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Overview: Borage is a plant called Borago officinalis. The oil from its seeds is found in dietary supplements and skin care products. These products may be used to help with various skin problems and to improve the overall health of the skin, hair, nails, and joints. However, the benefits of these products are not well defined. Common side effects may include an upset stomach. Although less common, the leaves and flowers of borage are sometimes used to make borage tea. Before using borage, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are using.

Uses

What is borage used for?

The seed oil from borage (Borago officinalis) is used for various reasons, but its benefits for any use are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use borage seed oil include the following.

  • Acne
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  • To improve the health and appearance of the hair, skin, and nails
  • To improve joint health

Note: Borage seed oil is available over-the-counter in skin care products and as a dietary supplement. The FDA has not reviewed borage seed oil for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about cosmetics here. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does borage work (mechanism of action)?

Borage, or starflower, is a plant called Borago officinalis. The leaves and flowers of the plant are sometimes used to make tea. However, most products that contain borage are made from its seed oil. This oil, which is also called starflower oil, contains large amounts of fatty acids, including an omega-6 fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Borage seed oil is found in dietary supplements and skin care products. Some of these products may also contain seed oils from other plants that contain large amounts of GLA, such as evening primrose.

Herbal products, like borage, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific borage product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store borage?

You should store borage according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of borage?

The most common side effect of borage seed oil is an upset stomach. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of borage that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of borage?

While less common, the most serious side effects of borage are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Borage may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using borage and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use borage?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use borage.

  • Borage
  • Borago officinalis
  • Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
  • Starflower
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific borage products they stock.

What should I know about borage before using it?

Borage leaves and flowers are sometimes used to make tea. Borage seed oil is available in skin care products and as a dietary supplement. Borage products cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep borage out of the reach of children.

Some parts of the borage plant may contain chemicals known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals can cause serious health problems when taken by mouth in large amounts. Although borage seed oils may contain small amounts of PAs, these products are usually processed to remove PAs completely. However, teas that contain borage leaves and flowers may contain small amounts of these chemicals. It may be best to limit the amount of borage tea that you drink.

Herbal products, such as borage, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific borage product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested borage seed oil products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using borage?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if borage is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how borage could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Some of the substances in borage seed oil, such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), pass into breast milk. It is not known if borage tea passes into breast milk, but it may cause harm to an infant or small child. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does borage interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between borage and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect borage.

Does borage interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between borage and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with borage is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking borage with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much borage?

If you or someone else has used too much borage, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Borage teas are usually made from the leaves and flowers of the plant. Most dietary supplements and skin care products that contain borage are made from its seed oil. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take borage safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.