Borage oil
2 products
Organic Virgin Cold-Pressed Borage Oil 250ml
Organic Borage Oil 180 Capsules
Source of omega-6 fatty acids
Borage oil is extracted from the seeds of the borage plant (Borago officinalis), an annual herb that has been used for centuries for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes.
Today, borage oil is primarily used as a dietary supplement containing omega-6 fatty acids. The body cannot produce omega-6 fatty acids itself and must obtain them from food or dietary supplements. The oil is very rich in omega-6 fatty acids, particularly gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
The borage plant contains small, black seeds which are cold-pressed to extract the oil. This oil is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets and liquids. It is important to note that borage oil is not the same as fish oil, which is derived from cold-water fish. Borage oil has a higher fat content than fish oil and is a more concentrated source of GLA.
The oil is available in health food shops, pharmacies and online shops such as VITALOVE, and is a popular supplement for anyone wishing to increase their GLA intake. Borage oil can also be used for topical treatment of the skin. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the product label, as too much borage oil can cause side effects.
The borage plant
Borage is a herbaceous, annual plant native to the Mediterranean region, but it is now found in many temperate climates around the world. The plant is known for its edible leaves and flowers, which have a cucumber-like flavour. It is also used for medicinal purposes and as an ornamental plant in gardens.
The borage plant is easy to grow in the garden and can be planted directly into the ground in spring after the last frost, or grown indoors in containers and then transplanted outdoors. Borage prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. It should be planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
When planting borage, it is important to water it regularly and fertilise it monthly. During the summer months, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist and to provide it with sufficient nitrogen. Borage can be harvested throughout the season, as soon as the flowers and leaves are fully developed and ready for use.
The flowers and leaves of borage can be harvested for salads, teas and other dishes. The flowers can also be used to make a delicious syrup. The leaves can be used fresh in salads or dried for later use. The flowers and leaves must be used fresh and should not be stored, as they will otherwise quickly lose their flavour and colour.
Simple production
The production of borage oil begins with harvesting the plant’s seeds. The seeds are then cleaned, dried and cold-pressed to extract the oil. The oil is then distilled to remove any impurities. Finally, the oil is filtered and bottled.
The entire process of producing borage oil is quite simple and straightforward. The oil naturally has a high GLA content, so no further processing is necessary. As the oil is cold-pressed, it also retains its beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants and minerals.
The oil is generally safe, but people taking certain medicines, such as blood thinners or anticoagulants, should consult a doctor before taking it. Furthermore, the oil should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Use in the kitchen
To ensure borage oil works to its full potential, there are a few things to bear in mind, as there are different types of the oil available. The oil is available in both cold-pressed and refined forms, and it is important to choose the right oil for the recipe in question.
Cold-pressed oil is the most flavourful and offers the greatest health benefits, but it can be more expensive than the refined variety. Refined oil is less expensive and can be used in a wide range of recipes.
The oil has a high smoke point and is therefore well suited to sautéing and frying. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can add a few drops of the oil to salad dressings or marinades.
It can also be used to enhance dishes; in other words, you can drizzle it over food just before serving. This gives your meal a nutty flavour and a lovely colour. It can also be used as a cooking oil, for example as an addition to bread or other baked goods.
Borage oil can also be used to make a delicious herbal tea. Simply pour a few teaspoons of the oil into boiling water and enjoy the warm drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
The oil is rather rare and can only be found occasionally in well-stocked health food stores. It is easy to buy it in online shops like VITALOVE. These offer the oil in high-quality and are known for fast shipping.
Borage oil is an oil obtained from the seeds of the borage plant, which is also known as starflower. The plant originally comes from the Mediterranean region but is now also commercially cultivated in other parts of the world, such as Western Europe and North America.
Borage oil is a rich source of GLA and has numerous health benefits, making it a popular dietary supplement. However, it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women or by people taking certain medications.
Borage oil can enhance various cold dishes and provide them with an extra dose of omega-6 fatty acids. It is also available in capsule form for oral intake. It is sometimes used externally as well, either as an oil or in creams and lotions.
Borage is a hardy and easy-to-cultivate plant that provides a rich harvest of edible flowers and leaves throughout the summer. It prefers full sun, plenty of water and fertilizer, and needs to be harvested regularly.
The oil naturally has a high GLA content and is a healthy source of omega-6 fatty acids. It is cold-pressed and therefore retains its beneficial nutrients such as antioxidants and minerals.
