7 Borage Oil Benefits & Uses

Borage oil is used in traditional medicine as an herbal treatment for skin disorders, pain and inflammation. It's a natural substance that contains high levels of gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 anti-inflammatory fatty acid found in certain plant oils. Thanks to GLA, borage oil benefits include the ability to reduce ADHD symptoms, heal respiratory infections, relieve menopause symptoms, fight chronic fatigue syndrome and even help fight cancer.

Borage Oil Benefits

1. Provides Anti-inflammatory Properties

Borage oil benefits include the ability to provide the body with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that GLA can help reduce inflammation, improve overall health and fight premature aging. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids both play an important role in fighting off disease. They help control the release of molecules in the body that are responsible for inflammatory responses. (1)

2. Fights Cancer

Borage oil benefits include the ability to provide the body with powerful antioxidants that fight disease, including cancer. Studies have shown that borage seed oil and GLA are able to fight the growth of cancerous cells, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-mutagenic properties. Research has shown that borage oil benefits include the ability to significantly shorten the life span of toxic cells, while prolonging the span of healthy ones, suggesting that the oil may play an important role in natural cancer treatment. (2)

3. Lowers Arthritis Symptoms

Borage oil benefits include the ability to reduce pain linked to rheumatoid arthritis. The GLA in borage oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain without the use of medications. GLA can also help reduce swelling and tenderness in the joints.

4. Fights Eczema and Skin Disorders

Borage oil benefits include the ability to treat inflammatory skin disorders. Like other natural eczema remedies, GLA works to reduce inflammation and hydrate dry, irritated skin. It helps to correct deficiencies in skin oils that can cause eczema flare-ups. (3)

5. Helps Heal Respiratory Infections

Research has shown that borage oil benefits include the ability to heal respiratory infections, including those caused by the common cold or flu. The oil helps reduce inflammation that causes congestion and worsens respiratory symptoms. It can also help improve lung function and speed healing.

6. Aids in Growth and Development

Borage oil benefits include the ability to aid in the body's growth and development. Research has shown that infants and babies who receive borage oil supplements have better rates of growth and development, compared to those who do not receive the supplements. The fatty acids in borage oil help support healthy central nervous system development and reduce the risk of premature birth.

7. May Help Lower Fat Accumulation

Studies suggest that boarage oil benefits may include the ability to help with weight loss by lowering fat accumulation. In a 2000 study, researchers found that GLA had protective effects against fat accumulation, suggesting that GLA supplementation may help reduce body fat. (4)