Botanical Name: Borago officinalis is derived from the Celtic word borrach, which means "a person of courage."
Aromatic Description: Borage Oil (Borago officinalis) is a precious botanical oil derived from the seeds of the borage plant, commonly known as the "herb of courage." It carries a subtle, slightly nutty, and herbaceous aroma that is not typically used for its scent alone. Instead, it is highly valued for its therapeutic richness, particularly its unmatched content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 essential fatty acid that offers powerful regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects.
Symbolically, Borage is deeply connected to bravery, renewal, and emotional resilience. In historical folklore, it was often given to warriors before battle to instil courage and strength. In modern healing practices, Borage carries this same energetic imprint, supporting those going through emotional upheaval, grief, or personal transformation. Its energy encourages a return to one’s emotional centre and instils quiet strength in times of vulnerability.
Borage Oil resonates strongly with the Heart Chakra (Anahata). Aligning with this energetic centre facilitates emotional healing and balance, helping to clear blocks that hinder self-love, compassion, and forgiveness. It especially benefits those who carry emotional burdens or struggle to express their feelings openly. Borage opens the heart gently, allowing for the release of sorrow and the cultivation of inner peace.
Chemically, Borage Oil is a powerhouse of skin-loving nutrients. It contains between 20–25% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), making it one of the richest natural sources of this fatty acid. It also includes linoleic acid (30–40%), oleic acid (15–20%), and smaller amounts of palmitic and stearic acids—all of which contribute to its deeply moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and barrier-repairing properties. Tocopherols (vitamin E) provide antioxidant protection, making it a well-rounded oil for therapeutic use. Borage Oil is revered in skincare for its ability to restore compromised skin. It helps to heal and soothe conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea. Its regenerative properties improve skin texture and tone, reducing the appearance of fine lines, enhancing elasticity, and supporting skin firmness. It is a go-to oil for sensitive, dry, or ageing skin, as it replenishes moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and calms redness and irritation. Acne-prone skin also benefits, as borage oil helps to balance sebum production while reducing inflammation and scarring.
For emotional wellness, Borage Oil is a gentle balm for the heart and nervous system. It is particularly useful for those experiencing emotional trauma, grief, or persistent anxiety. Its calming properties ease feelings of sadness and depression, helping the user to reconnect with their inner strength and resilience. Borage inspires emotional courage—empowering the spirit during challenging life transitions and fostering a grounded sense of hope and clarity. In spiritual practices, Borage Oil is often used to enhance compassion and deepen connection with the self and others. It encourages emotional transparency and inner truth, idealising heart-centred meditation, self-reflection, and rituals focused on healing the emotional body. Borage supports shadow work by providing a nurturing foundation to explore repressed emotions and transform inner pain into wisdom and peace.
Borage Oil blends beautifully with various other oils depending on its intended use. For skincare, it pairs well with Rosehip Oil to boost regeneration and fight signs of ageing, Calendula for soothing irritation, and Jojoba for added moisture and skin compatibility. In emotional wellness blends, it complements Lavender for its calming effect, Sweet Marjoram for comforting grief, and Bergamot for its uplifting qualities. In spiritual formulations, Boreage harmonises with rose otto to open the heart, Frankincense to elevate meditation, and Sandalwood for grounding and introspective clarity.
Borage Oil is a deeply restorative oil for the skin, a gentle emotional ally, and a spiritually grounding companion. Whether used in facial serums, emotional anointing blends, or sacred rituals, it offers courage, calm, and compassionate renewal to the body, mind, and spirit.
The oil is extracted via cold pressing of the seeds, which preserves the delicate balance of essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds. This gentle extraction ensures the oil remains potent and suitable for therapeutic applications.
Method Of Production: Cold Pressed. Borage oil is typically extracted via cold pressing the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant. This gentle method preserves its delicate essential fatty acids and ensures maximum therapeutic efficacy.
Borage Oil
This powerful essential oil can be diluted with carrier oils and used as a topical application or a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. Add a few drops of oil to potpourris, vaporizers, candles, or diffusers to combat germs in the air and protect the environment naturally. It can also be added to your bathtub for an aromatic, healing, stimulating, and energizing bath.