Borage oil: A proven GLA power source

For more than 1,500 years, borage (Borago officinalis) has been used in elixirs and medicinal teas for its healing properties. Borage oil contains up to 24 percent GLA—a much higher concentration than evening primrose (with about 8 percent GLA) or black currant oil (with about 15 percent GLA).

Numerous studies have been conducted with borage oil that demonstrate the oil’s high level of effectiveness when used either orally or topically. Current research with oral supplements has shown borage oil’s ability to augment eicosanoid levels and thereby relieve chronic inflammation. In a variety of other studies, skin disorders associated with essential fatty acid deficiencies proved to have a marked amelioration in both the skin’s appearance and overall health when borage oil was included in the diet.

Additional research with topical applications revealed the oil’s ability to provide the same level of improvement as it did when taken orally. According to one clinical study, even areas where borage oil wasn’t applied healed, proving its ability to penetrate the skin and deliver GLA for eicosanoid synthesis.

GLA—the remarkable rewards

As you can see, adding a rich source of GLA (such as borage oil) to your daily regime is a smart health move. Here are some of its potential benefits.

PMS de-stressor. Those monthly hormonal swings can disrupt GLA production. Studies suggest 480 to 960 mg of GLA every day—2 to 4 g of borage oil—can offer relief from symptoms such as cramps, breast tenderness, water retention, and irritability.

Immune booster. GLA production decreases with viral infection or illness. Supplementing with GLA helps safeguard immune defenses.

Cholesterol reducer. A reduction in PGE1 wreaks havoc on cholesterol levels. Taking 250 to 1,000 mg of GLA daily has been shown to increase PGE1 levels while reducing cholesterol.

Arthritis reliever. Mobility, morning stiffness, and inflammation have all been eased by GLA supplementation. Studies have found that effective dosages are in the range of 1.4 to 2.8 g of GLA per day—the equivalent of 6 to 11 g of borage oil.

In all cases, GLA must be used long-term to achieve maximum benefits. For example, many arthritis patients report that their joints feel looser after six weeks of supplementation, yet they continue to improve for many months when they continue supplementation.

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