Why Is Borage Oil Brilliant For Rheumatoid Arthritis?
19 August 2007 – 1:27 pm
Never Heard Of Borage Oil?
Well, most people haven’t… which I am not surprised about, as it’s not a topic which tends to come up too often.
The borage plant, borago officinalis to give it its Latin name (I’m really trying to impress you), is where believe it or not, borage oil comes from.
In fact, it comes from the seeds of the plant.
It’s a large plant with blue star-shape flowers.
Borage Sounds Pretty, But How Can It Help My Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Well, borage oil contains omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (normally shorten to GLA).
GLA is very important when it come to Rheumatoid Arthritis.
It is believed, that GLA is partly converted by the body into a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1.
Prostaglandin E1 is known to have a strong anti-inflammatory action which is brilliant at reducing the symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
In fact, double-blind trials have backed up these findings.
OK, Borage Oil Doesn’t Seem So Boring Now, But How Much Do You Need To Take For Your Rheumatoid Arthritis?
In successful double-blind trials, 1.4 g – 2.8 g of borage oil was taken daily for at least two months.
Borage Oil Is Natural, But Is It Safe To Take?
Generally… yes, borage oil is safe to take.
As far as I am aware, there’s been no reported negative reaction with medications.
On the other hand, there have been some reported minor side effects in some people of headaches, indigestion, bloating and nausea.
But as with all supplements, please consult your doctor before taking borage oil supplements.
OK, To Sum Up Borage Oil And Rheumatoid Arthritis…
- Borage oil comes from the seeds of the borage plant
- Borage oil contains omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
- GLA is partly converted into a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 by your body
- Prostaglandin E1 has a strong anti-inflammatory action which can reduce the symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis
