The beautiful star-shaped purple flower has given rise to the other name by which this product is known: ‘Star flower oil’. The oil is rich in Essential Fatty Acids and in particular it is well known as being the richest commercial plant source of GLA, an Omega 6 Fatty Acid which is a key ‘building brick’ in production of the body’s regulatory hormones; it has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of dry/damaged skin tissue. The oil rich seed is pressed and extracted using traditional techniques, the crude oil obtained is then refined to yield a pale yellow, low odor product ideal for both dietary and cosmetic applications.

Tip

Make super nourishing oils, suitable for facial use by blending 10% Borage Seed with light oils such as Camellia and Coconut.

Borage (commonly known as Starflower Oil) is a skin nurturing carrier oil rich in therapeutically active ingredients. It is suitable for all skin types but the experts at Base Formula advise that it is particularly good for mature, sensitive, damaged or hormonally influenced skin. It is also helpful for areas of scarring, cellulite and as an additional moisture boost for facial massage.

Starflower Oil (Borage), so called because of the fabulous star shape of its beautiful blue flowers, is pressed from the seeds of the Borage plant (Borago officinals). Borage Seed Oil has the highest concentration of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) naturally found in any plant source (even higher than Evening Primrose Oil). An essential fatty acid which cannot be produced in our body, but must be obtained from other sources such as food or essential oils. As well as fatty acids Borage (Starflower) Oil also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D and Vitamin E.

 

Description:

 Borage is well known as one of the richest sources of essential fatty acids known to man. It is the richest source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) - up to 25%. This helps to encourage mobile joints and tissues. It is also a fantastic source for Linolenic Acid, Vitamins, and Minerals. Users can apply it to both sunburned and aged skin, though because of the price and oily residue, many will use in dilution with other carrier oils.  Being unrefined, Borage oil has been left in its virgin state after pressing. It has not been run through filters or chemical processes, so stronger colors and fragrances should be expected. This is completely natural.

Uses: 

Borage is often added to other carrier oils for fortification. It is applicable for all skin types and is commonly used in manufacturing, aromatherapy applications and by massage therapists. 

Shelf life: Users can expect a shelf life of 6 Months to 1 Year with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended. 

Cautions: Borage is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

The medicinal effects of borage seed oil, as well as the other parts of the borage herb, were already well-known during medieval times in Syria and Turkish Asia or Asia Minor. The popularity of borage oil subsequently spread into Spain because of the Moorish Arabs, who may have been a source of inspiration for the 19th-century English writer Robert Browning when he wrote the poem “An Epistle Containing the Strange Medical Experience of  the Arab Physician.” In this poem, Browning marveled at “blue-flowering borage,” which were “very nitrous.” Today, borage oil, which is also known as starflower oil (because of the plant’s star-shaped blooms) has been proven by science to have numerous health benefits.

Borage oil is one of the more popular carrier oils used in aromatherapy. Essential oils, which are ultra-concentrated and very powerful, are first diluted in carrier oils before they are applied to the skin during a massage or vaporized for inhalation. Borage oil, which is derived from the seeds of the plant, is especially beneficial for those with skin problems and disorders such as dryness, eczema and psoriasis. It is also reputed to have excellent anti-inflammatory properties and can thus be used to relieve acne swelling. In addition, this seed oil acts as a moisturizer and is utilized as an ingredient in products to reduce stretch marks and to keep the skin looking young and feeling supple. Psychologically speaking, borage oil is said to have an uplifting and euphoric effect and may aid in the prevention of mood swings.

THERAPEUTIC POWERS

The seed of the borage plant, from which the oil is derived, has the honor of being the richest source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), one of the fatty acids that are essential to good health. Borage oil surpasses even evening primrose oil and black currant when it comes to GLA content. GLA plays a key role in bodily functions such as metabolism, blood pressure stabilization and blood clotting, and shortage of this fatty acid has been linked to the emergence of a number of ailments. Clinical trials have shown that borage oil, taken as a nutritional supplement, alleviated symptoms of health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease.

EVERYDAY HEALTH AND BEAUTY

 

Legend has it that Celtic warriors once partook of borage-flavored wine before going into battle to bolster their courage. Today, we use borage oil to fortify us for our battle against everyday problems such as illness and stress. Not only that, it also greatly enables us to keep on feeling and looking good. The people of centuries past have benefited immensely from the therapeutic properties of borage oil, and modern science has validated it for us and for generations to come.