Borage Seed Oil for Gout

 Borage seed  oil comes from the plant called Borago officinalis, sometimes referred to as starflower probably because of its attractive blue flowers.Borage oil is recommended for gout because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is found in very few plants, other than hemp, blackcurrant seed, and evening primrose.

The leaves and flowers of borage contain pyrrolozidine alkaloids, these substances are thought to damage the liver and cause cancer, although there is no research available to support these claims, the leaves and flowers are no longer available to the public.However the FDA have not managed to withdraw the multitude of OTC pills and potions which have been proven to cause liver and kidney damage, heart attacks, and GI bleeding!

Way back in 1597 the healing properties of Borage were mentioned by the herbalist John Gerard, centuries before Dioscorides and Pliny was used " steeped in wine to induce absolute forgetfulness". Mrs M Grieve in the Modern Herbal says of Borage's medicinal properties:" Diuretic, demulcent, and emollient. Borage is much used in France for fevers and pulmonary complaints. By virtue of it's saline constitutents, it promotes the activity of the kidneys and for this reason is employed to carry off feverish catarrhs". " Externally it is used as a poultice for inflammatory swellings".

As you can see Borage leaves and flowers have been used for centuries, however, no long-term studies have been done on the side effects, so it's not recommended that you take it in herb form. Far better to take the oil, for the restrictions on the use of the flowers and leaves do not apply to the ingestion of the oil. The anti-inflammatory properties  of borage oil indicate it to be an effective treatment for  diseases such as arthritis, gout, diabetic neuropathy, and  hypertension. Read more:Borage Oil for Gout

References: Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal. Published Penguin Books 1980.

Vegetarian Borage Oil Caps Promotes Flexible Joints & Healthy Skin. Health From The Sun 100% Vegetarian BORAGE OIL is the first borage oil in a 100% Vegetarian capsule. Borage oil is nature's best source of GLA, an important omega-6 fatty acid which is rarely found in food.