• What is borage oil and what are its properties?
• How to use borage oil
• Borage oil – dosage and possible contraindications

With the growing interest in a healthy lifestyle, healthy nutrition, and natural cosmetics, the popularity of various types of plant oils is also increasing. We hear a lot about the wonderful properties of coconut, argan, jojoba, and grape seed oil. Borage oil also belongs to this group. It's worth learning about its health-promoting properties and exploring how to use it in your daily skincare routine.

What is borage oil and what are its properties?

Borage, or Borago officinalis , is a European plant with characteristic blue flowers and a distinct cucumber scent. The seeds of this plant produce an oil with a delicate flavor and aroma that contains valuable nutrients and health-promoting properties. It includes, among others:

• Gamma-linolenic acid, the so-called GLA
• Vitamins A, C,
• Magnesium,
• Potassium,
• Zinc,
• Iron .

Thanks to the content of valuable minerals and GLA acid, borage oil supports the body in situations such as:

• Weakness,
• Sleepiness,
• infections,
• Muscle cramps and pain,
• Skin inflammation.

and delete the properties:

• antibacterial and antiviral,
• detoxifying,
• supports the prevention of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and the circulatory system,
• helps relieve coughs,
• helps reduce inflammation in the body,
• supports the digestive system, has a calming and protective effect on the stomach,
• supports the absorption of nutrients into the body,
• helps maintain proper cholesterol levels in the blood.

Borage seed oil has been used in cosmetics for years, especially in moisturizing, protective, nourishing, antibacterial and rejuvenating creams, but also in shampoos and hair conditioners.

How to use borage oil

The extract from the seeds of this plant is available both in oil form and as a dietary supplement in capsules. Taking the recommended dose of the supplement daily helps maintain a healthy body. The oil can also be used externally on the body, face, hair, and nails. It can be applied directly to the nails and cuticles to strengthen the nail plate and moisturize the skin. It is also suitable for direct application to the hair along with your favorite conditioner or during the hair oiling process. You can also make homemade body scrubs based on it.

Borage oil – dosage and possible contraindications

Borage seed oil is an invaluable source of gamma-linolenic acid and, when used regularly, offers a number of health-promoting properties, including the ability to fight various types of infections. Therefore, it is good to include it in our daily diet on a regular basis. It is especially recommended for the elderly and smokers. Diabetics can also benefit from it. For preventative purposes, it is recommended to take one teaspoon of oil daily and, once opened, it is best to store it in the refrigerator. It can be used in salads but is not suitable for frying. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with liver disease and blood clotting disorders, and children under 3 years of age.