Borage oil, like the more popular evening primrose oil, is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, a form of omega-6 fatty acid that works with omega-3 fatty acids to perform essential body functions. Researchers believe that GLA may have anti-inflammatory powers that can benefit a number of conditions, but research is still in its early stages and more studies are needed to confirm many of borage oil's suspected benefits. As with any herbal remedy, it's wise to check with your health care provider before making borage oil part of your health care regimen.
Rhematoid Arthritis Relief
Borage oil shows promise for relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to the University of Michigan Health System's Healthwise Knowledgebase. People who took 1.4g to 2.8g borage oil every day for two months experienced improvement in pain, inflammation and morning stiffness. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that borage oil doesn't cure rheumatoid arthritis, and it should be used to complement medical therapies instead of as a replacement for them.
Treatment for Skin Irritation
Borage oil may be useful for treating skin conditions including eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, but research in this area hasn't been conclusive, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In a study published in 1999 in the British Journal of Dermatology, people who took 500mg borage oil a day said they needed slightly less topical treatment to soothe their eczema than people who took a placebo. Because the study was small and not well designed, more research is needed to recommend borage oil for eczema treatment.
Relief for Diabetic Nerve Pain
Early research suggests that taking borage oil may help treat nerve pain, or neuropathy, in people who have diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People with diabetes who used borage oil or another source of GLA for six months or longer experienced improvement in neuropathy, especially if they had good blood sugar control. People with poor blood sugar control saw less improvement from borage oil supplementation.
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