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Borage oil

General Information

Borage oil is an herb found in Syria and parts of the Middle East and Mediterranean. The oil is high in GLA, which is an essential fatty acid that must be obtained from foods and is required for normal growth and development.

Common Name(s)

borage oil

Scientific Name(s)

Borago officinalis L.

Scientific Name(s)

The flowers and leaves are edible and the seeds are used to produce oils that are high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).  Borage oils are also available in supplements. These supplements are taken orally and may come in various forms, including capsules, strips, liquid, tablets, and powders. The dosage ranges from about 3.7 to 5 grams per day, depending on age and what it is being used for. Borage oil has been standardized to 18-27% GLA.

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Borage oil has mainly been used to maintain good health. It has also been used to treat various other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and pressure ulcers.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

There is currently no reliable evidence available for the effectiveness of borage oil for the mentioned uses.

This product is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects of borage oil include:

  • diarrhea
  • feeling bloated
  • gas
  • soft stools

In rare cases, borage oil may cause liver damage.

There may be an interaction between borage oil and the following medications:

  • medications for seizure disorders (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine)
  • blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel, ASA)
  • medications that induce the liver enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4 (e.g., phenobarbital, primidone)

You should avoid taking borage oil if you:

  • are breast-feeding
  • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • are allergic to borage
  • have severe liver disease or seizure disorder.

Stop taking borage oil at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.

Source(s)

  1. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Borage Oil – Professional Monograph.
  2. Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products database. Borage Oil. https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=borage.bourrache&lang=eng

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