Borage Seed Oil vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Borage Seed Oil

Borago officinalis semen

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

Borage Seed Oil

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Seed oil with highest known GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) content; used for skin conditions, PMS, and inflammation.

West African tree whose seeds produce shea butter, used widely in traditional medicine for skin conditions, anti-inflammatory applications, and food.

Active Compounds

gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, erucic acid, vitamin E

triterpene alcohols, allantoin, cinnamic acid esters, stearic acid, oleic acid

Traditional Uses

Skin conditions in European herbalism, PMS and hormonal conditions, Anti-inflammatory oil, Adrenal support

skin conditions, wound healing, inflammation, muscle pain, sun protection

Modern Uses

GLA supplement, Skin conditions, PMS relief, Anti-inflammatory

skin moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, UV protection

Adult Dosage

500-2000mg GLA daily; topical as needed

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Pregnancy caution, Blood thinners interaction

allergy to shea

Side Effects

GI upset in high doses

rare allergic contact dermatitis

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E