Borage Oil & Hair
Obtained from the seeds of the borage (borago officinalis) plant, borage oil offers many health benefits. Native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe and Africa, the borage plant, with its attractive blue star-shaped flowers, also grows well in the temperate regions of North America. A rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), the oil has nourishing, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that support hair, skin and nail health. Often recommended by herbalists to stop hair loss and encourage hair growth, borage oil supplements have risen in popularity as a natural alternative to conventional hair care treatments. Does this Spark an idea?
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GLA
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An omega 6 fatty acid found in plant oils, GLA belongs to the broader essential fatty acid family. GLA is responsible for regulating the metabolism and preserving bone and reproductive health. Compared to other good sources of the fatty acid, such as evening primrose oil and black currant oil, borage oil packs the biggest fatty acid punch due its higher concentration of GLA.
Anti-Inflammatory
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Borage oil has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the severity of symptoms in inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, allergies, asthma and premenstrual syndrome.
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Scalp and Hair
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Borage oil heals common scalp disorders such as dandruff, hair loss and folliculitis because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. The fatty acids in the oil also stimulate hair growth by nourishing and moisturizing the scalp. While internal supplementation works best, some practitioners suggest using the oil topically to treat an inflamed, red and itchy scalp caused by seborrheic dermatitis.
Expert Insight
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Dr. Andrew Weil, clinical professor of health at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, suggests taking GLA supplements such as borage oil or black currant oil to improve hair health and to treat hair and scalp disorders such as hair loss, dandruff and folliculitis. He recommends taking 500 mg of the oil twice a day for at least six to eight weeks to see a visible difference.
Considerations
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Borage seeds have minute amounts of liver toxins called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Although most borage oil supplements don't contain the alkaloid, you should talk to a doctor before starting a supplementation regimen. GLA supplements can interact with some prescription blood thinners such as warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding in some patients. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take the supplement.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit blooming borage macro image by Tamara Kulikova from Fotolia.com
