Borage oil is sometimes known as the ‘starflower oil’, thanks to the purple, star-shaped blooms that grace the borage plant. This carrier oil is a great source of fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, B, D and E, and has a number of uses and benefits.

Borage oil uses

With so many vitamins to its name, it’s no surprise that borage oil is a real treat for all skin types. It’s often used to nourish and moisturise the skin and is also used for the topical treatment of skin conditions. Borage oil has a calming effect on the skin, and it can help to reduce redness, inflammation, and hydrate dry skin.

Borage oil is also rich in omega-6, which means it’s a great carrier oil for keeping the hair and scalp healthy. Many aromatherapists use it in homemade dandruff treatments, as it reduces inflammation and restores a healthy shine to hair. Mix a small amount of borage oil with another carrier oil to create your own blend.

One of borage oil’s most common uses is as a natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. Some patients find that the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help to calm the pain of the disease. Research is still ongoing into the extent of borage oil’s impact on the symptoms, but studies show it has been used by many patients with positive results. There is also evidence to suggest borage oil may help fight the symptoms of asthma, depression, coughs, and dry skin – but again, further research is required.

Please note that borage oil is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Borage oil benefits

One of the biggest benefits of using borage oil is its high gamma linoleic acid (or GLA) content. This fatty acid is believed to help calm inflammation caused by many ailments, making borage oil a great choice for use in a remedial massage blend, bath, or cream. Add a few drops to a warm bath to help calm inflammation in the muscles and joints or use it as a carrier oil in homemade massage blends to keep aches and pains at bay.

Some women find borage oil benefits the symptoms of menopause, and it’s also used as a natural treatment to reduce pain in the breasts caused by breastfeeding. Many women also find that the topical use of borage oil helps to calm the symptoms of PMS, balancing the mood and stabilising hormones.

Borage oil is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great oil for use on conditions such as eczema. Why not add this carrier oil to a homemade face cream for regular use?

Borage oil’s GLA content is also beneficial for more mature skin. Using it in a topical skin lotion can help to reduce the early signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Borage oil facts

Colour	Light yellow
Aroma	Subtle, slightly sweet fragrance
Plant part	Seeds
Extraction method	Cold-pressed
Absorption	Leaves a slight oily feeling on skin
Shelf life	Up to 6 months with proper storage in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening