Borage oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant called borage a k a starflower (Borago officinalis). It’s been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various health concerns for centuries. Although it’s native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, it can actually grow almost anywhere. Today, several studies have been conducted that confirm the health benefits of borage oil.

What Makes Borage Oil So Special?

The main compound that makes borage oil such a valuable supplement, is gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Borage oil has one of the highest amounts of this Omega-6 fatty acid. A common GLA supplement people reach for is evening primrose oil. It contains around 9% of GLA. However, the GLA content in borage oil is usually around 19-26%.

GLA has antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation in your body (Source). This is why borage oil is such a versatile supplement. It can aid in hormonal balance, support good heart health, keep your joints and bones healthy, help with skin orders and promote proper nerve function.

6 Health Benefits of Borage Oil

1. Joint Comfort and Bone Health

As we mentioned above, GLA in borage oil has antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation in your body. Decrease in overall inflammation in your body means that it can also reduce inflammation in your joints. This results in lessened swelling and chronic pain (Source).  

Furthermore, research suggests that borage oil can help prevent bone loss by reducing the inflammation markings in bones (Source).

 

2. Promotes Hormonal Balance

GLA in borage oil can help support your body’s adrenal gland activity (Source). Adrenal gland produces different types of hormones, for example adrenaline and cortisol. Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone. When your adrenal gland produces too much of it, you’ll probably feel constantly stressed and anxious. Because borage oil can help support proper adrenal gland activity, it may also help manage chronic stress and anxiety.

3. Healthy Skin and Hair

Fatty acids are essential for good skin and hair. Because GLA is a type of Omega-6 fatty acid, it can play a role in improving the condition of your skin and hair. Fatty acids provide your skin and hair protection they need (Source). In addition, GLA also helps reduce inflammation in your body that may be the cause of different skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.

You can use borage oil both internally and externally to combat your skin disorders. Our Borage Oil softgels are convenient to use internally, but also externally! Just pop one softgel and use it as an on-the-go moisturizer.

4. Hangover Cure

We certainly do not promote excessive drinking, but a few of us have to admit they’ve suffered a hangover at some point in their lives. Good news is that borage oil can actually help combat those nasty hangover symptoms.

One study showed that 88% of participants reported a borage oil containing supplement effective in reducing a hangover (Source). The study was conducted using a supplement containing mostly borage oil, magnesium and a few other vitamins.

Luckily we also have a vegan Magnesium Glycinate supplement, which is one of the best absorbed forms of magnesium! Take our Borage Oil and Magnesium supplements right before and after a night out, and see for yourself!

5. Cardiovascular Health Support

Borage oil can be a helpful supplement to help prevent and relieve different heart issues. It helps lower total and LDL cholesterol levels (this is the ‘bad’ cholesterol) (Source). Borage oil can also help lower blood pressure and heart rate response to stress (Source). Furthermore, research suggests that borage oil can be an effective treatment to congestive heart failure signs prevention (Source).

6. PMS Relief

Because borage oil has anti-inflammatory properties and thus it can help promote hormonal balance, it’s been widely used to relieve the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and menopause. Some of these symptoms include mood swings, stomach cramps, hot flashes and breast tenderness. Although today there isn’t enough scientific evidence to back this up, it sure is worth a try if you struggle with the symptoms we mentioned above.

As we learned, borage oil has many health benefits because of its ability to decrease inflammation in your body and therefore help relieve and prevent different health issues.

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