Borage oil: a natural ally for our health
Borage oil is obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the plant, which represent a very rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, which is a semi-essential fatty acid essential for the proper functioning of our body. This oil is considered a true and just a natural supplement because it is a panacea for the skin, nails, hair, hormonal balance and to treat inflammations.
If you want to know the properties of the other oils, don't miss the video!
Borage oil: what it is and how it is obtained
Borage oil is obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the borage plant, a vegetable that grows wild in Italy, America and Europe. Its blue and purple flowers have a very recognizable star shape, so much so that in the In Anglo-Saxon countries, borage is also called Starflower. Its properties have been known for centuries and its seed oil is considered an elixir of well-being because it is one of the very rare sources (together with the Blackcurrant and Evening Primrose plants) of gamma-acid. linoleic (GLA) of plant origin. The latter is, in fact, synthesized by our body starting from the fatty acids contained in particular foods, such as dried fruit.
© GettyImages
Especially for the female universe, exploiting the beneficial properties of borage oil can have positive effects both for the care of one's beauty and for keeping the hormonal system in balance. The skin, nails, eye contour marked by wrinkles, breasts and hair benefit from it, while internally, it promotes purification. These real floral stars (which are also used as a base for various traditional cuisine) are a beauty elixir rich in omega 6.
© GettyImagesProperties and benefits of borage oil
Cold-pressed borage oil boasts countless benefits. In the cosmetic field it is in fact used for:
- skin care. It has a revitalizing action against dry skin, for skin prone to dermatitis and acne. It regulates the formation of the sebaceous glands and purifies the skin with an anti-inflammatory effect. It soothes irritations, in fact it is perfect for treating eczema, psoriasis , skin rashes and peeling. Furthermore, applying a small amount in the evening, it makes the skin soft and silky. With its antioxidant action it prevents and counteracts the formation of stretch marks because it nourishes the skin, it can also be used in combination with other oils .
- strengthen nails.
- firming the breasts. Borage oil is often used as an ingredient in elasticising creams to be applied to the breasts.
© GettyImages
- is a natural anti-wrinkle. Its elasticizing and antioxidant properties help to counteract the formation of wrinkles and skin aging. It is a real anti-aging agent which is also widely used in cosmetics.
- purifies the hair and fights dandruff.
- makes the skin of babies soft and nourished.
© GettyImages
Borage oil helps hormonal balance
However, borage oil is not only used in the field of aesthetics. In fact, it has been used since ancient times as a rebalancing of the female menstrual cycle because it contains plant-based active ingredients similar to estrogens. It is therefore recommended in case of too abundant or too painful menstruation, as an adjuvant in the treatment of menopause symptoms.
If for use in aesthetics it is applied topically directly on the skin, to exploit its rebalancing properties it must be taken in the form of an oral supplement. It is found on the market contained within small pearls to be taken precisely for cases of menstrual irregularity , amenorrhea and hormonal imbalances. This oil also has therapeutic properties linked to the cardiovascular system and its antioxidant effect. Also in this case it is taken orally as a supplement in pearls.
Borage oil protects against cardiovascular risk
Some scientific studies have shown that borage oil brings numerous benefits also to the cardiovascular system. It is very rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as alpha-linoleic acid (32-38%), linoleic acid (GLA, 18-25%) and oleic acid (15-19%), and has an anti-inflammatory action natural which is useful for treating certain pathologies such as:
- rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome
- atopic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis
- osteoporosis, diabetes and hypertension
- premenstrual syndrome
© GettyImages
How borage oil should be taken
Borage oil is spread directly on the skin with an oil-based product for an aesthetic use, be it nutritional or emollient. For internal use, however, it is taken under medical supervision in the form of a supplement. The dose varies from person to person. , generally speaking of a few grams per day, however, only the healthcare professional will be able to indicate the correct amount.
The only precaution, if oil is used, is to use only a pure product (preferably organic) obtained by cold pressing of the seeds. In this way the beneficial properties of the ingredients will be 100% preserved. As a supplement it is proposed in pearls (sold in pharmacies or herbalists). Usually 1 or 2 are taken depending on the disorder to be treated. This type of supplements can also be purchased online (in this case, home delivery and electronic payment are convenient). The important thing is to choose only certified products from well-known companies. Many of these offer oil obtained from plants grown with the organic method, so that the high quality of the plant is always guaranteed at the base.
© GettyImages
Here's where to buy borage oil:
The Ordinary, Borage Seed Oil - on Amazon at a special price
100% organic, cold pressed, 30ml for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, but useful in case of dry and damaged skin.
Mosqueta's - Extra virgin Rosehip oil - find out on Amazon on a special offer!
30 ml, ideal against wrinkles, scars, stretch marks. Certified organic product.
BIO borage oil 50 ml - 100% PURE - at a special price only on Amazon
For skin, face and hair, cold pressed and suitable for cosmetic and food use.
Naturando Borage Oil Capsules - discover the special offer on Amazon now
Food supplement based on borage oil.
Does borage oil have any contraindications?
It being understood that borage oil-based products, whether they are supplements or otherwise, must always be consumed by the expiration date, in general, people who have already shown intolerance towards natural ingredients must pay more attention.
People allergic to the active ingredients contained in borage should not take it. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it, as well as those who have recently undergone surgery or are prone to allergies. It should be absolutely avoided if you are taking the following drugs:
- oral anticoagulants
- psychotropic drugs
- neuroleptic drugs
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
The most frequent contraindications concern the onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal swelling, profuse bleeding.