Borage: properties, use, contraindications

Borage is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant, useful for the heart. What are the properties? Does borage also have side effects?

Borage ( Borago officinalis ) is a plant of the Boraginaceae family. Its seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and are used for their anti-inflammatory and protective properties of the cardiovascular system. Let's find out better.

Properties of borage

The seeds of the borage contain polyunsaturated fatty acids (alpha-linoleic acid 32-38%; linoleic acid 18-25%; oleic acid 15-19%), with anti-inflammatory properties for the tissues, rebalancing the female hormonal system and protecting the system cardiovascular .

From the seeds of the plant, in fact, through a process of cold pressing, a vegetable oil is obtained, useful in pathologies of the skin with allergic component, such as eczema, dermatosis, psoriasis.

Thanks to the presence of phytoestrogens, which perform a balancing action on the female hormonal system, this oil is used in phytotherapy in case of irregularities in the cycle, menstrual pain, amenorrhea, ovarian cysts, to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause . Furthermore, due to the high content of plant hormones, it is often included in the formulation of products for firming the breast and for skin disorders and impurities related to the cycle such as acne, excessive sebum production and blackheads.

For external use: it can be used directly on the epidermis of the face, as a natural and powerful anti-wrinkle eye contour, or to combat unsightly skin spots or against stretch marks. Its use is very indicated for the antioxidant action carried out by its active ingredients, capable of counteracting skin aging and regenerating dry skin .

Clinical studies have revealed that the efficacy of internal intake of borage oil, in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, derives from its ability to promote the production of prostaglandins of series 1 (PGE1), with anti-platelet, cardioprotective activity antisclerotic, vasodilator. On these assumptions are based many therapeutic properties ascribed to borage oil as a source of omega 6, in the reduction of cardiovascular risk, the control of high cholesterol and hypertension and the adjuvant anti-inflammatory action in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis .

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Method of use

INTERNAL USE

Borage oil is found both in the form of vegetable oil, with which you can season dishes in a dose of 1-2 tablespoons a day, absolute or combined with olive oil.

On the market it is also found as a food supplement in the form of pearls to be taken in the amount of 1-2 per day depending on the disorder to be treated

EXTERNAL USE

Borage oil can be used directly on the skin, preferably in the evening to take advantage of the antioxidant and repairing action on dry skin or in the presence of wrinkles; or be added to your cream to enhance the anti-aging effect.

Contraindications

Borage oil is contraindicated in subjects taking anticoagulants due to the gamma-lineolic acid contained in the seeds which can increase the clotting time.

Description of the plant

Herbaceous plant, often grown as an annual, can reach a height of 80 cm. It has oval elliptic, petiolate leaves, which have a rough down, dark green collected in a basal rosette 10-15 cm long and then smaller on the stem.

The flowers have five petals, arranged like a star, of blue-violet color, in the center are visible the anthers deriving from the union of the 5 stamens. The flowers are summit, collected in groups, hanging in full bloom and of short duration. They have long pedicels.

The fruits are achenes that contain within them several small seeds, from which this precious oil is obtained.

Borage habitat

Native to the East, and is widespread in most of Europe and Central America, where it still grows spontaneously up to 1000 m asl It is cultivated in all temperate regions of the globe.

You can learn more about the properties, use and contraindications of borage essential oil

Background

The name derives from the Latin borra (rough wool fabric), due to the hair that covers the leaves. Others derive it from the Arabic abu araq (= father of sweat), through the medieval Latin borrago, perhaps due to the plant's sweat properties .

In ancient folk medicine, leaves and flowering tops were used to lower fever and calm the cough . It was also known as a diuretic and emollient for soft tissues, due to the mucilage.

Since ancient times the plant has a reputation for awakening vital spirits. According to Plinio " A decoction of borage drives away the sadness and gives joy of life".

Currently the therapeutic use in releasing quantities of borage leaves and flowers in the raw state is not recommended, both for the insufficiency of medical evidence (both positive and contraindications), and for the fact that the raw petals and leaves would contain, in quantity not yet well defined, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, with potential hepatotoxic and carcinogenic activity.