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Borage (Borago Officinalis)
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Borage
has thick soft stems and large leaves, both of which are covered in
fine bristly hairs. The flowers are star-shaped and a vivid sky blue,
although an occasional pink bloom does appear (there is also a rare
species with white flowers). The blooms are full of nectar and are a
source of food for bees.
Borage flowers, leaves, seeds, and oil are used for culinary, medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
The
herb contains mucilages and trace amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids
(such as amabiline, supinidine, lycopsamine and intermedine) and the
seed oil contains high levels of unsaturated y-linolenic acid (GLA) and
essential fatty acid, as well as linoleic acid and oleic acid.
The
oil extracted from borage is very soothing and softening to the skin,
and also helps to reduce the redness so often experienced with very
sensitive skins.
It
helps with skin clearing and lightening, promoting healthy skin growth
and acts as an anti-inflammatory. It is also said to be a hormonal
balancer.
Borage oil is of great use on problem skins, especially with acne, pimples and blemishes.
Borage
oil may benefit people suffered from eczema or other skin inflammation.
Studies have shown the effectiveness of borage oil on atopic
dermatitis or eczema with reduction in itching, dryness and skin inflammation.
The
Borage plant has been used for many years by North American Indians to
make infusions for the healing of wounds. It took modern research to
unveil the therapeutic power contained within Borage seed oil: an
essential fatty acid (EFA) called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). While
various foods contain small amounts of GLA, Borage seed oil is
exceptionally high in GLA (20% to 26%) compared to Evening Primrose,
which contains only 7% to 10%. Borage seed oil aids in skin cell
restoration and repairs tissue damage. This oil has superb moisturizing
properties and is believed to be effective in helping with eczema, dry,
and mature, aging skin. Gamma linolenic acid, found in abundance in
borage seed oil, is an essential nutrient. In the body, gamma linolenic
acid is converted into prostaglandinl. Prostaglandinl helps heal
inflammation of the skin and promotes skin health.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes
only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not
intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results
may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to
consult with your own health care provider.
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