With its bristly stems and blue, pink, and white star-shaped flowers, the borage plant is a wonder that has been prized for centuries. Borage is a wild-growing plant native to the Mediterranean region, and this annual plant has been utilized for its healing properties. It is cultivated and naturalized throughout Great Britain and North America, North Africa, and Iran. Borage plant’s botanical name is Borago officinalis and from the Boraginaceae family. The flowers are actually edible and used in traditional recipes in Europe, namely Spain. It is also used as an herb all throughout Europe for treatments for stomach ailments, asthma, high blood pressure, premenstrual syndrome (PMS”>, and hot flashes. The oil is normally cold-pressed for extraction and is prized for its abundant cosmetic, dietary, health, and medicinal benefits.
What makes this oil so special?
Every oil has a primary purpose and borage oil is no different. This magic ingredient is full of essential fatty acids with the most important one being gamma-linolenic acid (GLA”>. Black currant and evening primrose are also praised for having GLA, but borage oil is the highest plant source with the moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is an important Omega-6 fatty acid that is necessary for human healthy. According to the University of Maryland, Medical Center Omega-6 fatty acids aid in normal growth and development and are also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids that help stimulate skin and hair growth.
Read more: You Need these Fatty Acids for Healthier Hair
GLA is great for hair growth and reducing inflammation. Early clinical studies have shown GLA to be beneficial in the areas of:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Allergies
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD”>
- Eczema
- High blood pressure
- PMS
- Menopausal symptoms
Borage seed oil and your hair
Omega-6 helps to promote healthy hair and skin. It helps to treat scalp inflammation, alleviate dandruff, and revitalizes dull hair. If suffering from a dry, itchy scalp, borage seed oil will replenish it.
DIY Dandruff Oil
Try combining both flaxseed oil and borage seed oil, as the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed and the omega-6 fatty acids in GLA rich borage oil make a great combo. Combine:
- 10% borage seed oil
- 90% flaxseed oil or your favorite carrier oil
So, if you are using a dropper use 1 drop of borage seed oil to 9 drops of flaxseed oil.
If you prefer to take borage seed oil orally then consult your doctor for the best dosage of borage seed oil supplements for you. Borage seed oil will also reduce dry skin conditions like eczema and it scavenges free radicals. Omega-6 supplements like borage seed oil should not be used in conjunction with blood thinners.
It can be applied topically to the skin, scalp, and hair. If you would rather garner the benefits through products, here are some popular hair products that have borage seed oil in their ingredient list.
- Avalon Organics Moisturizing Shampoo Olive and Grape Seed
- John Masters Organics Citrus and Neroli Detangler
- Nature’s Gate Nourishing Shampoo Hemp + Argan Oil
- Nature’s Gate Tea Tree + Sea Buckthorn Calming Shampoo
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