|
Borage oil psoriasis remedies may improve psoriasis both with a dietary intake and with a topical application of Borage oil.
Borage
Borage (aka "Starflower") is a wildflower, found wild in almost all parts of the world. Borage plant originated from Syria, but was later naturalized also in Asia, Europe, North Africa, and South America.
Borage flowers have 5 narrow triangular petals, which make them look like little stars. Flowers are usually blue, but may also be pink or white.
Borage oil is obtained from the Borage plant seeds and is usually marketed as "Starflower oil" or "Borage oil".
There also exist "combination" products containing a blend of the most beneficial and the most lacking in our diet fatty acids: GLA acid (Borage oil), ALA acid (Flax oil), and EPA + DHA acids (Fish Oils). Such blends are usually called Omega 3-6-9.
Borage - the highest source of Gamma-linolenic acid
Borage is the highest known source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) - 17-28%.
Borage seeds contain even more GLA - between 26-38%. Due to its high concentration of GLA, Borage Oil has begun to replace traditional GLA-supplementing oils such as Evening Primrose Oil (8-10% GLA) and Black Currant Oil (15-17% GLA).
Gamma-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is a polyunsaturated Omega-6 fatty acid.
Dietary Intake of GLA:
- improves the health of cell membranes;
- improves the cellular metabolism;
- helps with inflammation;
- improves the blood properties.
Topical Application of GLA:
- helps to maintain the epidermal barrier, to coat the skin and help to regulate the hydration of the skin;
- accelerates the healing processes in damaged skin;
- improves the overall state of the skin;
- helps to maintain cell structure and function keeping skin moisturized, smooth and healthy;
- has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, helps to reduce dryness and itching, providing relief from symptoms associated with psoriasis;
- can improve the skin cell proliferative activity and therefore to decrease the scaling.
Borage Oil Usage for Psoriasis Treatment
NOTE! Borage oil should not be heated, and must be used cold to retain its health benefits.
Dietary Intake
There are indications that Borage Oil dietary supplements may improve the symptoms of psoriasis.
Borage Oil is available as liquid oil or in a form of easy-to-swallow capsules.
Try supplementing your diet with 2 Borage oil capsules taken 1-3 times daily (a total of 2-6 capsules per day), depending upon the indications on the container.
Expect for an improvement to begin during the first 2-4 weeks of therapy. Best results are usually noted within 2 months from the beginning of the treatment.
If you prefer liquid Borage oil - on a daily basis mix the amount similar to the amount indicated for the capsules into your food.
Topical Use
Either use liquid Borage oil or the Borage oil capsules (simply pierce the capsules to release the oil) - apply the oil directly to the affected psoriasis areas.
Expect for an improvement to begin during the first 2-4 weeks of the therapy. Best results are usually noted within 2 months from the beginning of the treatment.
Borage Oil Usage for Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment
Studies show that dietary supplementation with Borage oil reduces the clinical symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. GLA, contained in the Borage oil, reduces pain and joint stiffness, and decreases the number of affected joints in the people with arthritis.
One study showed that the people, who received 2.8 grams of GLA daily for 12 months (the equivalent of about 11 grams of Borage Oil), experienced significant improvements in their symptoms within the first six months of the study.
Usage of GLA for arthritis is recommended by The Arthritis Foundation in their 1999 Guide to Alternative Therapies.
What works for Rheumatoid Arthritis, may work for the Psoriatic Arthritis as well.
Start with 6-10 grams of Borage Oil daily.
Expect for an improvement to begin during the first several weeks of therapy.
All Essential Fatty Acids in One = Omega 3-6-9
Many manufacturers also offer "combination" products containing a healthy blend of fatty acid oils including Borage (GLA acid), Flax (ALA acid), and Fish Oils (EPA and DHA acids).
GLA, ALA, EPA and DHA are the most beneficial and the most lacking in our diet of fatty acids, therefore supplementing these acids with a daily dietary intake is usually very beneficial for the overall health of a person, including the improvement of Psoriasis Symptoms.
Supplements containing GLA, ALA and EPA+DHA acids are usually called Omega 3-6-9, and cost about $10-15 for 100 capsules bottle. You will usually be advised to take 2 of such capsules 1-3 times daily (a total of 2-6 capsules daily), depending on the indications on the container.
 |
