Borage and bilberry are two commonly used medicinal plants. Bilberry originated in Europe, but can now be found growing in parts of North America. Borage was originally from the Mediterranean area, but is now found in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, according to Medicinal Herb Info. Before you begin to use bilberry or borage to treat health conditions, discuss them with your health care provider.
Borage Uses
Borage oil contains the compound gamma-linoleic acid or GLA, which is what is thought to give the plant its medicinal properties and make it a powerful anti-inflammatory, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The leaves and flowers of the plant are used to make treatments for arthritis, menopausal symptoms, chest congestion, dermatitis, cough and depression.
Bilberry Uses
Bilberry is a strong antioxidant and the berries are sometimes eaten in pies and jam. The leaves and berries of the plant are used to make treatments for hardening of the arteries, diabetes, diarrhea, minor wounds and to improve vision, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. The MSKCC adds that bilberry is also useful in preventing cancer and treating cataracts, varicose veins, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and hemorrhoids. The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists diabetes mellitus, fibrocystic breast disease, menstrual problems and stomach ulcers as additional uses for bilberry.
Research
Several recent clinical studies have been done on bilberry and borage and described on PubMed.gov. A bilberry study was conducted at the University of Eastern Finland Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition in Kuopio, Finland, and published in the July 2010 issue of Phytotherapy Research. The study concluded that bilberry extract was successful in helping to prevent strep infections and pneumonia.
The most recent study on bilberry was also published in Phytotherapy Research in the August 2010 issue. It was conducted at Far-Eastern State Medical University in the Russian Federation. This study looked at the cancer preventing effects of bilberry extract. The study concluded that bilberry was successful in inhibiting the growth of several types of cancer cells.
Borage oil was the subject of a research study conducted at the University of Auckland School of Pharmacy in Auckland, New Zealand, and published in the July/August 2010 issue of Nutrition. The study reported that its findings suggest that some people with atopic dermatitis, or eczema, can benefit from borage oil supplements.
Another study on borage for treating eczema in children was conducted at the Coastal Area Health Education Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, and published in the May 2009 issue of Journal of Family Practice. The study showed promising results for borage oil as a treatment for childhood eczema.
Possible Side Effects
Some people might have allergic reactions to bilberry, reports the USNLM. In foods or in moderate doses, bilberry is generally considered to be safe. However, the USNLM warns that it should not be taken in extremely high amounts or over prolonged periods because it may eventually cause toxicity. The MSKCC warns that borage is not safe for consumption in doses larger than 1 to 2 g of borage oil daily. Pregnant women are cautioned against taking borage because it has been shown to possibly induce premature labor.
Potential Interactions
Bilberry should not be taken with laxatives, antibiotics, blood thinners, medications for diabetes, over the counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprophen or naproxen, blood pressure medications, some cancer drugs or hormone therapy, according to the USNLM. The MSKCC warns that people who take medications to prevent seizures, antidepressants or anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen or ibuprophen should not take borage oil.
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