supplements - Borage (Borago officinalis)

What is it?

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.

Action

Borage is mainly used today for its oil, which is the richest source of the omega 6 essential fatty acid, gamma linolenic acid (GLA), containing between 19-26% GLA. This is double the amount found in Evening Primrose Oil (typically 10% GLA). Borage oil therefore, can be useful for many of the conditions that Evening Primrose Oil is used for. GLA is needed in the body for the production of hormone liked chemicals called prostaglandins E1, (PGE1) which control numerous mechanisms such as inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol regulation and hormone regulation to name a few.

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

Uses

Our experts recommend Borage for the following disorders:

Other information

Research confirms that Borage oil is very useful for sufferers of Rheumatoid arthritis. It has historical use for fevers, coughs, Depression, melancholy and grief.

Borage is mainly found as Borage oil or Starflower oil capsules and is taken for its GLA content, however tinctures which use the flowers of the plant are also available.

Cautions

• There are generally no side effects from taking Borage oil supplements, although sensitive individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort and headaches.



• It is advisable to use a good quality brand of Borage oil, which has been commercially produced as these will be free of liver toxins (pyrrolizidine alkaloids), which are found in small amounts in the seeds. 



• 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 lobe 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.   



• When this article was written there were no other well-known negative drug interactions with Borage.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.