What effect does borage oil have?
For therapeutic purposes, borage (Borago officinalis) is mainly used in the form of its seeds or the oil extracted from them. This oil contains a lot of gamma-linolenic acid. This is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid, which supports the formation of anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic substances in the body.
In the past, mainly borage leaves and flowers were used for medicinal purposes. They contain, for example, mucilage and tannins, saponins and silicic acid. The latter is said to promote the growth of skin, hair and nails.
What is borage oil used for?
Borage oil pressed from the seeds (borage seed oil) is the main medicinal use. It is perishable and therefore commercially available also filled in capsules.
In addition to the seed oil, borage flowers and herbs are still used today – for example fresh as a salad or dried as a spice or tea. However, due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, borage should only be taken sparingly in this way.
The plant is also sometimes used in traditional medicine. For example, wounds are treated with borage leaves to prevent inflammation.
What side effects can borage oil cause?
No side effects are expected from borage oil when used properly. However, long-term ingestion of leaves and flowers may cause liver problems, among other things.
What you should consider when using borage
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use borage preparations to be on the safe side.
How to get borage and its products
You can buy borage seed oil pure or in the form of borage oil capsules in pharmacies, drugstores or health food stores. Well-stocked tea and spice stores carry borage as a tea or herbal blend.
What is borage?
Borage has many names: Cucumber herb, kukumerkraut, Liebäugelchen, blue sky star, salad herb, starflower, heart joy or Wohlgemütsblume. Some of these vernacular names suggest the purposes for which this plant has long been used in folk medicine and cooking.
For one dish, the worldwide cultivated kitchen spice is indispensable: the Frankfurt Green Sauce. Even in Goethe’s day, borage was part of this ancient recipe along with six other herbs.
