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Borage is a very interesting plant. The name itself suggests its many health benefits. Even ancient warriors thought so, drinking wine infused with borage leaves before battle. They believed it would give them strength and courage and ensure a swift victory. While these properties are only a myth, borage can still provide a pleasant surprise. It is currently a highly valued medicinal plant, and its health-promoting properties are utilized by many industries. It is used in medicine and cosmetics. What illnesses can borage help with? We invite you to read on.
Borage – a handful of information
Borage, also known as baroque herb or parzyga, belongs to the borage family and is the most valuable variety in terms of nutritional content. It originates from the Mediterranean basin but is cultivated in many parts of the world, including Poland. The wild varieties that grow here, on the other hand, do not have as many health-promoting properties and are considered more of a weed. It is an annual plant, and its beautiful blue flowers are its hallmark. It is worth mentioning that the leaves and stems of this plant smell very similar to cucumber—hence its name. The green parts of borage and the seeds, from which valuable oil is extracted, are used for medicinal purposes.
Borage – the nutritional content
Modern medicine recognizes borage as a highly valuable plant resource with a broad spectrum of benefits. This is due to the wide variety of nutrients and active ingredients it contains. Examples include numerous flavonoids, resins, tannins, and organic acids (citric acid, silicic acid, and malic acid). It also contains a high amount of silica and some rare mineral salts, including compounds of silicon, zinc, magnesium, iron, and potassium. It also contains significant amounts of vitamin C and carotene. So far, we've listed the chemical compounds found only in the green parts of borage, while the true treasure lies in its seeds. The oil extracted from it contains large amounts of essential unsaturated fatty acids, which are so important for the proper functioning of our body. The largest group is linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid.
Borage to strengthen the body
Thanks to its content of gamma-linolenic acid and other omega fatty acids, borage can have a positive effect on the immune system. These can provide increased protection against the potential occurrence of various diseases of the lungs, bronchi, throat, or eyes. They can also protect against asthma and acquired allergies. The oil from this plant also has a detoxifying effect, which can contribute to the increased elimination of toxins from the body. It can also provide additional protection against the harmful effects of toxic chemicals.
Borage – Influence on the cardiovascular system
Borage preparations, and especially the oil from its seeds, can significantly contribute to improving the performance of our circulatory system. The high content of linolenic acid and other omega-6 acids allows you to effectively combat excessive levels of bad LDL cholesterol. They prevent excessive oxidation and thus reduce its increased deposition in the walls of blood vessels. Furthermore, they can increase HDL cholesterol levels, which has a positive effect on our health. They remove excess fatty compounds from the arteries and veins, significantly reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Interestingly, borage oil also has an anti-aggregating effect. This means that it can reduce the excessive adhesion of platelets, which are responsible for the formation of blood clots, and thus reduce blood density. This can minimize the risk of congestion and also lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory effect of borage
The gamma-linolenic acid, flavonoids, and silicon salts contained in this plant also have strong anti-inflammatory effects. For this reason, they are a common ingredient in skin care products. They can soothe irritation, as well as various inflammations and even allergic reactions. They can be helpful in the fight against common spider veins and rosacea. They reduce redness and strengthen the capillaries in the skin, thus reducing the development of redness. The anti-inflammatory properties of these chemical compounds are certainly not only used for skin conditions. Borage oil can reduce the intensity of heart inflammation and also help patients with rheumatoid arthritis . It also has a beneficial effect on inflammation of the mucous membranes, including those of the stomach, mouth, intestines, and esophagus. It can also relieve inflammation of the respiratory tract, reduce hoarseness and coughing, and help with any respiratory infections.
Borage – Effects on the skin
Thanks to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, borage oil is also widely used in cosmetics. These acids are equally important for the condition of our skin. They play a key role in the formation of ceramides. These compounds bind the upper layer of the epidermis, thus protecting our skin from excessive dryness and irritation. In addition, it can moisturize the skin, thus preventing chapping and the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, the oil of this plant is included in many skincare cosmetics. They are especially suitable for dry, irritation-prone, mature, and sagging skin. Unsaturated fatty acids can also accelerate the regeneration rate of the epidermis, increase its elasticity, and are excellent for acne skin care. People struggling with psoriasis should also consider using cosmetics based on borage oil.
Borage for women
Borage contains high levels of fatty acids and magnesium. The combination of these two compounds makes it perfect for women's health. It can relieve discomfort associated with premenstrual and menopausal periods. High levels of these two chemical compounds have a positive effect on a woman's hormonal balance, which can improve her well-being. They also eliminate excessive irritability, mood swings, and relieve menstrual discomfort. They can also significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes and breast pain.
Borage – Use in diseases of the gums and teeth
Interestingly, borage oil can be helpful in treating periodontal diseases. These diseases are dangerous because, if left untreated, they can lead to a number of complications. They can even cause tooth loss. Borage oil-based preparations, including toothpaste, are effective in combating gingivitis, but not only that. They can also relieve excessive bleeding in the mouth, swelling, and pain. They can also influence the depth of the teeth in the gums, thereby reducing the risk of premature tooth loss.
Contraindications to the use of borage
Borage preparations, including the oil itself, are fairly safe. However, there are some cases where their use is not recommended. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children, should avoid borage. Furthermore, it may react with some medications, especially anticoagulants. Patients who regularly take warfarin or aspirin should not use this plant oil. This is because it can cause the blood to become too thin and blood pressure to drop significantly. It is also worth making sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in borage. However, an overdose can cause severe diarrhea and flatulence.
Borage – Dosage
Typically, you'll find the exact dosage of borage oil on the product packaging or package insert. However, a safe daily dose is considered to be 3-4 grams of oil, which corresponds to approximately one teaspoon. It's also worth paying attention to the quality of this oil. It's best to choose the unrefined product, as it contains the most active ingredients. Furthermore, it's important to remember that storage is equally important. The oil should be in a dark, airtight glass bottle. Once opened, it is recommended to refrigerate it.
Summary
Borage is a plant with a wide range of effects. It was no coincidence that it was named this way. It could prove to be an effective complement to pharmacotherapy for many diseases. It has a lot to offer, especially for our cardiovascular system, our skin, and our immune system. However, we should consider the possible side effects of its use. There is no rose without thorns.
