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Black Currant and Borage Oil - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Ribes nigrum and Baraga officinalis
Herb Description
Black currant and borage oils are the richest known plant sources of GLA (which contains gamma-linolenic acid ), an omega-6 fatty acid & precursor to anti-inflammatory cicosanoids. All most every parts of the black currant (Ribes nigrum) and borage (Baraga officinalis) plants are used medicinally. Black currant berries are also know as quinsy berries, and borage seed oil is also known as starflower oil & gaining much attention by alternative health practitioners and main stream medicine alike for its profound medicinal actions.
Borage oil is taken from the seeds of the borago officinalis plant found throughout North Africa ,Europe and naturalized to North America. Research studies shows that it is good to use for inflammatory skin disease such as atopic dermatitis. Borage oil, contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that the body converts to a hormone-like compound called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). It provides an effective hydration of the skin & fights against the ageing of the skin. It has anti-inflammatory actions and may also work as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator. It is used in numerous products such as face lotions, cleansing milks, day creams and oils of massage.
Uses and Benefits
The leaves of black currant and borage plants historically have been used for numerous rheumatic and inflammatory cases, and as herbal diuretics. It has been used for diarrhea, while borage has been used as an antipyretic, expectorant, and general tonic. It has also been effective to used for symptoms of menopausal and menstrual disorders.
GLA products & borage oil have shown to be beneficial in the treatment of many classic and modern day health problems. Many disease such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, asthma, multiple sclerosis are easily treated with this medication.
Borage oil containing GLA are used for complex inflammatory and other conditions such as eczema, rheumatic disorders, mastalgia, premenstrual syndrome, and diabetic neuropathy. Borage seed oil has been used efficaciously for treating the swelling & joint pain of arthritis , as well as certain skin conditions, and inflammation of the lungs as well as breathing disorders.
Side Effects
Borage oil hold little amounts of liver toxins called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are found in the leaves and stems of the plant. However, clinical testing has not shown the presence of the alkaloid in the seed oil. Minor side effects from borage oil use can include nausea, bloating, indigestion ,softening of stools and headache.
Some cases of diarrhea or soft stools, belching, and abdominal bloating have been reported. Additionally, data regarding the use of black currant and borage oils during pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Call to your doctor promptly if you have any of these uncommon but serious side effects such as stomach pain, stomach upset, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine.
Dosage
- Capsules:
1000 to 1300 mg. Use three times in a day.
- Oil:
0.5 ml may be applied on infected areas. Use three times in a day.
Drug Interactions
There is no well documented interaction have been found.
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