The borage plant has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, but most of the benefit from the plant can be found in the seeds, which are made into borage oil. Borage oil is one of the best sources of gamma linolenic acid, commonly referred to as GLA. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that's converted to prostaglandin E1, a known anti-inflammatory agent.
Arthritis Benefits
Borage oil has shown some promise for use in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It's believed the GLA may reduce arthritic pain and swelling, along with the stiffness that occurs in the morning. There have been at least three studies done showing the benefits of borage oil in this area.
Skin Benefits
Borage oil has been used to combat the effects of eczema and has shown an ability to reduce the dryness and itching, although clinical studies have yielded mixed results. One particular study dealing with babies yielded positive results on infantile seborrheic dermatitis when borage oil was applied topically. It's believed that some skin conditions may impede the body's ability to produce GLA. Other skin problems that borage oil is credited with helping are acne, rosacea and psoriasis.
Nerve Benefits
There are claims that borage oil may assist people with multiple sclerosis, as high doses of GLA could help with the nerves damaged by inflammation and aid the prevention of nerve damage in the first place. Borage oil is also believed to improve the transmission of nerve impulses.
Female Benefits
Borage oil has been mentioned as a possible aid in female infertility, endometriosis and breast cysts. There have been studies showing a GLA deficiency in women suffering from PMS.
Hair Benefits
Borage oil is popular for hair maintenance and hair loss, as it is believed the GLA will treat dry and damaged hair as well as slow the effects of male pattern hair loss.
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