Borage Oil: Nature's Miracle Skin Cure

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Borage Oil: Nature's Miracle Skin Cure

by Leesha Chamberlain | April 28, 2014

My Skin Experience and the Basics of Borage Oil

While I can’t claim numerous years of natural living and varied use of a number of different natural remedies, I can attest to the fact that even simple lifestyle changes offer a profound effect. You see, my transition toward natural living and medicine actually just started within the past few years. But, within that time I’ve experienced relief from a number of issues that I had been dealing with since I was young – namely skin issues. And, this was how I discovered borage oil is nature's miracle skin cure.

The Skin “Crud”

Since I was a child, I periodically (more regularly than not) experienced a pervasive skin condition that my family lovingly (I’m sure of it) called the “crud.” I have always had what one could call sensitive skin, but in periods of higher stress, changes of the season, and really any time my skin decided it wasn’t happy, I would break out with the same skin plague.

I’m sure many of you can relate. My skin would become inflamed, itchy, red, and just down right irritated. The condition never seemed to occur in the exact same place nor did it result from the same precipitators, but it would always come and always appear as the same red, scaly, patchy, seepy skin disorder.

After many doctor’s visits and a variety of different prescriptions and suggestions, it was decided -- no one knew what to do for me. Many suggested treating the condition like eczema or dermatitis. I even had a doctor suggest that it was some form of poison ivy or other allergic reaction, and one who wanted to photograph it for use in a medical journal of undiagnosed conditions. (At that point in my life I couldn’t handle the unresolved condition let alone being considered a medical anomaly.)

Borage Oil's Miracle Skin Cure

Like so many others who experience “incurable” or “unexplained” conditions, I was at my wits end and fed up with traditional medicine. So, I began my own search. After visiting a local health foods store, I was still skeptical. But, I had tried everything else, so I decided to take the advice of the naturalist and try a product he suggested called borage oil. Little did I know I would come to view the product as liquid gold – at least in terms of relieving my skin issues!

It seemed that the oil offered almost immediate relief to my skin and my unidentified, untreatable condition. Within just a few days, the inflammation had receded and the rough patches that I had become so accustomed to were softening. I could not believe that after trying so many other treatments with no results that something as simple as putting a little oil on my skin would work, but it sure did!

As I was no newcomer to pseudo-relief/treatment, I still viewed the results of the borage oil with some skepticism. But, when the painful itching, irritation, and inflammation were completely gone within just two weeks, I became a believer. (I had previously dealt with the condition persisting for several months at a time.) To maintain the benefits of the oil without daily applications of oil, I decided to use borage oil capsules and have never had healthier skin in my life.

The Magic of the Mix

Ok, so you’ll have to bear with me. I was so impressed with the benefits and results of borage oil for treating my skin condition that for some period of time, I think I literally considered it a bit of a magic treatment. But really, borage oil is an effective treatment for a number of reasons as it plays a key role in the general health of the skin.

Our skin requires a unique combination of linoleic acid and gamma-linoleic acid to produce prostaglandin 1 or PG1. This combination forms the single molecule that is most responsible for maintaining healthy skin. This PG1 molecule prevents skin inflammation, regulates the water or moisture level of the skin, and prevents injury of the skin. Research suggests that individuals with persistent skin conditions possess an increase in the levels of linoleic acid paired with a distinct decrease in gamma-linoleic acid.

This is where the importance of borage oil lies in treating skin conditions and other disorders. A relatively unique compound, borage oil contains gamma-linoleic acid and functions to deliver these compounds directly to the skin and body. This unique composition and delivery technique helps maintain the appropriate enzymatic activity in the skin and, in turn, maintains normal levels of the all-important prostaglandin 1.

Background on Borage

I understand that if you are a skeptic (like I was) or rather an individual who is accustomed to being well-informed about any and all products you may potentially use on your skin or in your body, you likely need a little more background on the product. The herb is a native to Syria and is now grown throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean. While the flowers and leaves of the plant may be eaten, the seeds are really where the health benefits are concentrated. The seeds are pressed to release the renowned product – borage oil – and are considered to have extremely high concentrations of gamma-linoleic acid.

