Starflower Oil

Starflower, or borage oil is extracted from the annual herb borage (borago officinalis).

The Benefits of Starflower Oil

This plant contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA) at approximately twice the level of evening primrose oil (EPO). Starflower oil has been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of conditions:

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - it has been shown to eradicate swollen abdomen and breast discomfort as well as reducing irritability and depression.

Eczema and other skin disorders - available on prescription for eczema. Psoriasis may be helped by starflower oil.

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure - starflower oil has been shown to reduce high serum cholesterol and blood pressure, but this may take several weeks to achieve.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - sufferers have discontinued use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after supplementation with starflower oil. It is more effective when taken with fish oils.

Alcoholism - may make withdrawal easier and reduce post-drinking depression.

Immune System - low levels of essential fatty acids may stop the action of interferon, the body's natural virus-killer.

Other conditions - obesity, benign breast disease, childhood hyperactivity and schizophrenia have all been shown to be helped by starflower supplementation.

Properties

GLA) is an important intermediary in the metabolic conversion of linolenic acid into prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 is one of many prostaglandins which are interconvertible, and which modulate the action of many hormones.

Contra-indications / Precautions

Starflower oil should be avoided by persons taking blood-thinning products such as aspirin and warfarin. It is not recommended for people with temporal lobe epilepsy and is probably best avoided during pregnancy due to its effects on hormones.