Therefore, getting EPA and DHA from food, and dietary supplements, is the most practical way to increase how much Omega-3 you have in your system and make sure you’re getting enough of it every day. That said, a large review of 27 studies observed that borage oil supplements were not effective at relieving symptoms of eczema when taken orally ( 14). Consuming too much Omega-6 from vegetable oils or having deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as zinc can also hinder the conversion process. Summary Propagating from seed is an inexpensive method of increasing your Echium plants, and cost free if you collect seed from existing plants. Some species will self-seed and you will find young plants at the base of the parent plant that can be transplanted elsewhere. Usually only seed collected from Echium species are the same as the parent plant . Seedlings from a named cultivated variety are likely to be extremely variable in appearance. The Latin genus name Echium comes from the Greek ἔχιον echion, referring to Echium plantagineum [4] and itself deriving from ἔχις echis ( viper); the Greek term dates to Dioscorides, who noted a resemblance between the shape of the nutlets and a viper's head. [5] The genus Echium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.

Echium differ greatly in size. E. pininana and E. ‘Pink Fountain’ can exceed 4m (13ft) in height, whereas E. vulgare reaches about 50cm (20in). Many of the shrubby species reach about 1.5m (5ft) Borage oil also boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help promote wound healing and repair your skin’s natural barrier ( 12). Another animal study demonstrated that administering borage seed oil to mice decreased age-related markers of inflammation ( 9). da Costa, Ricardo Pires (2019). The pollinator community of the Madeiran endemic Echium candicans: individual-based network metrics, relation with plant traits, and pollinator behaviour (PDF) (Master's thesis). University of Lisbon.Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds are rich in ALA, while algae, such as spirulina and chlorella contain EPA and DHA. On the whole, people who eat a plant-based diet don’t tend to struggle to get enough Omega-3 in their diet because there are so many food sources that contain it (we’ve listed some examples below).

In one study, consuming capsules containing borage oil and echium seed oil daily for 3 weeks decreased levels of inflammation in 37 people with mild asthma ( 2). In fact, one study in particular revealed that people who follow a vegan diet tend to have intakes above the recommended amounts for Omega-3 fats. 4 Omega-3 is a group of polyunsaturated fats that are responsible for helping keep our heart, brain, gut, joints and eyes healthy.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fats that fight inflammation and help keep our heart, brain, gut, joints and eyes healthy. ALA is mainly found in plant oils, such as flaxseed, soybean and canola oils. Meanwhile, DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood. 1 Therefore, more research is needed to evaluate how borage extract may affect asthma and inflammation. May promote skin health

Flaxseed oil is generally well known for its high content of ALA, (comprising around 58%) and, until recently, had bee a clear favourite source of omega-3 for non fish-eaters. However, it appears that the health benefits of flaxseed oil may not be as significant as originally thought and that vegan in particular who rely on flaxseed oil for their omega-3 may be at an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Years of research have now given an alternative to all omega-3 followers. A novel source of omega-3, derived from the seeds of the plant Echium Plantagineum, is now easily available to vegetarians and vegans and the overwhelming health benefits are receiving a lot of attention. But when it comes to measuring Omega-3 levels, the likelihood of having lower EPA and DHA levels among vegans is, on average, higher. Keep in mind that the borage plant also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are compounds that can be toxic to the liver and may contribute to cancer growth ( 16). Self-seeded Echium can be left to continue growing where they have germinated, but may need some winter protectionWhat’s more, borage should not be used by those with liver problems or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Omega-3 plays a big role in a wide range of cellular and bodily functions – they’re called essential fatty acids for a reason! Seedlings need to be overwintered at 5-7°C (41-45°F), therefore require a frost-free greenhouse, conservatory, or sunny windowsill. Hardy species (eg. E. vulgare) can be direct sown outside, either broadcast or in drills. Another 12-week study in 43 children found that taking a supplement containing borage oil, along with a blend of other ingredients like fish oil, vitamins, and minerals, decreased inflammation and symptoms of asthma ( 10). Böhle, Uta-Regina; Hilger, Hartmut H.; Martin, William F. (October 1996). "Island colonization and evolution of the insular woody habit in Echium L. (Boraginaceae)". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 93: 11740–11745.