Several studies have found that borage extract could help relieve symptoms of asthma by decreasing inflammation and swelling in the airways.

Echium species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Coleophora onosmella and orange swift. Dr. Nina Bailey is a nutritional scientist whose efforts are concentrated within the role of dietary health and nutritional intervention in disease, with particular emphasis being placed upon the role of essential fatty acids in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and depression. Dr. Bailey received her PhD in Cell Biology from Cambridge University. Her doctoral research was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Sheila Bingham at the Dunn Human Nutrition Unit, Cambridge. Nina has published papers with the British Nutrition Foundation and with the trade magazine Network Health Dietician. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for our health, with the most common source coming from fish oils. But what are your options when you’re vegan or vegetarian and don’t eat fish? Echium can be propagated from seed. The best time to sow seed is from late spring to early summer. Sow into a soil based compost, such as Sylvagrow with added John Innes. After sowing, cover the seed lightly and water sparingly to keep the compost slightly damp to the touch. Echium generally germinate well at temperatures of 13-16°C (55-61°F) and benefit from slight fluctuations between day and night temperatures, as this is what they would experience in their natural habitats.

Vegan Omega 3 sources - food

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fats that fight inflammation and help keep our heart, brain, gut, joints and eyes healthy. On the other hand, one study in 38 people showed that taking 5 mL of borage extract 3 times daily improved symptoms of asthma but didn’t decrease inflammation, compared with a control group ( 11).

But when it comes to measuring Omega-3 levels, the likelihood of having lower EPA and DHA levels among vegans is, on average, higher.Before applying, be sure to dilute borage oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or avocado oil, to prevent skin irritation. Meanwhile, DHA has been highlighted for its role in foetal and infant brain development, while ALA may support the maintenance of healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Summary

Further studies should be conducted to determine how borage oil could affect skin health when administered orally or topically. summary Different species have different levels of hardiness (how well they cope with cold temperatures), and it is worth noting that winter wet as well as temperature determines how well a plant survives in the ground outdoors. More information on the minimum temperatures that particular types tolerate can be found in the Echium by hardiness section. Echium grown in pots will be dependent upon you to provide the water they need. If your pots are kept under cover during winter keep the compost on the dry side, water sparingly. What’s more, borage should not be used by those with liver problems or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.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). 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. Most Echium will take two or three years from seed to flowering. Sow seed and pot on plants each year for a display of flowers every summer.