Medicinal Uses of Borage Oil
Borage is a native plant of Syria. This plant, noted for its star-shaped flower from which borage has derived its other name starflower, is also found in the Mediterranean region, Europe and North and South Americas. The oil extracted from the seeds of the borage plant, known as borage or starflower oil is used for medicinal purposes. Borage oil is a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). It is the best plant source of gamma linolenic acid. In addition, borage oil also contains several other fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, eicosenoic acid, erucic acid and nervonic acid.
Arthritis treatment
Borage oil is recommended for reducing the symptoms of arthritis. Gamma linolenic acid, found in borage oil, could be converted into an anti-inflammatory substance prostaglandin E1. Studies have shown that borage oil could reduce inflammation, pain and morning stiffness of arthritis ridden joints. It has been observed that taking 1.1 to 2.8 grams of borage oil daily, for at least three months, could help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
Treats skin diseases
Borage oil is effective in treating various skin disorders. It can be used for treating eczema. Borage oil could sometimes reduce the itching and dryness of the areas of the skin affected by eczema. The gamma linolenic acid of borage oil could help to reduce Seborrheic dermatitis in infants. Applying 0.5ml of borage oil, twice per day, to the affected area, helps to cure infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis within 10 to 12 days.
Good for hair
Borage oil is good for the hair. It could be used for treating hair dryness. This oil can reverse hair damage and arrests hair fall.
Cures respiratory infections
Folk healers often use borage oil for healing cold, bronchitis and respiratory infections.
For women
Borage oil could by used for treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Studies have shown that women suffering from premenstrual syndrome often have low level of gamma linolenic acid in the body. Intake of borage oil could help to replenish the GLA level in the body, reducing the symptoms of PMS. Borage oil could also cure endometriosis and female infertility. Breast cysts could also be treated with this oil. Borage oil can also cure hot flashes during menopause.
