BORAGE OIL (Borago officinalis)

Supplement: borage seed oil Potency: 1000mg Quantity: 60 capsules Other ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, purified water. Price: £5.50 Click here for the order page Contraindications: borage oil is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding; epileptics, those taking epileptogenic or neuroleptic drugs, hemophiliacs and those taking anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin should consult their doctor before taking borage oil; stop use if undergoing any surgical procedure.

Further information on Borage

Habitat: Borage is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and northern Africa, where it has always been easily recognised due to its bright blue star-shaped flowers. The characteristic flowers bloom most of the summer and have led to borage becoming known under the alternative and popular name of starflower. It is naturalised in many parts of North America and grows well in that continent's temperate regions.

Characteristics and properties: Borage has been used medicinally for more than 400 years and in traditional herbalism and folklore has a wide variety of health benefits. In modern times research on the borage plant has centred on its seed oil, nature's richest source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an omega-6 essential fatty acid. GLA can also be found in black currant oil and evening primrose oil, both well known as health supplements, but of the three it's borage, or starflower, which is now recognised as the seed oil with the highest amount of GLA.

Research into borage oil has attempted to discover whether one of its main traditional uses is justified, that of helping with rheumatoid arthritis. The answer appears to be yes, as several clinical studies have reported that high doses of borage oil significantly reduce pain and swelling in arthritic joints. This is an example of the common use of a health supplement being fully confirmed by modern science.

There is some evidence to suggest that borage oil may help people with multiple sclerosis. Some researchers believe that the high levels of essential fatty acids present in borage oil could help to combat the inflammation associated with the disease, and furthermore that these acids may also help to prevent nerve damage. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, GLA also enhances the transmission of nerve impulses. Together, these facts suggest that borage oil may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s-memory disorders. Animal research also suggests that the oil may help to combat stress and high blood pressure (hypertension). Borage oil is also frequently cited as a treatment for acne, eczema, psoriasis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, female infertility, gout, impotence, lupus (SLE), respiratory infections, coronary and vascular disorders, rosacea, and elevated levels of cholesterol.

The precious GLA in borage oil is ultimately converted in the body to hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins, and these are important for the regulation of a host of bodily functions including inflammation, swelling, & pain; pressure in the eye, joints or blood vessels; secretions from mucus membranes and their viscosity; smooth muscle and autonomic reflexes; gastrointestinal; arterial; ear; heart; water retention; blood clotting ability; allergic response; nerve transmission; steroid production and hormone synthesis. Scientists continue to discover regulating effects of prostaglandins. Without the essential fatty acids, the building blocks of prostaglandins, problems in the regulation of the bodily functions listed above are certain.

Culinary uses: The taste of borage or starflower is often described as cucumber-like and it is sometimes used in salads in preference to the cucumber. It also adds a hearty flavour to soups and stews, enhances the flavour of iced tea and fruit drinks and by itself makes a soothing and calming tea. European chefs make starflower pastries which retain the blue colour of the flowers, and Chinese chefs have been known to use the leaves much as others use grape leaves: stuffed and rolled. Charles Dickens is reputed to have been particularly fond of borage punch - a rather potent concoction of sherry, brandy, apple cider, lemon, sugar and borage flowers. The famous gin based drink, Pimm's No.1, has borage as one of its important ingredients.

History and curiosities: Borage was credited from the earliest of times with inducing calm and fortitude and was commonly thought to instil courage. It was usually steeped in wine or brandy and given to travellers before a long journey or to soldiers before battle. The Celts in particular believed it to be a vital food for their warriors. In medieval times borage tea was given to competitors in jousting tournaments as a morale booster and again as a source of courage. "Always borage brings courage", was a popular rhyme of the day.