Borage Oil Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Borage oil, derived from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant, is widely praised for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)—a type of omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. Often used to manage skin conditions, arthritis, and hormonal imbalances, borage oil is available in capsules and liquid form. But is it all good news? Not quite.

Severity of Borage Oil Side Effects

This chart highlights the severity of common side effects of borage oil. Mild stomach upset is the most frequent, while liver toxicity is rare but serious. Proper dosage and consultation with a healthcare provider can help minimize risks.

Common Side Effects of Borage Oil

While many people tolerate borage oil well, some users report adverse effects. Here’s a closer look at what could go wrong:

1. Digestive Issues

Some individuals experience:

• Upset stomach – Feels like a lingering, dull ache that worsens with food intake, similar to mild food poisoning.
• Diarrhea – A sudden, watery bowel movement that may cause urgency and mild abdominal cramps, much like eating something that didn’t agree with you.
• Nausea – A queasy, unsettled feeling in the stomach, akin to motion sickness or the early stages of a stomach bug.

A 47-year-old woman from Denver, CO, reported persistent stomach cramps after taking borage oil supplements for skin hydration. These symptoms typically resolve once the supplement is discontinued or dosage is adjusted.

2. Liver Toxicity Concerns

Certain unprocessed forms of borage oil contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)—compounds that can be toxic to the liver. Think of it as a slow and silent saboteur, steadily wearing down liver function over time, much like rust corroding a sturdy metal beam.

Long-term exposure may lead to liver damage, creeping in subtly with symptoms like persistent fatigue, yellow-tinged skin, and a dull, pressing discomfort in the upper right abdomen—akin to a deep, persistent bruise that never quite fades. In the worst cases, it progresses to cirrhosis, where the liver hardens and loses flexibility, much like a once-plush sponge that has dried into a brittle, unforgiving brick, unable to absorb or function as it once did.

👉 Tip: Always choose a PA-free supplement to avoid this risk.

3. Increased Bleeding Risk

Borage oil has blood-thinning properties, which means:

• It can increase bruising – Imagine bumping into the corner of a table and seeing an unusually large, dark bruise forming quickly, much like what happens when your skin bruises more easily than normal.
• It may prolong bleeding time after injuries – A small cut that should clot within minutes might continue seeping for an extended period, feeling as though your body is struggling to stop the bleeding.
• It can interact with anticoagulant medications (like warfarin) – This interaction can amplify the effects of blood thinners, leading to unexpected nosebleeds or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, much like when you accidentally nick yourself shaving and it just won’t stop bleeding.

A 62-year-old man from Austin, TX, who was on blood thinners for a heart condition, experienced frequent nosebleeds after introducing borage oil to his supplement regimen.

4. Allergic Reactions

Though rare, some users develop allergic reactions such as:

• Skin rashes – Can range from mild redness to severe irritation, feeling like a persistent sunburn or an uncomfortable heat rash that worsens with scratching.
• Itching – Often described as an uncontrollable tingling or crawling sensation under the skin, similar to the feeling of wearing a wool sweater on bare skin for too long.
• Swelling (especially of the face, throat, or tongue) – May feel like a tightness or pressure, as though you’ve eaten something extremely spicy that makes your lips and throat puff up.
• Shortness of breath – Can resemble the sensation of breathing through a straw, making even simple conversations or light activities feel exhausting.

If you have a history of plant allergies, consult a doctor before using borage oil.

5. Hormonal Effects

Since GLA influences prostaglandin production, it may alter hormone balance. Some users, especially women with hormonal disorders, report irregular periods, which can feel like unpredictable cycles with heavier or lighter bleeding than usual—akin to your body’s internal clock suddenly losing its rhythm. Others experience breast tenderness, often described as a dull, persistent soreness or a sharp, shooting pain upon touch, similar to the discomfort felt before menstruation but sometimes more intense and lingering.

Frequency of Borage Oil Side Effects

This chart highlights the frequency of borage oil side effects. Mild stomach upset is the most common, while liver toxicity is rare but serious. Proper usage and medical consultation can help mitigate risks.

Who Should Avoid Borage Oil?

Certain groups should be extra cautious or avoid borage oil entirely:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women – The oil may interfere with fetal development or newborn health, similar to how unregulated herbal supplements can pose unknown risks to a developing baby.
• People with liver disease – Since borage oil contains compounds that can stress the liver, it’s like adding fuel to an already smoldering fire in individuals with existing liver conditions.
• Those taking anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory drugs – The increased risk of bleeding means that even a small cut could take far longer to stop, much like thinning paint that refuses to dry and set.
• Individuals with a history of seizures – GLA can potentially lower the seizure threshold, much like reducing the stability of an already fragile electrical system in the brain.

Editorial Advice

Borage oil has potential health benefits, but it’s not without risks. If you’re considering adding it to your routine, stick to a PA-free, high-quality supplement and consult your healthcare provider—especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications. A little caution goes a long way in ensuring you get the benefits without the drawbacks.