Borage Oil Side Effects

Borage oil is obtained from an annual herb known as Borage. Borage originated from the Middle East, but is now cultivated widely across South America, North Africa and some regions of the Mediterranean. It is popularly known as 'starflower', as the flowers of this herb, have five narrow pointed petals that resemble a star. These star shaped flowers are light blue in color.

The entire plant of Borage is said to be a precious gift to mankind from nature. This is because, the writings of many authors from the past describe the usefulness of borage stem, leaves and flowers to cure many diseases and disorders. Borage, today is a profit making and commercial plant. Therefore, there are many manufacturers that deal into the production and sale of borage oil. There are plenty of borage oil benefits too. Let us proceed to know about them.

Borage Oil Benefits

Borage oil is found to be useful in skin care and in the treatment of inflammatory and rheumatic disorders. Moreover, it is also believed to be an effective diuretic. Some other common benefits of borage oil include, improving the blood circulation, preventing blood clotting and preventing the growth of prostate cancer cells in males. The gamma linolenic acid (GLA) content in borage oil helps in decreasing the level of body serums and therefore keeps the body away from heart diseases and high cholesterol problems. Researches have also proved that borage oil is essential to improve peripheral neuropathy. Borage oils proves vital in the treatment of infertility, premenstrual symptoms, hot flash etc. in females.

Quite possible that after reading the several benefits of borage oil, one can forget that borage oil can lead to any side effects! Keep in mind, excess usage or improper dosage of anything can lead towards side effects and borage oil is not an exception to it. Borage seed oil side effects, although not very severe or serious, do exist up to some extent! All such common borage oil side effects are the focus of our further discussion.

Side Effects of Borage Oil

Some of the common borage oil side effects are discussed below. However, it is not necessary that everyone who consumes borage oil suffers from these problems. But as borage oil users, it is necessary for you to know about all of them.

Headache
Headache is the most common side effect encountered by the users of borage oil. The probable reason behind this is believed to be the conversion of borage oil into prostaglandin E1after reacting with various human body systems.

Nausea
Borage oil proves to be heavy on an empty stomach. Therefore, if borage oil is consumed with an empty stomach, it won't get digested and would lead to churning in the stomach. Nausea is a result of such a churning.

Indigestion
Indigestion of food is another common problem found in people who consume borage oil. Indigestion probably occurs due to excessive consumption of the oil.

Bloating
Borage oil, sometimes tends to convert into prostaglandin E1 on reacting with the body. This prostaglandin E1 resembles the hormones which cause problems such as bloating and water retention in many people. This is the reason, why borage oil results in bloating in some users.

Hopefully, you must have got an insight pertaining to the borage oil side effects. It is suggested that the side effects of borage oil can be avoided, if it is taken in the right prescribed amounts accompanied with a proper diet. However, before using borage oil, consult a doctor and know whether borage oil is suitable for your health and also get some useful guidelines regarding its usage and dosage.