Borage oil

Borage, scientific name Borago officinalis, is a spontaneous plant characterized by hairy leaves and small flowers of a beautiful blue-violet color. In a previous post we saw how this plant was used for cooking, today we will see in detail the properties of the oil obtained by pressing borage seeds, both for internal and external use. The seeds are in fact rich in gamma-linolenic acid with a powerful antioxidant action, able to counteract the aging processes and inflammations and helpful in case of rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, this oil protects the cardiovascular system and improves bone health by fighting osteoporosis (Tasset-Cuevas et al, PLoS One, 2013). In addition to this, borage oil also contains phytoestrogens, substances similar to female hormones and thus able to regulate hormone production. Thanks to this characteristic, borage oil can be used in menopause to soothe and attenuate symptoms related to this period such as hot flashes and bad mood, but also in case of heavy periods, ovarian cysts and premenstrual syndrome. But borage oil also acts on skin levels by making the skin elastic and counteracting the aging process, it helps keep the skin young and hydrated and plays a role in attenuating wrinkles, according to scientific study published a few years ago by a Germanic team (Brosche et al, Arch Gerontol Geriatr, 2000). If possible, it is always better to choose cold-pressed borage oil produced without the use of solvents. You can find this oil in pearls in herbalist’s or chemist’s shops, the dosage is a pearl per day for a month but ask always your doctor before starting any treatment in order to avoid interactions with drugs already in use and to consider the personal situation. Alternatively, for an anti-aging action on the skin, you can apply borage oil directly on the face. You can also use it around the eyes, it helps tone and hydrate the skin and stimulates the production of collagen.