The National Eczema Association reports that over 30 million Americans suffer from eczema. Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a skin disorder that usually first appears in early childhood. Eczema often clears up by age five, but it can last into adulthood.
Treating eczema naturally with borage oil is considered to one type of eczema treatment. According to a study done at the George Eliot Hospital in the U.K, borage oil has shown to not have any useful applications in treating eczema.
Eczema Symptoms and How You Can Tell if You Have Eczema
A red rash appearing on your body that is dry may be eczema. The rash most often affects your face, the insides of your elbows and backs of knees, but it can appear anywhere. It may or may not be itchy. You may also display tiny bumps that are prone to blistering.
Flare-ups come and go with eczema and some people suffer from eczema on a daily basis. Allergies, heat and moisture are all factors that trigger eczema flare-ups and make it worse.
Properties of Borage Oil and Its Use for Eczema
Coming from the borage plant, borage oil is known as borago officinalis. It also goes by the names of:
- bee plant
- bee bread
- borage seed oil
- ox’s tongue
- starflower oil
The borage oil has gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) and has been thought to be able to treat skin disorders, including eczema. So far, medical studies have not been able to prove this theory.
Traditional and Current Uses of Borage Oil
European history shows that borage oil has had medicinal purposes going back as far as the Middle Ages. The oil has been used to treat many disorders including:
- inflammatory disorders
- arthritis
- chest congestion
- cough depression
- infantile seborrheic dermatitis
- menopausal symptoms
Drugs.com has reported that osteoporosis and diabetic neuropathy may benefit from use of borage oil. Information on effectiveness and safety on borage oil is limited.
GLA does show health and medical benefits but so far it has not been proven to effectively treat eczema skin conditions.
Warnings of Using Borage Oil to Naturally Treat Eczema Rashes
Small amounts of amabiline are present in the borage plant. The amabiline can be toxic to your liver. The safety of borage oil has not been established.
If you are using borage oil, it should be certified free of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (UPAs.)
Side Effects of Using Borage Oil to Treat Eczema Rashes Naturally
You should not use borage oil if you are pregnant. Early studies have shown borage oil to induce premature labor. Constipation is another side effect reported with use of borage oil.
Using borage oil may affect the effectiveness of other medications you may be taking. GLA is also known to lower the seizure threshold in humans.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
National Eczema Association." Eczema Quick Fact Sheet" (accessed October 20, 2010)
PubMed.gov. "Efficacy and tolerability of borage oil in adults and children with atopic eczema: randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group trial."(accessed October 20, 2010)
Drugs.com. "Borage"(accessed October 20, 2010)
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "Borage" (accessed October 20, 2010)
Mayo Clinic. "Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)" (accessed October 20, 2010)
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
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