If you are not a chronic skin condition sufferer, like me, then you may be wondering if borage oil has any other benefits. It does; however, most of those benefits are considered secondary to its primary use in treating skin issues. As borage is an effective anti-inflammatory, it is also often used in treating conditions such as gum disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and premenstrual syndrome.

Take a Bite Out of Gum Disease and Open Airways, Too

You didn’t know you could do that, right? While most treatments of gum disease center on adequate brushing techniques and even prescription medications, a simpler treatment option is chewing gum – gum containing borage oil, of course. Again, in the case of gum disease, the gamma-linoleic acid functions to inhibit inflammation and heal the gums. If you’re not much of a gum chewer, though, a borage oil supplement is just as effective.

Another one of the most touted applications of borage oil is for treating asthma. The fatty acid gamma-linoleic acid is an effective treatment for the inflammation associated with the condition and functions to soothe and heal the air passageways. The fatty acid engages the body’s natural production of anti-inflammatory agents and naturally relieves the condition and other side effects.

Byproducts of Borage Oil

As beneficial as any supplement is, there are always potential side effects. Many of the side effects of borage oil are mild and result solely from taking the oil in capsule form. Intestinal issues including diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, indigestion, and nausea are common. I always take supplements with food to avoid stomach issues and have never experienced any from my daily supplement of borage oil. Additionally, the oil has the potential to thin the blood, particularly if taken in conjunction with other medications. I don’t suggest individuals with bleeding disorders or women who are pregnant experiment with this treatment, even though it is a natural option.

A “Borage” of Bonuses

I have experienced the benefits of borage oil firsthand and can confirm to the efficacy of the oil. Even if you don’t have a skin condition or other health disorder, though, borage oil presents an array of benefits that I would suggest considering.

-Relieving skin inflammation
-Balancing water levels in the skin and body
-Reducing inflammation throughout the body
-Treating chest congestion
-Combating depression
-Managing premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms

Considering those benefits, I suggest even that even typically healthy individuals give borage oil a try. I consider it my miracle supplement, and you just might too.

References

Healthline. Borage seed oil (Borago officinalis).
Sepp, D. T., Borage – A little known secret for maintaining healthy skin.

About the Author

Leesha Chamberlain, a teacher by trade, is an avid Earth Clinic writer and health enthusiast. Her aim is to find natural remedies that work for her and that she can share with others. She has been serving as a freelance writer for the past 6 years and has recently turned that passion toward writing in the health sector. With an emphasis on natural, toxin-free living, she has discovered that health is best achieved with balance through a holistic approach and hopes that you can too.


Seborrheic Dermatitis

1 User Review
3 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Todd (Dana Point Ca) on 05/10/2015
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I am 51 year old man and just got the bad news, I have sebboreic dermatitis, It has been 5 months and I am so depressed from all the things I have tried, including 2 doctors and prescribed meds. I have been using borage seed oil direct on my scalp and body, also using 1000 mg softgels. I notice relief right away from itching, but when I shower and wash it off I get very scaly and dry, does that mean that its working ? like drying it out and I need to continue, I am at a loss for what to do. any help out there.

Replied by Om
(Hope, Bc Canada)
05/11/2015

To Todd (Dana Point Ca) ---

Please be not down hearted at the diagnosis. Be aware that almost all skin ailments are a message from your toxic liver that detoxing has to be gone through before feeding the exterior, as this will only prolong the disease symptoms. Try detoxing according to Timh's post above, definitely take Milk Thistle tincture daily and see the arsenal EC has to offer under "ailments" and "remedies".

Have fresh vegetables juices and only small amounts as it is very potent stuff. Avoid sweets made from white sugar as well as "manufactured" foods. Do it yourself.

Most of all, keep centered on your "core", that all is well but your outer manifestation needs correcting. Use that center inner light to illume your entire body. You are not your disease but the light power that is your center.

Green drinks are great for the liver and all those on a slightly bitter scale like dandelion tea from the whole and unsprayed plant. As well as nettle tea and lots more once you start research online. These herbs also support your kidneys. Stay away from items that are draining you financial. It is absolutely not necessary.

Try to spray ACV with some percentage of water on your skin and let it dry. Coconut oil to moisturize when needed. ACV changes the ph of the skin.

