Whether you want to change up the aesthetic of your garden or enjoy the health benefits of borage, it’s always a good choice. Still, we recommend trying to reap all of its health benefits, which you can get from its leaves, flowers or even its seeds. The good thing is you don’t need to look very hard for borage. It is indigenous to many regions around the world, including the Mediterranean, Europe, Asia and North America.
What is Borage?
Starflower, or borage, is a plant that yields seeds very rich in essential fatty acids called the gamma-linolenic acids (GLA). Our body is able to convert this GLA fatty acid into an anti-inflammatory compound known as E1 prostaglandin, or PGE1. The oil from borage is also effective in reducing the indications of autoimmune illnesses, premenstrual syndrome, cramps and skin disorders.
Borage oil is usually taken orally as a capsule. However, you can also apply it topically. Of the three oils with a rich GLA content, borage oil has the highest concentration.
Skin Benefits of Borage
Borage oil offers a few skin benefits, including:
Acts as a natural moisturizer. Even if you don’t have any skin diseases, you still want to have an amazing skin, right? Borage oil acts as a skin moisturizer with the ability to penetrate deep into the skin.
Relieves skin inflammation. Skin inflammation may cause irritation and discomfort. To immediately treat the condition, try using borage oil.
Treats dermatitis. Dermatitis, as we know, causes redness and itching, and borage helps with this. The oil reduces the symptoms and thoroughly heals the skin.
Helps treat skin conditions. Borage is rich in natural oils. If you extract these oils from the seed, it helps treat various skin conditions. For example, if you have eczema, liberal use of the oil may help get rid of the itching and dryness of the skin.
Hair Benefits of Borage
Just like the skin benefits, the hair benefits of borage are also thanks to its oil. Some of the best benefits for the hair include:
Treats dandruff. It is common to experience dandruff and an itchy scalp. Good thing there is borage oil. Applying this to your hair will get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp. Furthermore, it will give your hair more volume and make it more lustrous.
Reduces follicular inflammation. Massaging your hair qith borage oil may help reduce inflammation in the follicles. This will result in less hair falling out.
Helps cure folliculitis. It is used as a remedy for treating folliculitis, a condition where the hair follicles get damaged due to infection, which may cause hair to fall out.
Treats scalp and hair conditions. If you are experiencing discomfort on your hair or scalp, applying borage oil to your head may help.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Borage
Here are some of the health benefits of borage:
Boosts overall health. Borage is rich in nutrients such as omega fatty acids, vitamin B complex, folic acid, potassium and magnesium, all of which are very important for the body and improving your overall health and well-being.
Reduces alcohol cravings. Alcohol addiction may destroy lives, which is why it’s important to treat it. You can use borage here, which has the ability to alleviate alcohol cravings by suppressing certain neurotransmitters. It also helps alcoholics get a better night’s sleep.
Prevents mood swings. Many premenopausal women usually take borage supplements to prevent mood swings, choosing this route over hormonal therapy.
Increases concentration. Borage supplements are beneficial in increasing mental focus and concentration.
Helps regulate blood sugar levels. If you’re diabetic, you can use borage oil instead of insulin injections to regulate your blood sugar levels.
Cautions and Considerations for Borage
The leaves and stems of the borage plant produce natural toxins called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be noxious to the liver. Small amounts of these natural toxins can be found in its oil, so if you want to consume it, consider consulting with your doctor and getting a prescription first. Also, make sure whatever you take is fresh to ensure its effectiveness. After all, your safety is more important than anything else.
Amazing and very informative article.