Delicate, vibrant, and beloved by pollinators, borage—also known as starflower—is a beautiful herb that has earned its place in both cottage gardens and traditional herbal practices. With its striking blue, star-shaped blossoms and softly fuzzy leaves, borage brings a touch of wild charm to the garden while offering a variety of culinary and medicinal uses. Historically valued for its calming and uplifting properties, borage has been used in teas, infused oils, and fresh summer dishes for generations. Easy to grow and wonderfully beneficial to bees and other pollinators, this cheerful herb is as practical as it is beautiful.
Medicinal Uses & Health Benefits
Skin Soothing
Starflower
borago officinalis
Borage has long been valued in herbal skincare for its soothing, nourishing, and restorative properties. Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid, borage oil is known to help support the skin’s natural moisture barrier, improving hydration and elasticity while calming dryness and irritation. Traditionally used to soothe sensitive or inflamed skin, borage may be beneficial for conditions such as eczema, redness, and rough patches. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can also help protect the skin from environmental stressors, leaving the complexion feeling softer, calmer, and more balanced.
Hormonal Balance
Borage has long been valued in herbal skincare for its soothing, nourishing, and restorative properties. Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid, borage oil is known to help support the skin’s natural moisture barrier, improving hydration and elasticity while calming dryness and irritation. Traditionally used to soothe sensitive or inflamed skin, borage may be beneficial for conditions such as eczema, redness, and rough patches. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can also help protect the skin from environmental stressors, leaving the complexion feeling softer, calmer, and more balanced.