Borage Herb Benefits [Starflower]

Today you will discover the full borage plant medicinal uses and benefits.

Borage is a flowering plant used for many decades for its medicinal properties.

It is also used as a culinary herb as it can be added to sauces, salads, and soups.

This annual herb originally grew in Syria. But now it can be found in Mediterranean regions, North Africa, Europe, Middle East and South America.

Borage flower is star-shaped and bright blue in colour. The herb flowers are often used to decorate cakes and making sweet syrup as they are edible.

The leaves can also be used as greens in salads. Borage is also known as bee bread, starflower, and bee plant.

What is Borage oil?

Borage oil is extracted from borage seeds. The seeds contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA) that is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) once in the body, is converted to prostaglandin that is very important for human body biochemistry(¹).

The prostaglandin hormone helps in metabolic and other biochemical processes. As a example toning the arterial muscles, control of the immune system. This is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system and control of some kidney functions.

Also the control of inflammatory response. Borage oil apart from helping in pain alleviation. Has many other health benefits as stated below.

Dosage of Borage oil

The supplements of this oil can our found in either liquid extract or caplet form. Dosage can be administered internally or topically.

Alkaloids concentration in Borage oil can lead to damaging of the liver. Thus it’s advisable that you should avoid taking it internally for a long term period. You should take two grams per day of the dose whether in liquid extract form or caplet form.

The side effects that you may undergo after taking Borage oil dosage although they are mild. Can include; a headache, cramping, rashes, stomach upset and indigestion, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, bloating, and belching.

Health Benefits of Borage oil.

Below you will find the top 10 major health benefits of Borage

1. It is a Natural Sedative

Borage oil can help to release anxiety and tension, reduce stress and depression as it is highly sedative. It triggers hormone in the nervous system that softens nerve edge and lifts spirit or mood. This herbal oil assists to ease mood swing in women during menstrual cycles and menopause.

2. It’s a Source of Fatty Acids

Herbal supplement of borage oil possess nutrients such as essential fatty acids. That are important for good health. Seeds of borage herb have gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which is polyunsaturated fatty acid. Lack of this essential fatty acid affects some cellular functions, internal inflammation, and mood.

[pullquote align=”normal”]Cardiovascular and metabolic functions depend on proper levels of essential fatty acids so as to work efficiently. [/pullquote]

The fatty acid helps in growth of nails and hair. Borage oil is also used to boost gamma linolenic acid deficiencies(²) and proper growth in children. However, these essential fatty acids to be ingested in the body, they must be included in the diet.

3. Helps to Relax Body and Calms the Mind

Fatigue brought about by all day work or being overstressed makes the adrenal glands release adrenalin in your body. Borage natural supplement helps to restore adrenal glands hence calming body and mind.

Borage herbal oil has relaxing effects on brain, nerves, and muscles. The oil also calms the mind relieving anxiety, anger, stress, depression, and nervous afflictions.

4. Source of Nutrients

Borage herbal supplement is packed with nutrients that are healthy for your body. These nutrients are vitamins B and C, zinc, calcium, beta-carotene, potassium, and iron. Borage oil is recommended to women with iron and calcium deficiency.

5. Acts as Anti-inflammatory

The daily dosage of borage oil reduces swelling and pain in joints. Research has shown that borage can be a cure for rheumatoid arthritis.

This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Borage oil reduces dryness and itching caused by some skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema.

6. Has Anti-aging Properties

Few drops of Borage oil moisturizes the skin and naturally repairs dry skin that makes one look old. The oil smooths the skin and makes it glow and look young.

7. Relieve Discomfort in Women.

Borage oil helps to relieve discomforts such as endometriosis, PMS symptoms, premenstrual stress, breast tenderness, and menopausal symptoms. It also aids to lessen pain and cramping.

8. Relieves Respiratory Disorders

Borage herb was initially used to treat a sore throat and cough as it contains mucilage. Which is gel-like that soothes mucous membranes.

9. Lowers High Blood Pressure.

Borage oil combined with Omega-3 fish oils reduces hypertension. Prostaglandins help to lower high blood pressure(³) .

10. Helps to Treat Allergies

Daily intake of gamma linolenic acid helps to tune-up of eicosanoids-controlled functions assisting to relief pain, swelling, and redness. That characterize autoimmune and inflammation diseases. Such as, hay fever, asthma, and other allergies faster.

Allergies respond to specific substances on the immune system. Research has shown that Borage oil regulates immune response activity thus can treat some allergies.

Other Health Benefits of Borage:

• It has minerals components that are essential in our bodies.
• A culinary herb that has low calorie which is important for health well being.
• Borage herb is a source of vitamin A that is powerful making the oil an anti oxidant also essential for vision.

Conclusion

The Borage herbal oil healing power should not be underestimated. It has been treating many conditions especially the ones that have been scientifically approved to be caused by immune system for centuries.

You can find Borage oil at any Health Food Store. Borage should not be taken internally as it can damage the liver.

You should follow guidance from a medical practitioner before taking the Borage oil.