Borage – plants in cosmetics

Borage (Borago officinalis) is an annual, hairy succulent growing to 15-60 cm. It has distinctive stems covered with whitish hairs. Borage is native to the Mediterranean region and is now found throughout Europe and the USA.

 

Borage extract is extracted from the leaves and flowers. The Celtic name bornach means courage. In the Middle Ages it was used as an infusion of …. battle brew. This unique drink was served to knights before tournament battles. Interestingly, in the UK it is still used as a drink before stressful situations. Barrage for courage, or borage for courage, so the English adage goes. In Poland, this brew has long been forgotten, even though it was once very popular and was called borrage, pazyra and miódka. Some records from that period state that the nobility often drank this drink, believing that it gave joy, courage and warded off any misfortunes that might befall us in life.

 

Use of borage in medicine

However, borage was not just used to improve mood. Doctors used it medicinally as a remedy for colds, fevers, heart and lung problems and even scurvy or epilepsy. Its Latin name comes from its sweating properties, which is why it was called the ‘father of sweat’. Borage was also eaten boiled and roasted in honey. Later on, borage also became a widely used cosmetic. Numerous lotions and tonics were made from it to improve the condition of the skin.

Current medicine also makes use of borage’s medicinal properties. In particular, it is used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, sedative, expectorant and diaphoretic. In herbal medicine, it is used to treat gastric and respiratory problems and to cleanse the body. All the properties described come from the numerous active substances present in borage extract, which include tannins, resins, mucilaginous substances, organic acids, vitamins and mineral salts.

 

Borage in cosmetology and cosmetics

Borage is also commonly used in cosmetics. The most common use is borage extract or oil called borage. Cosmetics containing this plant in their composition very often have a moisturising function. The mucilaginous substances present in them form a characteristic film on the stratum corneum of the skin, which helps regulate water loss. Meanwhile, theorganic acids contained in the extract help increase the keratinisation process. Borage extract is also rich in antioxidants, making it ideal for mature and sensitive skin. Another cosmetic use of borage is to strengthen blood vessels and tighten skin, for which reason it is often included in serums or day creams. In recent years, the extract has also been used in dermocosmetics dedicated to inflammatory dermatoses. Its anti-inflammatory and soothing-regulating properties are proving to be an effective aid in the treatment of skin problems.