Borage

Why You Need It

• Skin Health: Deeply hydrates and soothes inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne.
• Hormonal Balance: Can significantly reduce the pain and inflammation associated with PMS and menopause.
• Joint Support: Eases the stiffness and pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Heart & Cell Health: Supports healthy cell membranes and regulates blood pressure.

Deep Dive

Your body can make GLA from other fats, but stress, age, and diet can make this process inefficient. Borage oil bypasses this bottleneck. It is converted into a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Think of PGE1 as your body's internal 'peacemaker'—it helps regulate the immune system, reduces swelling, and keeps blood vessels relaxed. For skin, this translates to less redness and better moisture retention. For women, it helps balance the ratio of estrogen and prolactin, smoothing out the emotional and physical rollercoaster of the menstrual cycle.

Natural Food Sources

Important Distinction: The leaves and flowers of the Borage plant are edible (tasting like cucumber) and used in salads or tea. However, they contain almost no GLA. The potent medicinal oil comes exclusively from the tiny seeds.

Supplementation

Since you would need to eat massive amounts of hemp seeds to get a therapeutic dose, Borage is almost exclusively taken as a softgel supplement.

• Typical Dosage: 500mg to 2,000mg of Borage Oil daily.
• Who Should Take It: Individuals with inflammatory skin conditions, women suffering from severe PMS or menopausal symptoms, and those with inflammatory joint pain.