(Borago officinalis)

Borage or starflower is a plant native to Europe and North Africa, but is now found in Canada and the USA. Used by the Romans and Greeks as a heart tonic and a supplier of courage. Borage has distinctive blue star-shaped flowers and in herbal medicine the seeds, leaves and flowers are used. The seeds contain the highest amount of oil.

Borage is mainly used today for its oil, which is the richest source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), containing between 19-26% GLA. GLA is needed in the body for the production of hormone liked chemicals called prostaglandins E1, (PGE1). PGE1 has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator.

Historically borage has been used as an adrenal stimulant, diuretic, sedative, expectorant and for the promotion of perspiration.

Reduce the aches and pains of rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that high doses of borage oil (1.4 grams a day) led to a significant reduction in pain and swelling in arthritic joints when compared with cottonseed oil, which has no GLA. In a separate study, patients with active rheumatoid arthritis demonstrated fewer clinical signs of inflammation after taking GLA-rich capsules for several months, compared to those who took a placebo. Other researchers reported reduced damage to joint tissues--and less joint pain and swelling--in those rheumatoid arthritis sufferers given very high GLA doses in the form of borage oil.

Reduce the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
In some cases, skin disorders develop when the body has problems converting dietary fats into GLA. Getting supplemental GLA from borage oil may therefore be helpful. GLA and other essential fatty acids also revitalize the skin by quieting inflammation and causing blood vessels to contract. People who suffer from the redness, itching, and other discomforts of eczema may even tolerate reduced doses of steroid creams and drugs--many of which cause unpleasant side effects--if they also take GLA. Not all studies point to such benefits, however, and many conventional doctors remain skeptical.

Clear up acne and rosacea.
By working to dilute sebum, a thick oily substance that is oversecreted in some people with acne, the essential fatty acids in borage oil may reduce the risk of pores becoming clogged and lesions developing. The oil's essential fatty acids help treat rosacea by reducing inflammation, controlling the cells' use of nutrients, and by producing prostaglandins, which stimulate the contraction of blood vessels. Astringent substances in borage called tannins may also help by tightening skin.

Health Concern
Rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, skin problems

Active Constituents
GLA (Gamma Lionelic acid)

Warnings
There are generally no side effects from taking borage oil supplements, although sensitive individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort and headaches.
Borage is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.
Although research is not conclusive, some experts recommend that epileptics should not take GLA supplements such as borage oil or evening primrose oil, as it may exacerbate a certain type of temporal lope epilepsy, which can sometimes be mistaken for schizophrenia. It is advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist on this issue.
If you are already using blood thinning drugs such as warfarin, please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking borage oil