powerful health benefits and some side effects. So, before using borage seed oil, one should be aware of its side effects.
The very high amount of GLA makes borage seed oil a suitable natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. It is also helpful in compressing swelling on the skin and other skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Borage oil holds many health benefits, specifically for women, because of the action of GLA.
Source
Borage oil comes from the beautiful Borago officinalis. It produces beautiful star-shaped flowers in all hues, pink, blue, white. It looks pleasing to the eyes. Borage flowers are edible and used in traditional recipes in the region of Aragon, Spain. It is used as a herb all across Europe to treat stomach irritation, asthma, high blood pressure, and toning the cardiovascular system. Some of the properties of borage oil are similar to that of borage flowers. Herbal tea made with borage flowers has been used by women since medieval times to relieve PMS symptoms and hot flashes.
Because of its star shape, borage flowers are also known as starflower, and the oil is known as starflower oil.
Properties
Let us investigate the therapeutic properties of borage seed oil.
- Anti-rheumatic – via inhibition of synthesis of leukotrienes.
- Anti-inflammatory – due to GLA and many other micro-nutrients.
- Anti-thrombotic – reduces the chances of developing blood clots.
- Hypotensive – lowers blood pressure.
- Immune stimulant – has some effect on the immune system.
- Emollient – reduces dry skin condition.
- Anti-dermatitis – can be helpful in eczema in some people. The research results are mixed and inconclusive on this condition.
- Antioxidant – scavenges free radicals.
- Anti-platelet effect.
Many of the health benefits and uses of borage oil are attributed to these pharmacological properties. The special thing about borage oil is that its results start showing up quickly as it is a strong oil.
Uses and Health Effects
These are the most prominent uses of borage oil.
Borage Oil For Arthritis
Borage oil is effective in relieving joint pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. [1] A similar effect is caused by evening primrose oil. Taking these oils into diet reduces the formation of inflammatory, metabolic products of Arachidonic acid. DGLA ( dihom0 – gamma-linoleic acid ) from borage oil effectively blocks the formation of “pro-inflammatory ” leukotrienes after the metabolism of food. This holds the key to reducing inflammation.
How to use borage oil for arthritis?
Take an empty 1000 mg softgel capsule. Fill it up with borage oil. Make sure that it is cold-pressed, organic, and extra virgin borage oil. Now, take this capsule once a day. This is a relatively safe way to take borage oil. Its encapsulation in softgel safeguards against potentially harmful stomach irritation.
Borage oil can also be used to massage the painful joint. It is a carrier oil in aromatherapy. One can add few drops of copaiba essential oil or wintergreen oil to 4 oz borage oil store it in a dark place when you want to use it, warm this oil slightly, and massage firmly on the joint. This massage helps in reducing arthritic or gouty swelling ( like in the big toe ) and reduces pain in the joint.
Borage Oil For Eczema
Borage oil has traditionally been used for eczema. One should either apply it topically on the eczema lesions or take it as a supplement. One should not exceed the dosage of borage oil by 1 gm ( 1000 mg ) per day to be on the safe side. However, research shows that borage oil is ineffective at relieving eczema and other forms of dermatitis [2]. However, there seems to be little harm in trying.
Another way to apply borage oil – Take some loose cotton clothing. Take some water in a spray bottle and add few drops of borage oil to it. Now spray it on the cloth. Let the fabric dry in the shade. Now wear these cloth. This home treatment can provide some relief from the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Borage Oil for Acne
One can take borage oil as a supplement for reducing acne. Since borage oil is strongly anti-inflammatory, it reduces the size and redness of acne. This effect should be visible in a few days. In many forms, its external effects are as prominent as salmon oil.
Borage oil can also be applied topically on acne-prone skin directly ( undiluted ). However, it is always better to do a patch test on the hand. Many acne products contain borage oil in combination with sulfur, salicylic acid, and many other ingredients.
Borage oil massage for skin
Borage oil massage is excellent for the skin. It helps in curing dry skin conditions in a few weeks [3]. In terms of biological activity, borage oil improves the water retention ( hydration ) capacity of the skin, makes it supple and hydrated, improves skin functioning, and dissolves away sebum. This way, it combats excessively oily skin by taking away the sebum, which is the skin’s natural oil.
Borage oil is perfect for many skin problems.
- Lichen simplex chronicus – This is also called neurodermatitis. In this condition person repeatedly itches the skin, which leads to scratches and damaged skin. Borage oil massage calms the itching and improves skin condition.
- Damaged skin – borage oil heals damaged skin from sun damage and due to aging. It is an effective anti-aging ingredient for healing cracked skin of old age to some extent.
- Raynaud’s disease – People who suffer from this disease feel numbness and cold in their hands and feet. Massaging with borage seed oil boosts circulation in the extremities and reduces these symptoms.
