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Besides the many health benefits of borage, it is an unassuming and little-known Mediterranean green leafy vegetable that rewards those with the patience to remove the tiny hairs on its leaves and stalks with its delicate flavor and significant medicinal effects.
Borage Scientific Facts
- Scientific name – Borago officianalis L.
- French – Bourrache.
- Spanish – Borraja.
- German – Borretsch.
- Description – Leaves and stalks of the borage, an annual herbaceous plant of the botanical family Boraginaceae, which grow from 7.87 inches to 15.75 inches.
- Environment – Native to the Mediterranean region where it is cultivated. It is also found wild.
Health Benefits of Borage
This vegetable’s carbohydrate, fat, and protein content is minimal and contains few calories. It is rich in mucilage, soothes the mucosa, and mineral salts, particularly potassium.
Its most important properties are sudorific (causes perspiration), diuretic, and depurant (purifier). Although these effects are more pronounced in the FLOWERS used in infusion, the stalks and leaves are also effective. Cooked and eaten with its broth, borage is recommended particularly in the following cases:
Viral infections include flu and eruptions associated with fever (German measles, etc.). Borage helps eradicate blood impurities through sweat and urine, provides mineral salts, aids rehydration, and decreases fever.
Upper respiratory infections, such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, and colds, are treated with this medication. It soothes the mucosa and helps with expectoration.
Because of its diuretic and purifying (depurant) action, it can cause renal disorders (nephritis, kidney stones), gout, arthritis, and obesity.
How to use and Prepare Borage
- Cooked – Borage should not be overcooked. Of course, it should be eaten with its cooking broth. It combines very well with potatoes.
- Raw, in salad – Only the sprouts and very young leaves are used and harvested before the plant buds.
- Fresh juice – This is prepared from tender leaves. A half-glass may be drunk each morning as a depurant (purifier).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does borage oil help with skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis?
Yes, clinical studies have shown promising results. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in borage oil can help reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration. A review in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that oral borage oil supplements improved eczema symptoms in multiple trials.
Borage oil can help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Is this accurate?
There’s some evidence to suggest this. A study published in Phytomedicine observed that borage oil, combined with conventional RA medication, may reduce joint tenderness and swelling more effectively than medication alone. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Can the health benefits of borage help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms?
Possibly. The GLA in borage oil is thought to influence prostaglandin production, which may alleviate some PMS symptoms like breast tenderness and mood swings. A pilot study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed borage oil could be beneficial. Still, more extensive studies are necessary for definitive conclusions.
Are there any cardiovascular health benefits of borage?
Research suggests potential benefits. Borage oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the risk of heart disease. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that borage oil could help lower rats’ blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, human studies are still limited.
Is borage oil safe for long-term use?
Generally, the health benefits of borage oil are safe for most people when taken in recommended doses. However, long-term use should be reviewed with a healthcare professional, as some borage species can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which may harm the liver. Always choose reputable brands that are PA-free.
I’m interested in the potential respiratory health benefits of borage. What does the research say?
Early studies indicate that borage may help reduce inflammation in the airways, potentially benefiting people with asthma. A study in Phytotherapy Research found that the health benefits of borage oil could improve lung function in asthmatic rats. Human trials are needed to validate these findings.
Can borage oil improve cognitive function or mental health?
While some animal studies suggest borage oil’s potential benefits for cognitive function and anxiety, human research is lacking. A review in Nutritional Neuroscience concluded that more studies are needed to verify these effects in humans.
Are there any potential interactions between borage oil and other medications?
Borage oil may interact with blood-thinning medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and medications for diabetes. Conversing with a healthcare professional before taking borage oil is crucial, especially if you’re on any other medications.
What’s the best way to take borage oil for maximum health benefits?
Borage oil is typically available in capsule form. Dosage recommendations vary contingent on the intended use. Follow directions on the product label or consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Can I get the health benefits of borage by eating the plant?
While borage leaves and flowers are edible, the highest concentration of beneficial GLA is found in the seeds. Therefore, borage oil supplements are the most effective way to harness the plant’s potential health benefits
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power. Trans. Annette Melgosa. Vol. 2. Chai Wan: Editorial Safeliz, 2005. 358. Print. [health benefits of borage]
- Kapoor, R., & Huang, Y. S. (2006). Gamma linolenic acid: an antiinflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 7(6), 531-534. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17168878/
- Belch, J. J., Ansell, D., Madhok, R., O’Dowd, A., & Sturrock, R. D. (2000). Effects of altering dietary essential fatty acids on requirements for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a double blind placebo controlled study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 59(1), 9-12. https://ard.bmj.com/content/59/1/9
- Budeiri, D., Li Wan Po, A., & Dornan, J. C. (1996). Is evening primrose oil of value in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome? Controlled Clinical Trials, 17(1), 60-68. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8770108/
- Chauhan, N., Manral, M., & Pande, M. (2014). Therapeutic potential of borage (Borago officinalis): A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(1), 94-102. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25058785/
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). (2015). Safety of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)-rich oils. EFSA Journal, 13(11), 4254. https://efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/4254
- Paulsen, E., & Christensen, L. P. (2003). Borage (Borago officinalis L.)—a medicinal plant with potential for respiratory therapy. Phytotherapy Research, 17(6), 647-652. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12808366/
- Larrieu, T., & Layé, S. (2018). Food for mood and brain health: a scientific update with special emphasis on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 21(2), 143-149. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29232077/
- Natural Medicines Database. (n.d.). Borage. Retrieved May 19, 2024, from https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/
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