| Basics |
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Borage seed oil is the richest source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and contains 20–26% GLA, which is a fatty acid that the body converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator. Besides it helps in fat metabolism.
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| Remedy For |
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Eczema (skin diseases that causes red rash).
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
High cholesterol level.
High blood pressure.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
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| Usage Directions |
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For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the adult dose of GLA from borage oil is 1.4 grams daily for at least two months. Topically, 0.5 ml of borage oil can be applied to areas of seborrhea daily for two weeks and then three times a week until the condition is stable.
Borage oil can also be tried at a dose of 360 mg of GLA daily for eczema, although research has not conclusively proved its use for this condition.
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| Sources |
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Borage oil is extracted from star shaped, periwinkle-blue flowers, present in Borage, a large plant, which is found throughout Europe and North Africa. It is naturalized to North America.
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| Possible Side Effects |
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Borage seeds do contain small amounts of the liver toxins called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). The consumption of two to four 500 mg capsules of borage seed oil could result in an intake of such alkaloids approaching 5–10 micrograms per day. In the interests of public safety, borage oil should be PA free and follow the example set by the German Health Agency, which suggests that no more than 1 mcg of PA be consumed daily when the herb is taken as directed.
GLA from borage oil may potentially elicit temporal lobe epilepsy, especially in schizophrenic patients and/or those receiving medications such as phenothiazines. Minor side effects from borage oil use can include bloating, nausea, indigestion, and headache.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or which is especially bothersome.
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| Overdose |
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Acute overdose: None
Chronic overdose: None
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| Caution |
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Because of the presence of PA, oil’s use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended
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