Borage and evening primrose, real women's oils

Borage and evening primrose oil are both healing oils that work wonders for our overall wellbeing, and are especially supportive of women’s health. Each of these oils contains a rich concentration of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that is necessary for beautiful skin and hormonal health, very similar to the omega-3 fatty acids that are more frequently discussed and associated with powerful health benefits.

How does gamma linolenic acid (GLA) contribute to cellular health and anti-aging effects?

To better understand the potency of both these oils, it is important to get a better understanding of this magical fatty acid that is found in them: gamma linolenic acid, aka GLA. GLA is an omega 6 essential fatty acid with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, much like the omega 3 fatty acids. The metabolites produced by both types of fatty acids work to resolve cellular stress rather than promote it. GLA specifically is able to do this by converting into dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid (DGLA), which in turn is converted into the eicosanoid prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) by means of cofactors. Prostaglandins are fatty acid compounds with hormone-like effects that work everywhere in the body at cellular level. It is the PGE1’s that have the anti-inflammatory and health supporting effects on our cells and are an important bodily defence against premature aging. GLA also helps suppresses inflammation mediators, such as interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, and cytokine-tumor necrosis factor alpha. Furthermore, GLA supports whole-body wellness and skin health by ameliorating cellular stress in the joints, improving the texture and appearance of skin, and maintaining skin hydration.

GLA is considered an ‘essential’ fatty acid as the body cannot make GLA itself, we must get it from outside sources. Borage and evening primrose oils are two of the best ways to get this. Gram for gram, borage oil boasts twice the concentration of GLA than evening primrose oil, but used together they are a powerful healer.

Let us explore both of these wonderful oils in more detail.

Borage oil

What are the health benefits associated with borage oil?

Physalis Borage oil, maybe the lesser known of the two, has been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory for hundreds of years. The oil is derived from the seeds of the borage plant, which has the species name Borago officinalis and is indigenous to North Africa and Europe, blooming from May until Autumn. Other names for the herb are cucumber herb, thanks to its cucumber like taste, and starflower, thanks to its beautiful, distinct star-shaped flowers and the healing impact it has on the people who use it. The oil is a golden yellow colour and can be used topically on the skin or orally as a supplement.

How does borage oil support immune health?

Borage oil is a great all-round superstar for our bodies due to its high concentration of GLA and its potent anti-inflammatory power. It has been shown to especially support our immune health, and to help accelerate cell death of toxic cells, also known as apoptosis. This gives it anti-mutagenic properties, making it a wonderful tool in cancer prevention. Borage oil has for years also been used as a natural remedy for joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis as people have reported a soothing effect, a decrease in swelling, and a reduction in the severity of tenderness following a 6-week treatment. Furthermore, it has been found to improve lung function and respiratory diseases.

For women struggling with PMS such as sensitive breasts, stomach cramps, irritability and muscle aches, borage oil can mitigate these symptoms through regulation of prolactin, the hormone that is responsible for lactation and which contributes to PMS. A daily intake of GLA during the second phase of the cycle might therefore considerably decrease these symptoms. This is why this fatty acid plays an essential role in both hormonal balance and the menstrual cycle.

When supplementing in capsule form, in most cases, for generally healthy adults the typical dosage is around 500 milligrams taken once or twice daily.

What are the regenerative effects of borage oil on the skin?

The protective properties of GLA in borage oil ensure it can work magic on the skin. It supports the maintenance of skin health and barrier function and stimulates the repair of vital skin tissues.

• Borage oil has a regenerative effect, reducing wrinkles and increasing the skin’s firmness and elasticity. It is also useful in helping calm acne and as it is lighter than many other oils, it will not leave your face feeling too greasy. It forms a light protective film over the skin that can protect it from external environmental factors that can cause damage.
• It also has more profound skin healing effects - it has been shown to treat different types of skin inflammation, including eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and dermatitis. For those of you with less severe skin conditions, you will love its calming, nourishing, redness-erasing prowess, its dehydration prevention, and premature ageing power.
• Women with different skin types will benefit from using borage oil: those with a tendency towards dry skin will love its hydrating and nourishing effects, and those with sensitive and acne-prone skin will notice that despite it being an oil, it is naturally less comedogenic (pore-blocking), regulates excess sebum and it is well absorbed.
• This healing oil also contains salicylic acid, calcium, and magnesium. As a result, your skin will become more supple and smooth, plump and radiant, your scars will fade, and dark under-eye circles will appear less.

We love to #beyourownbeautychef, so it can be incorporated into your beauty rituals in different ways: add it to your homemade face mask, put one or two drops in your day or night cream or mix it more generously with your favourite body oil for a full body healing indulgence. As a vegetable oil, the Physalis Borage oil can be used on its own, but it is also the perfect carrier should you wish to use other essential oils to enhance your skin ritual.

Evening primrose oil

Are there any differences between borage oil and evening primrose oil?

Borage oil might be the more potent of the two, but evening primrose oil is also powerful in its own right. And it is definitely the more well-known of the two!

It is an oil derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, Oenothera biennis, and has been used for decennia to soothe cutaneous inflammation, and to treat bruises and minor wounds. Just like borage oil, evening primrose is rich in the omega 6 fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid, but more so in linoleic acid, which are largely responsible for its beneficial effects on the skin and inside the body.

How does evening primrose oil help ease PMS symptoms in women?

Women around the world tend to associate evening primrose oil with easing of their PMS symptoms. Symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, water retention, acne, depression, irritability, foggy thinking, and headache have been reported to subside after using it. Evening primrose primarily helps to raise progesterone levels in women, low levels of which are the cause of these symptoms. For those in menopause, it may even help to reduce hot flashes.

The antioxidant properties in this oil are also advantageous to rid your body of damaging free radicals that result from normal cellular processes as well as inflammation, and exposure to toxins and stress. This anti-inflammatory action has beneficial effects on heart health, peripheral neuropathy and joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the moisturising and soothing properties of evening primrose oil in skincare?

Just like borage oil, evening primrose is highly beneficial in skincare possessing moisturising and soothing properties. It moisturizes and softens the skin, and its anti-inflammatory properties make it a good choice for those with dry, irritated, or inflamed skin, or with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is a rather thick oil that helps improve the skin’s moisture by reducing the transepidermal water loss, and the high level of linoleic acid can help even out skin tone.

Both oils can be used topically or in supplement form. The synergy between the two oils means you get a magical dose of both gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid in the Physalis Evening Primrose + Borage capsules. The potent anti-inflammatory action of these means it is a wonderful natural remedy for alleviating menstrual physical discomfort and ensuring female hormonal balance, as well as contributing towards radiant, healthy skin. Given its active antioxidant effect, GLA has consistently been shown to have a beneficial overall health impact, making it a wonderful addition to your supplementation routine.