Evidence supporting the use of: Borage
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Borage (Borago officinalis) has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for a variety of female health concerns, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The seeds of borage are rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. Historically, herbalists have recommended borage oil to address symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood swings, and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. However, the scientific evidence supporting these traditional uses is limited. Most clinical studies involving borage oil and GLA have focused on other inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or eczema, rather than PMS specifically. Some studies on evening primrose oil (another source of GLA) have shown mixed results for PMS symptoms, but direct research on borage oil for PMS is sparse. Therefore, while there is a basis in tradition for using borage to support PMS, robust clinical validation is lacking. Anyone considering borage supplements should consult a healthcare professional, as borage oil may have side effects or interact with medications.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Borage
ArthritisAsthma
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Eczema
Edema
Inflammation
Influenza
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Stress
Wounds and Sores