Borage is a common wild plant that is native to the Mediterranean region, Europe, Asia Minor and Northern Africa, according to Medicinal Herb Info. It has spread and is now also found in North America. The flowers and the leaves of the borage plant are used to make various medicinal treatments. Before you begin to take borage medicinally, talk to your health care provider for instructions.
Eczema Explained
The MayoClinic.com website describes eczema, or atopic dermatitis, as an itchy inflammation of the skin. The condition is most often seen in children and babies, but can continue into adulthood, says the site. The condition is chronic and can get much better, then flare up without warning. So far the cause of eczema is unknown, but it seems to be related to a problem with the immune system.
Borage Uses
According to the website for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center or MSKCC, borage is often used to treat conditions such as symptoms of menopause, arthritis, eczema, chest congestion, depression and cough. When treating skin conditions such as eczema, the borage is applied to the skin, not ingested.
Research
An article on the PubMed.gov website describes clinical research to determine how safe and effective borage is when used to treat atopic dermatitis, or eczema. In one trial, the patients were given oral borage supplements. The results seemed to show that the supplements given orally had no significant effect on the eczema.
Possible Side Effects
The MSKCC website says that pregnant or nursing women should not take borage. The site also says that prolonged periods of taking borage may cause liver damage. In short term use, some patients taking borage reported constipation, says the site. Drugs.com warns of the possibility in some people for an allergic reaction to borage. Some allergic reactions can be severe, so be alert for signs of swelling in the mouth or throat, and if these occur, stop using borage and contact your health care provider.
Potential Interactions
The MSKCC site warns that people who take antidepressants or NSAIDS such as ibuprofen or naproxen should avoid taking borage due to potentially harmful interactions.
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