Borage oil has been used for many years in traditional medicine to help reduce pain and soothe inflammation – but what is it and what are its primary benefits/uses?
Extracted from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant, borage oil is a popular herbal oil that is typically used for skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. It is generally combined with other carrier oils such as almond oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil and applied directly to the skin.
If you’re keen to learn more about borage oil, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll be taking you on a quick tour of everything about borage oil, including how it’s made, its uses and benefits, its appearance and scent, as well as potential substitutes for this popular carrier oil.
What is borage oil made from?
Borage oil is made from the seeds of the borage plant, which is native to North Africa and parts of Europe.
Once the seeds of the borage plant have been harvested, they are dried and then put through a mechanical press or solvent extraction to withdraw the borage oil inside.
The borage oil is then either used in its raw, unrefined form or sent to factories where it is refined and prepared for bottling.
Uses for borage oil
Borage oil has many different uses, primarily involving treating the skin.
Here are some uses for borage oil that you may find useful:
- Can be used to treat inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and itchy scalp conditions
- May help to reduce swelling and help relieve pain
- Thought to help with menopause and PMS symptoms due to reducing inflammation
Benefits of borage oil
There are many benefits to using borage oil on a regular basis, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Very hydrating
- Helps to smooth out the skin
- Contains omega-3 which helps it to fight inflammation and improve circulation
- Rich source of gamma-linolenic acid
- Low comedogenic rating of 2, suggesting it shouldn’t clog pores or cause acne
- Suitable for dry, normal, and oily skin types
- Long shelf life of 2 years (if stored correctly)
- High in antioxidants
- May help to fight inflammation
- Absorbs slowly into the skin resulting in a non-greasy finish
Borage oil can also be mixed with essential oils for use in other beauty applications. Here’s a guide to 112 essential oils if this interests you!
Appearance and scent of borage oil
Borage oil has a mild scent and is thought to have a slight “fishy” aroma by some people. It may smell differently depending on what other ingredients or carrier oils it has been mixed with.
Take a look at this guide to carrier oils for some ideas as to what you could mix your borage oils with!
It is typically pale yellow in color, however, some manufacturers will bleach and deodorize borage oil as part of the refining process which can result in a different appearance/scent.
Substitutes for borage oil
If you’re looking for a good substitute for borage oil, take a look at the below oils. These oils offer a similar texture, as well as a low comedogenic rating of 2 or under:
- Evening primrose oil
- Raspberry seed oil
- Almond oil
- Arnica oil
Black currant seed oil is also a good alternative to borage oil due to its similar scent and composition – here’s a helpful guide that will inform you all about black currant seed oil if you’re choosing this carrier oil as a potential alternative.
Shelf life and storage of borage oil
Borage oil generally has a shelf life of around 2 years when stored correctly.
It should be kept in a cool, dark place – many people choose to store their borage oil in the refrigerator to give extra cooling effects when used to treat inflammation.
FAQ
Take a look at the below frequently asked questions for more information on borage oil.
Borage oil is unlikely to have any negative side effects when used in moderation, however, we recommend ceasing use if you experience any of the below symptoms:
– Bloating
– Burping
– Headaches
– Indigestion
– Gas
-Nausea
– Vomiting
Borage oil is not the same as omega 3, however, it does contain high amounts of omega-3 which helps it to fight inflammation, improve circulation, and promote a healthy immune system.
You should not take borage oil if you have a bleeding disorder as borage oil may increase the chance of bleeding (particularly during and after surgery.
You should also avoid borage oil if you have liver disease, as borage-related products contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids which may make liver disease worse.
Borage oil has been thought to cause weight gain in the past, however, this is no longer considered to be a correct assumption. Borage oil is rich in nutrients, and may in fact help to suppress appetite and therefore lead to weight loss in some cases.
Borage oil may help to promote anti-aging in the skin as it helps to stimulate collagen production, which can make the skin look more plump, firm, and have more elasticity. All of these results can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thereby combating the effects of aging.
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