Borage seed oil is used for skin disorders including eczema (atopic dermatitis), red, itchy rash on the scalp (seborrheic dermatitis) and a type of skin condition called neurodermatitis. It is also used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), swollen gums, stress, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), diabetes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alcoholism, pain and swelling (inflammation ), asthma, and to prevent heart disease and stroke. Borage oil is sometimes added to infant formula in small amounts to provide the fatty acids needed to promote the development of premature infants.
Borage flowers and leaves are used for fever, coughs and depression.
Borage is also used for a hormonal problem called adrenal insufficiency, for "blood purification," to increase urine flow, to prevent inflammation of the lungs, as a sedative, and to promote sweating. Borage is also used to increase breast milk production and to treat bronchitis and colds.
Borage is applied to the skin for the red, itchy rash on the scalp of children (seborrheic dermatitis) and is also used in a dressing to soften the skin.
In food, borage is consumed in salads and soups.
In manufacturing, borage is used in skin care products.
Borage seed oil contains a fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA). GLA appears to have anti-inflammatory effects. Borage flower may have an antioxidant effect.
Improving lung function in critically ill patients. There is some evidence that borage seed oil, when taken orally in combination with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), could reduce the number of days spent in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the time needed on a ventilator for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Growth and development in premature infants. Infant formula supplemented with fatty acids from borage oil and fish oil appears to improve growth and nervous system development in infants born early, especially in boys.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is some evidence that taking borage seed oil in combination with conventional pain medications or anti-inflammatories may help reduce AR symptoms after six weeks of treatment. The improvement seems to last up to 24 weeks. Improvement is measured as a decrease in the number and severity of painful and swollen joints.
