Side Effects of Borage Oil

Borage oil has been used for many years to treat conditions from rheumatoid arthritis to atopic dermatitis and diabetes to PMS with varying levels of success. However, borage oil remains available and is used by many because it is the richest source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Evening primrose oil also has high levels of GLA, but not as high as borage oil.

Bloating

• Borage oil is converted to prostaglandin E1 in the body as long as there is no interference. The prostaglandin is similar to hormones, which at times may cause water retention and bloating. That's why some individuals experience bloating when supplementing with borage oil.

Nausea

• Taking doses of borage oil on an empty stomach causes nausea in many people. The influx of heavy oil can cause the stomach to churn, and this should be expected when taking borage oil.

Headache

• Some individuals experience a headache when taking borage oil. This could be related to the oil being converted to prostaglandin E1 or simply because of the way the body reacts to the properties in the borage oil.

Indigestion

• Many preparations of borage oil have high dosages. Ingesting a large amount of oil may cause indigestion in some people, and this is a common side effect of supplementing with borage oil.

Take With Food

• The recommended way to reduce the potential side effects of borage oil is to take it with food. The food provides a buffer and helps the body absorb the borage oil without the annoying side effects.