Therapeutic Uses
- Dry Skin – Borage contains gammalinolenic acid (GHA). GHA helps maintain moisture in the skin. Borage oil may provide relief from dry skin and the itching that is often associated with it.
- Eczema – Several studies showed that borage’s anti-inflammatory action provides significant benefit for those suffering from eczema.
- Asthma – Asthma involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes. When asthma sufferers were given GLA (which borage contains) they reported fewer asthma symptoms and less use of inhalers.
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome – ARDS involves airway inflammation and breathing impairment. When patients suffering from ARDS were fed a diet supplemented with GLA from borage oil, they showed significantly less airway inflammation and better oxygenation of their blood.
- Preterm Infants – British researchers found that preemies who were fed a formula supplemented with borage oil (a source of GLA) showed greater growth and weight gain.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Because it contains GLA, borage’s anti-inflammatory action is helpful for those who suffer from the painful joint inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. It has been found to reduce joint pain, tenderness, and swelling.
- Breast Cancer – When women with breast cancer are given GLA as a supplement to their regular treatments, biopsies show a significant decrease in estrogen receptors. This is associated with less risk of recurrences.
Medicinal Uses: *Eczema *Lupus *Psoriasis *Rheumatoid arthritis *Skin Care
Borage Side Effects: Reports that borage contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids are unsubstantiated. The leaves and flowers contain a small amount of PAs, the same problematic compounds that have limited the use of comfrey. The presence of these alkaloids is much lower in borage, and would require ingestion of large amounts for a sustained period to become harmful. Use caution and common sense. Not recommended for long term use. Borage is likely unsafe during pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
Borage Drug Interactions: Medications that cause the liver to break down borage might enhance the toxic effects of chemicals contained in borage. Some of these medicines include carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin, rifabutin (Mycobutin), and others. Borage contains GLA (gamma linolenic acid), which might slow blood clotting. Taking borage along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others. Stop taking borage seed oil at least two weeks before surgery, as it might interact with medications used during surgery. Some scientists think that taking NSAIDs along with borage might decrease the effectiveness of borage. Some NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), aspirin, and others.
