Treat Eczema Problems Naturally With Borage Oil Remedy – Possibly

Oct 26, 2010
Tamara Laschinsky

The borage plant is also called a starflower - Yummifruitbat with permission

Treat your eczema naturally with borage oil. Borage oil reduces inflammation and may stop redness and itching caused by eczema skin conditions and problems.

Over 30 million American suffer from eczema, according to the National Eczema Association. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition of the skin that often shows up in early childhood. While eczema tends to go away as you get older, you may have eczema all of your life. Treating eczema with borage oil, was considered a possible eczema treatment. A study done at the George Eliot Hospital, in the United Kingdom, concluded that borage oil does not treat atopic dermatitis.

Eczema Symptoms

Eczema often appears as a red rash with dry patches of skin that may or may not be itchy. You may see eczema on the inside of your elbows, on the backside of your knees and on your face and neck. The rash may also produce small bumps that blister.

You may suffer from eczema all the time or experience flare-ups occasionally. Heat and excess moisture often trigger eczema rashes, as can allergies.

Borage Oil

Borage oil is derived from the seed of the borage plant. Its scientific name is borago officinalis, and it also goes the names bee plant, bee bread, borage seed oil, ox’s tongue and starflower oil. The oil contains gamma-linoleic acid, GLA, and has been suspected to be able to treat eczema and other skin conditions. Medical evidence so far indicates that borage oil has not been beneficial in treating skin conditions like eczema.

Uses of Borage Oil

Borage oil has been used in European herbal medicine treatments since the Middle Ages, according to Drugs.com. The oil has been suspected to aid with inflammatory disorders. It has been used for arthritis, chest congestion, cough, depression, infantile seborrheic dermatitis and to treat menopausal symptoms. Drugs.com indicates that borage oil may be able to treat osteoporosis and diabetic neuropathy, those information on these treatments is limited.

While GLA does have health and medical benefits, there is no evidence to show that it is useful in treating eczema.

Warnings When Using Borage Oil

The borage plant contains small amounts of amabiline, which can affect your liver. Safety of using this oil has not yet been established.

Borage oil products should be certified free of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids, UPAs.

Side Effects of Borage Oil Use

Borage oil is not safe to use during pregnancy, as preliminary studies indicate borage oil may be responsible for premature labor. Constipation has been reported during use of borage oil. Using borage oil may also interact with other medications. Gamma linoleic acid is known to lower the seizure threshold.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.

References:

National Eczema Association. "Eczema Quick Fact Sheet " (accessed October 18, 2010)

PubMed.gov. "Efficacy and tolerability of borage oil in adults and children with atopic eczema: randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group trial."(accessed October 18, 2010)

Drugs.com. Borage "(accessed October 18, 2010)

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "Borage "(accessed October 18, 2010)

Mayo Clinic. "Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)"(accessed October 18, 2010)