Borage Oil for hair growth
There is some indication that borage oil can block DHT production to some extent when taken internally. This is very helpful to those people who lose more hair every day. DHT is responsible for many causes of hair fall. So, taking borage oil as a supplement ( not more than 1 gm ) can be great for hair growth and slowing down hair loss.
One can apply borage oil directly ( undiluted ) to hair but only apply to bald patches. This may help with hair regrowth in closed hair follicles.
Borage Oil for Kidney Inflammation
Massage borage oil at the lower back just where the kidneys are located from the skin. This may help lower the inflammation of the kidneys. This may be helpful in kidney infections.
Mental effects of borage oil
Supplementing the diet with organic borage oil can be helpful in stress and schizophrenia[4]. It is speculated that schizophrenia is aggravated by a deficiency of healthy fatty acids in the blood, which are improved by consuming borage oil and other healthy fats.
Borage oil may be effective in relieving diabetic neuropathy and multiple sclerosis. It seems to have a protective effect on the nervous system and prevent damage to nerves. This is possible because of a lack of GLA in the diet, which gets better when oils such as evening primrose oil and borage oil are taken.
Other ways to use borage oil at home
- Borage Lotion – One can make a homemade lotion for healthier skin using borage oil. The ingredients are aloe vera gel, borage seed oil, jojoba oil, and glycerin as a base. Combine them to make a lotion consistency and use them on dry or damaged skin.
Side Effects, Safe Dosage, and Toxicity Issues
Borage oil can have many side effects. One should take note of these things before using this oil.
- Borage oil contains Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid (PA) compound called Amabiline, which is toxic to the liver. That is why this compound is removed from most borage oils during processing. To be on the safe side, one should always make sure that the borage oil is PA-free.
- Borage oil has a teratogenic effect and should be avoided by pregnant women.
- When taken in higher amounts, borage oil can lead to seizures. This side effect starts at a dosage of about 1500 mg. When consumed in high doses for long periods, it may lead to Status epilepticus[5], which is a state of continuous seizure.
Borage oil should therefore be taken in small dosage, below 1000 mg, and that too for few days only. Then it should be discontinued for some time. People with any liver disease, liver weakness, or a history of convulsions and seizures. It should also not be taken by people who have bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery.
Nutritional and Medicinal Information
Borage seed oil contains the highest amount of gamma–linoleic acid among all plant oils. Other oils high in this nutrient are black currant seed oil and evening primrose oil, of course. This is the in-depth fatty acid nutrient profile of borage seed oil.
| Nutrient | Percentage | Property |
| Gamma Linoleic Acid | 20.1 % | PUFA |
| Stearic Acid | 3.6% | Saturated fat |
| Palmitic Acid | 10 % | Saturated fat |
| Oleic Acid | 17.9 % | MUFA |
| Linoleic Acid | 38.8 % | PUFA |
| Alpha Linolenic Acid | – | PUFA |
| Docosenoic Acid | 2.2 % | PUFA |
| Eicosenoic Acid | 3.8 % | PUFA |
| Behenic | traces | PUFA |
| Erucic | traces | PUFA |
Source: Borage Seed Oil – Mountain Rose Herbs
Because of the disproportionate balance of omega – 3 vs. omega – 6 in borage oil, people often take flaxseed oil along with it. Flax oil is an excellent source of omega – 3 fatty acids. This combination provides the body with a good mix of both kinds of essential fatty acids.
Isn’t omega – 6 inflammatory in nature?
All this while, we have been discussing that omega – 6 from borage oil is anti-inflammatory. This is contrary to the common observation that omega – 6 is pro-inflammatory. The difference lies in the fact that omega – 6 in borage oil is mainly γ – anti-inflammatory linoleic acid. The other omega – 6 commonly found in foods is Linoleic acid, which becomes inflammatory for the body when omega – 3 is low. The key lies in maintaining a healthy balance between omega – 6 and omega – 3.
Other important chemical properties of borage oil.
Nutrient Percentage Property
| Nutrient | Percentage | Property |
| Density | 0.917 g/ml | OK for massage oil |
| Peroxide Value | 1.4 | Becomes rancid quickly |
| pH | 4.26 | Mildly acidic |
Source: Borage Seed Oil – Mountain Rose Herbs
Borage oil has got so many health benefits at which it is so effective. There may be many more health benefits of this oil when used in aromatherapy in combination with other oils. Taking it as a health supplement for short periods can be healthy in multiple ways.
References
1. Evening primrose oil and borage oil in rheumatologic conditions. Belch JJ1, Hill A. NCBI.
2. Efficacy and tolerability of borage oil in adults and children with atopic eczema: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. NCBI.
3. Effect of borage oil consumption on fatty acid metabolism, transepidermal water loss, and skin parameters in older people. Brosche T, Platt D. NCBI.
4. Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for schizophrenia. Claire B Irving, Roger Mumby-Croft, L A Joy.
5. Status epilepticus associated with borage oil ingestion. Al-Khamees WA, Schwartz MD, Alrashdi S, Algren AD, Morgan BW.
6. Site Link