Overview

The plant Borago officinalis is the source of star flower oil. While the blue star-shaped flowers can be eaten as a vegetable, oil pressed from the seeds is a nutritional supplement and herbal remedy. The borage plant grows throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, and the seeds are high in the omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid. GLA is particularly beneficial because it reduces inflammation in the body, while some other omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because of its GLA content, star flower oil, also called borage oil, provides important health benefits.