Borage or borage oil is a unique natural remedy that is very beneficial for human health. It cleanses the body of harmful toxins, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and prevents atherosclerosis. Consider the most important beneficial properties and application of borage oil.
Description
Borago, cucumber grass, borage or borage are all the names of one plant with extremely beautiful flowers in the shape of a star, used for centuries in folk medicine because of its unique healing properties.
Borago (Borago officinalis) hails from the Mediterranean region, from where the plant has spread to other parts of Europe and North America. Grass has been grown for centuries in gardens because of decorative and healthy qualities.
This annual plant is covered with coarse hairs and can grow up to 70 cm in height. Its straight shaft is covered with oval or lanceolate wrinkled leaves. Large star-shaped flowers are found in rare groups. They have five petals, which are most often purple or blue. The flowering period is from July to August. Flowers produce a lot of nectar, which makes them attractive to bees.
A valuable oil is obtained from the seeds of the plant, which has many therapeutic properties. Borage oil is used in everyday care and healthcare. It helps treat a range of ailments, including the fight against rheumatoid arthritis and menstrual irregularities.
Composition
Studies have shown that the therapeutic effect of borage oil is associated with the rich presence of gamma-linolenic acid in it.
It also contains:
- lactic, acetic, malic and citric acid;
- tannins;
- flavonoids;
- potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium;
- omega-6 fatty acids;
- mineral salts.
Borage Oil: Health Properties
Such a rich composition promotes beneficial changes in the body. Since this substance is in liquid form (oil), it is easily absorbed. The tool is useful for such ailments as damaged intestinal membranes, the stomach and even the esophagus. In addition, it works well in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, improves skin elasticity and hydration. Borage oil removes toxic substances resulting from metabolism, helps maintain normal cholesterol levels. Besides:
- restores skin;
- helps with depression;
- improves mood;
- Helps fight inflammation of the kidneys and urinary tract
- improves brain function;
- It has a diaphoretic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory effect.
The tool helps with skin diseases, such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis.
All these useful properties indicate that it is worth including this oil in your daily diet.
Borage oil: benefits for women
It has been proven that the anti-inflammatory properties of borage oil can help solve problems associated with menopause and PMS. It allows you to reduce chest pain, mood changes and hot flashes. This is all due to the content of gamma-linolenic acid in it. According to the GLA content, borage oil can be compared with evening primrose oil, which is another invaluable natural remedy for the health of middle-aged women.
According to the results of clinical trials since 2007, GLA can affect the risk of cancerous tumors without damaging healthy cells. This unique fatty acid can reduce the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and diabetic pain.
How to choose?
Borage oil can be used not only inside but also externally. It has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect, and also moisturizes the skin. The product is especially recommended for people with acne, psoriasis, irritation and dry skin.
When choosing the right borage oil, you should pay attention to the acid content in the product. It is best that it contains about 30-40% linoleic acid, 12-20% oleic acid, about 23% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). In addition, it is worth paying attention to the content of sterols, tocopherols and trace amounts of carotenoids. The values given above correspond to pure oil without unnecessary additives.
When buying borage oil, always look for a high-quality product that is certified and made from organic raw materials. For daily supplements, it is recommended to buy capsules with borage oil, which are packed in light containers. However, be sure to store them in a dark and cool place, as the oil may deteriorate and become bitter when heated and when exposed to UV radiation.
Dosage
The right dose of borage oil depends on the type of medical problem you have. This unique health product is sometimes added to children's dietary supplements in order to supply the child’s diet with essential fatty acids. It is available over-the-counter in pharmacies, online, and in health food stores.
In the case of most diseases mentioned above, the recommended dose is from 1000 to 1300 mg of borage oil per day. For ease of administration, you can choose an oil capsule from a plant that will allow you to accurately dose the product.
For patients who treat inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, a higher dose is recommended, that is, up to 1300 mg, which is usually the most effective.
Borage oil is often used together with evening primrose oil to enhance the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. To fully feel its healing effect, you should use the product from several weeks to several months.
Side effects
The tool, as a rule, is completely safe for both internal and external use. However, you need to know about some interactions and possible side effects of its use. Some people have digestive problems, especially when using higher doses of oil, mainly symptoms such as diarrhea, belching, and bloating.
Some researchers are wondering if the ingredients contained in this herb may be harmful to the liver. In the past, a small percentage of people taking borage oil have experienced intoxication. However, since then the methods of its production have been changed, so that these symptoms no longer appear.
Pregnant women should not use borage oil, mainly because of its ability to cause cramping. The product also has the ability to thin the blood, so it is not suitable for those who take medications, such as aspirin or Warfarin.
Reviews
You can find many positive reviews about borage oil. People who use this product regularly notice that their skin’s moisture level improves, its roughness disappears, its protective barrier is strengthened, which becomes more resistant to microbes.
Many argue that this tool is effective in the treatment of ulcers and acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties, improves protective functions and increases blood circulation to the skin, affects its better nutrition and oxygenation, as well as more effective removal of toxins. This, in turn, leads to an improvement in its appearance and complexion.
When using borage oil in the care of the scalp and hair, it helps to maintain a natural color, preventing premature graying. With regular use, the level of hydration of the scalp, nutrition and oxygenation of hair follicles improves. The tool perfectly soothes inflammation of the scalp.