What is Borage Oil?
Borage Oils comes from the Borage plant, also known as starflower, and is a fairly common plant that grows in European and American regions. Borage oil benefits have become popular because the plant has been identified to have medicinal properties that include the ability to aid those with skin and acne problems, hair loss, menstrual pains and menopause, arthritis, cardiovascular problems and weight loss.
The Borage plant is able to aid those suffering from these alignments mostly because it high in GLAs (Gamma-Linolenic Acid) and EFAs (Essentially Fatty Acids – such as Omega Fatty Acids). Borage contains the highest amounts of GLAs available directly from any plant source.
Borage Seed Oil – GLAs
Like many other plants and seeds with high amounts of GLAs, Borage has the unique property of being a particularly potent anti-inflammatory. More specifically, GLAs are classified as Omega-6 fatty acids and are the agents responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects. The direct benefits of GLAs comes to those who suffer from acne, arthritis, allergies, skin problems such as dryness, itchiness, scaliness or auto-immune diseases.
Borage Oil – Acne
One of the leading causes of acne is the body triggering an inflammatory response on the face and on the skin. Including GLA borage oil into the diet or directly breaking open a capsule and rubbing the oil into the skin will drastically reduce the inflammation on the skin and help to reduce the visible effects of acne and reduce scaring. This supplement is used to treat patients with eczema with effective results and is largely recommended by doctors world-wide. The oils are also known to reduce the imbarassing redness associated with eczema and surrounding breakout areas.
Borage Oil and Skin
Just like with the acne, it is also beneficial to break open borage oil capsules and rub them into areas where you have dry, itchy and flaky skin. Doing this in conjunction with ingesting the capsules will allow the natural GLAs in the oil to then re-nourish the effected areas of the skin and help to resolve the systems within a few days.
Borage Oil Remedy for PMS and Menopause
During PMS and menopause the body’s natural ability to produce GLA is comprised. Supplementing your body during your monthly PMS cycle or beginning to supplement during menopause will supply your body with the GLA it is lacking in order to help reduce or eliminate symptoms such as cramps, breast tenderness, fluid retention (bloating) and even depression and mood swings.
Arthritis
One of the primary reasons borage oil and GLAs in general are consumed is the combat the painful and debilitating effects of all types of arthritis. Being a powerful anti-inflammatory, this supplement should be an absolute must on your daily regime of vitamins as it will help reduce the swelling and pain of the joints. To see the most benefit, it is suggested you take borage oil in combination with an Omega-3 EFA such as fish oil. Taking this supplement may lead to decreasing the amount of pain medication you need to take in order to achieve the same amount of relief.
Allergies
The GLAs found in borage oil have been known and used for quite some time as a means by which to reduce the effects of allergies on individuals. There is good research to suggest that the consumption of these GLAs found in the oils may lessen the overall effect of allergies and reduce the amount of allergic reactions or “allergy attacks”, most presumably because of the potent anti-inflammatory agents. Consumption of this tablet is also known to help prevent skin rashes caused by allergies and even helps to protect animals against developing skin rashes and skin yeast infections.
Weight Loss
Borage oil and GLAs have been linked to weight loss by helping to speed up the body’s metabolism and also by aiding in digestion, more specifically in the metabolizing of fats.
Heart
While the effects of this supplement are known to help with dilating blood vessels and thinning the blood, it is important that you consult with your doctor before taking this supplement if you are already on any kind of blood thinning medications or any other heart medications. Otherwise, this is a powerful supplement that promotes good circulation in the entire body as well as a stronger, healthier heart.
Borage Oil Side Effects
There typically are not very many side effects associated with taking borage oil as it is just a rich form of Omega-6 essential fatty acids which we all include into our diets in some form or another whether we choose to or not.
The most effective way to take this supple is with another Omega-3 fatty acid supplement, preferably in a 2:1 ratio (Omega-6 to Omega-3); this would look something like: 1,000mg Omega-6 to 500mg Omega-3 or 2,000mg Omega-6 to 1,000mg Omega-3. Borage Oil remains the best source of GLA and Omega-3 on the market and is highly advised and recommended to be the supplement of choice when considering the best GLA supplement.