Borage: An Ancient and Contemporary Remedy

The herb borage has been in use since ancient times and modern research shows it can significantly aid in the treatment of acute respiratory illnesses, menopause, PMS, and even arthritis. It has a wide range of actions and is in use in numerous complementary medical treatments.

Borago officinalis, known as borage, is a member of the same family of plants as comfrey: boraginaceae. Native to Syria, borage has long been used throughout the Middle East. The leaves and the seeds can be eaten, but the fatty acid is found in the seeds that contain the active ingredient. Commonly found in British and Eastern gardens, borage tea has been used since ancient times in a cooling ice tea. Used historically for “fainting, swooning, and other passions of the heart,” herbalists also claim that borage rebuilds the adrenals. Traditional uses include use in cough syrups, to treat abscessed wounds, and for scarlet fever and chickenpox.

Borage seeds are high in oils containing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which has an anti-inflammatory action on tissues. Only a few plants synthesize GLA, which is what makes borage unique. Other plants that contain GLA are tobacco, canola (rape seed), and evening primrose, but borage seeds contain 25% GLA, much higher than any other plant. Borage oil also contains the Delta 6-fatty acid desaturase, which maintains cell membrane structure and function, regulates cholesterol synthesis and transport, and prevents water loss from the skin.

PMS
Borage oil is one of the most popular herbs among women over the age of 60. It is used for treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal symptoms.

Arthritis
Evidence has shown borage oil to have an anti-inflammatory effect in relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. There have been no adverse effects shown by taking borage oil during the studies. Daily intake was 1.4 grams of borage seed oil. Joint tenderness and swelling were reduced in participants by 30 to 40%.

Asthma
The GLA in borage oil is also responsible for the immunosuppressant action in reducing asthma symptoms. Studies on the function of the lungs have shown that borage heals lung inflammation by healing injury to the air sacs and the capillaries of the lungs. Asthma treatment with borage consists of 2 grams of oil taken daily for twelve months. Preliminary studies are underway that investigate the immunosuppressant activity of GLA in the lungs.

Ulcers
Borage may have antibacterial effects against Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. Research conducted at the Center for Infectious Diseases and International Health at Royal Free and University College London Medical School in London studied twenty-five plants. They found that the best plant for killing the H. pylori was turmeric, with borage a close second, along with cumin, ginger, chili, black caraway, oregano and licorice. The study showed that borage inhibited the bacteria from sticking to the stomach walls.

Hangovers
Borage oil has been studied to treat hangovers, or possibly prevent them. The studies are inconclusive, and the best treatment is still prevention.

Gingivitis
The anti-inflammatory effects of borage may help heal gingivitis, or gum disease. Similar effects have been shown by the intake of fish oils. For beneficial results, the dose required is 3,0000 mg daily. Similar results were found by taking half of the amount in borage oil and the other 1,500 mg as fish oil.

Research is still underway that investigates the healing benefits of borage in treating cystic fibrosis, malnutrition, and stress.

Borage can be confused in the wild for the poisonous herb, foxglove, so care should be taken. GLA may also increase HDL-cholesterol, though this is not well studied yet. Safe usage is considered to be 1 to 3 grams daily.

Borage is a useful herb that has proven the test of time. Further research will back up the claims that herbalists have long held for the healing power of this wonderful plant.