In my opinion, present day the "medical terrorism" exists for extracting wealth from the afflicted which makes the "physicians" our undertakers, preparing us for the end in misery, financially depleted. Take charge of your body and see the light. Do not despair - be confident at all times.

Namaste, Om


Skin Care

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Kari (Pittsfield, Ma) on 05/21/2014
★★★★★

I love borage oil! I used to use primarily flax seed oil or fish oil every day, but switched to borage oil about 6 months ago. I take 2 capsules a day, morning and night. It does wonders for my skin (keeps it baby soft) and I think it helps with PMS symptoms too. Fabulous supplement that I recommend to my girlfriends.


Skin Care
Posted by Christy (Boston, Ma) on 04/28/2014
★★★★★

To Leesha: your article on borage oil is right on the money! I have been using borage oil in lieu of omega 3 fish oil for about 6 months now. I take 2 or 3 capsules per day. My skin doesn't break out anymore and is always soft and dewey. I love it!!!

Replied by Mallory
(Brooklyn Ny)
04/28/2014

I've heard a lot about the great benefits of borage oil. Is it used topically too, or only taken internally as a supplement? Also, can this be taken long term?

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
04/29/2014

Dear Mallory,

I have been taking Borage Oil for almost two years. I take between 1000mg and 3000mg. Sometimes I run out and skip a couple of weeks. It has been very helpful to my skin. I was having trouble with some eczema, but no more with the Borage Oil.

I have tried it externally, but it was easier to take it internally, for me.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Mallory
(Brooklyn, Ny)
04/29/2014

Thank you for responding. So are you saying that you generally don't put the borage oil directly on your skin, but you just take it in capsule form? I have terrible sebborhea on my face. Was wondering if I should apply it topically or just swallow the pills.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
04/29/2014

Dear Mallory,

Yes, I was just using Borage Oil internally for my eczema. It was really fascinating to me that it healed up my skin so well. I had spent 9 months or more trying different home remedies for it, but they were all external. The next thing to try was Borage Oil, internally. I started with 3 1000mg capsules a day. Within a few days I could see a difference. It was a spot on my wrist and the itch would drive me crazy. It wasn't long before it was completely healed. Now when I run out, after a month or two, my wrist will begin to itch and I know I need to start again.

It appears that the author of the Borage Oil article was using the oil externally for a skin problem, at least at first. You could certainly try either or both methods.

I don't know what all you have tried...there are many posts on the sebboreic dermatitis with different things people have tried. Seems like different things work for different people.

Let us know what works for you!

~Mama to Many~

Di
(Sedona, Arizona)
11/12/2023

I cleared up a persistent, angry patch of eczema with a gluten-free diet for two years after a doctor told me the cause originates in the gut. I also took zinc carnosine after reading that it heals peptic ulcers in a government study, so I figured this may heal the gut.

Also, I've heard organic unrefined coconut oil mixed with baking soda is very healing.

Replied by Louise
(South Carolina)
05/27/2014

Glad I found your posts about Borage Oil. I have been taking it for about a year now, on the recommendation of a segment on Dr. Oz. I am also taking ALA supplements. Do I still need to be taking fish oil? I have been taking fish oil for years, and my cholestrol and bp is excellent, and I am 64 yrs. old. In fairly good health, and I am not any meds. I would appreciate your opinion on this, because if I don't need fish oil, along with the borage oil, I will stop taking it. Thank you.

Louise

Replied by C Durand
(Wasilla, Ak)
04/07/2018

Fish oil should ALWAYS be taken, daily! It is used for a variety of supplemental minerals and vitamins that your body needs for basic health, function, immune deficiencies in our diets and for overall good skin, nails, hair and health. It also is a necessary anti-oxident nutrient oil, required for overall health and body functions.

Vandana
(MD)
04/28/2021

When it comes to fish oils, what are good vegan substitutes? I am concerned about mercury in fish oils..I know the manufacturer may claim one thing but another source (medical medium) says to be wary of fish oils in general as they all have some mercury? Any thoughts? And I believe he suggests plant based algae supplement. Just want to put that out there in case helpful... I think I'm going to try the algae one.

Replied by Daniel
(Cornwall, UK)
04/29/2021

I think tuna is supposed to contain mercury and algae oil is very good. I have algae oil and flaxseed oil.