Borage, commonly known as borage, is an herb native to the Mediterranean region (the seeds of Borago officinalis). It produces star-shaped blue flowers, and its seeds are the primary source of borage oil (BO). Borage oil is known for its powerful health benefits, particularly in skin health and reducing inflammation. The oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier, thereby providing hydration and reducing inflammation. In skincare, starflower borage oil is sought after for its soothing and nourishing properties.
Research indicates that borage seed oil is composed of approximately 23% GLA, making starflower oil borage one of the richest sources. (By comparison, evening primrose oil contains about 9%. This means that even if you take fewer borage oil capsules daily, the effect is less severe.)
Borage seed oil benefits
1. Provides Anti-Inflammatory Properties
In addition to supporting a healthy immune response, BO can also positively impact cell death (apoptosis) in toxic cells. Once in the body, GLA is converted into a substance called diiso-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA). This is a precursor to prostaglandins and leukotriene compounds produced by the immune system.
DGLA is thought to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of leukotrienes, which are partly responsible for enhancing autoimmune responses and blood clot formation. People who take omega-3 fatty acids along with BO therapy appear to have better outcomes.
2. Can Reduce Arthritis Symptoms
BO appears to be a natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis pain, especially when used in combination with other conventional pain relievers. There is evidence that some people notice a reduction in the severity of joint pain, swelling, and tenderness after as little as six weeks of conventional BO treatment.
3. Fights Eczema and Skin Conditions
BO has been shown to help correct symptoms caused by low levels of It treats skin lipid (oil) deficiencies caused by delta-6-desaturase activity. It also restores a normal acidic skin pH and increases epidermal levels of enzymes that protect the skin.
When the skin fails to produce enough protective oils, the result is a dysregulated immune system, increased inflammation, and a specific immune response, leading to skin flare-ups, including the classic symptoms of eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Because human skin cannot synthesize GLA from its precursors linoleic acid or arachidonic acid, supplementing with BO can help provide a natural eczema treatment for those with low levels of essential fatty acids, which are crucial for skin health. While evening primrose is most commonly used by atopic dermatitis patients for its beneficial fats, borage, with two to three times the GLA content of evening primrose, may be a better choice.
While research results are mixed, not every study has shown that BO improves eczema or atopic dermatitis in most patients, some people appear to respond more positively to treatment than others. Some studies have found that people who took up to 720 mg of GLA daily for two months experienced significant improvements in the health of their skin barrier
4. Helps Treat Respiratory Infections
Borage has been found to help improve lung function, including in people with inflamed respiratory infections and conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Borage oil supplements, taken borage seed oil capsules form, can help speed recovery from coughs, common colds, or the flu; reduce the need for hospitalization or medication; and prevent worsening respiratory symptoms.
According to Memorial Sloan Kettering, borage contains mucilage, a viscous mixture of plant sugars that acts as an expectorant, producing phlegm in patients with respiratory problems and coughs.
5. Helps Growth and Development
There is evidence that infants and premature babies who receive BO have better growth and development rates. Supplementing with omega-6 from BO (and beneficial omega-3 supplements) can help support central nervous system development and reduce the risks associated with premature birth.
6. May Help Reduce Fat Accumulation and Weight Gain
If you’re struggling to lose weight, here’s some good news: Evidence suggests that borage oil may help reduce body fat accumulation compared to more refined fats.
Specifically, GLA leads to increased accumulation of brown fat but decreased white fat. This appears to be associated with increased expression of genes that control the growth of brown fat tissue compared to white fat tissue.
This is helpful because scientists now believe that lean people tend to have more brown fat than overweight or obese people, and that brown fat may be more like muscle than white fat. Other animal studies suggest that borage oil tablets may also help improve insulin sensitivity and combat insulin resistance, which is associated with type 2 diabetes.
7. Hormonal Health and Women’s Issues
Borage oil plays an important role in hormonal health, and there’s evidence that it can alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, such as menopause and PMS. (PMS). Its hormone-regulating effects may also help treat conditions such as breast pain.Menopause: Can help manage symptoms such as hot flashes.
PMS: Can relieve breast tenderness and mood swings. Oral Supplements When taking gla borage oil as an oral supplement, it is typically taken in capsule form. Dosage is crucial and generally depends on the concentration of GLA in the oil. Clinical studies have shown that different dosages are recommended depending on the target condition: General skin health and dry skin: Capsules containing 240 to 480 mg of GLA per day.
Inflammatory conditions: Higher doses, starting with approximately 1,000 mg of borage oil, typically contain 20-24% GLA.
Menopausal symptoms: Doses range from 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day, depending on the severity of symptoms.
