Borage
The Soothing “Herb of Gladness” for Skin and Spirit
Borage, Borago officinalis, often called starflower, is a Mediterranean herb long associated with comfort, calm, and emotional uplift. Its delicate blue flowers and soft, cucumber-scented leaves have been used for centuries—both as a culinary green and as a gentle herbal remedy. In traditional European medicine, borage was known as the “herb of gladness” for its ability to ease nervous tension and lift the spirits.
Today, borage remains a valuable plant in topical formulations, especially those designed to soothe the mind and comfort the body. Both the leaves and flowers contain skin-loving phytonutrients and naturally occurring gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid well regarded for its ability to calm inflammation, support the skin barrier, and hydrate dry, delicate skin.
Because it nurtures both the skin and the senses, borage is a beautiful fit for topical products that promote relaxation, restoration, and emotional ease, such as salves and bath or massage oils.
Traditional Uses for Mood & Relaxation
- Long used as a gentle uplifting herb, known historically as the “herb of gladness.”
- Traditionally taken as a tea or used fresh in salads to help ease nervous anxiety, low mood, and emotional heaviness.
- Thought to help soften the emotional fluctuations associated with menopause and menstrual cycles.
In topical products, these traditional relaxation associations complement the herb’s soothing sensory qualities—its mild aroma, calming herbal energy, and comforting skin feel.
Topical Skin Benefits
- Anti-Inflammatory Comfort: Naturally high in GLA, which helps calm redness, itching, and discomfort from eczema, dermatitis, rashes, and irritated skin. Ideal for stressed or reactive skin needing gentle, nurturing support.
- Deep Hydration: Helps lock in moisture for plumper, softer, more supple skin. It is especially beneficial for dry, fragile, or mature skin that requires extra nourishment.
- Soothing & Restorative: Traditionally used as a poultice for insect bites, sun irritation, pimples, and inflamed skin, it helps reduce feelings of tightness or discomfort.
- Antioxidant Protection: Provides plant-based antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental stressors and support overall skin vitality.
- Balances & Softens: Helps support healthy oil balance without clogging pores, making it suitable even for sensitive or combination skin.
We use borage leaves and flowers in:
- Relaxation salves, where its calming and skin-soothing properties support both emotional ease and topical healing.
- Bath and massage oils, allowing warm water or gentle massage to deliver its comforting, relaxing qualities to the skin and senses.
- Herbal soap, where it contributes moisture, calm, and antioxidant support for delicate skin.
Borage brings together emotional softness and topical relief—nurturing the skin while offering subtle comfort to the mind.
