Borage oil can also be used to massage on the painful joint. It is a carrier oil in aromatherapy.One can add few drops of copaiba essential oil, or wintergreen oil to 4 oz borage oil store it in a dark place. When you want to use it, warm this oil slightly and massage firmly on the joint. This massage helps in reducing arthritic or gouty swelling ( like in the big toe ) and also reduces pain in the joint.
2. Borage Oil For EczemaBorage oil has traditionally been used for eczema. One should either apply it topically on the eczema lesions, or take it as a supplement. One should not exceed the dosage of borage oil by 1 gm ( 1000 mg ) per day, just to be on the safe side. Although, research shows that borage oil is not effective at relieving eczema and other forms of dermatitis [2], however there seems to be little harm in trying. Another way to apply borage oil - Take some loose cotton clothing. Take some water in a spray bottle and add few drops of borage oil to it. Now spray it on the cloth. Let the cloth dry in shade. Now wear this cloth. This home treatment can provide some relief from the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
3. Borage Oil for Acne One can take borage oil as supplement for reducing acne. Since borage oil is strongly anti-inflammatory, it reduces the size and redness of acne. This effect should be visible in a few days. In many forms, its external effects are as prominent as salmon oil. Borage oil can also be applied topically on acne prone skin directly ( undiluted ). However, it is always better to do a patch test on the hand. In fact, many acne products contain borage oil in combination with sulfur, salicylic acid and many other ingredients.
4. Borage oil massage for skin Borage oil massage is great for skin. It helps in curing dry skin condition in a few weeks [3]. In terms of biological activity, borage oil improves the water retention ( hydration ) capacity of skin, makes it supple and hydrated, improves skin functioning and dissolves away sebum. This way it combats excessively oily skin by taking away the sebum, which is skin's natural oil. Borage oil is exceptionally good for many skin problems.- Lichen simplex chronicus - This is also called neurodermatits. In this condition person repeatedly itches the skin which leads to scratches and damaged skin. Borage oil massage calms the itching and improves skin condition.
- Damaged skin - borage oil heals damaged skin from sun damage and due to aging. It is an effective anti-ageing ingredient for healing cracked skin of old age to some extent.
- Raynaud's disease - People who suffer from this disease feel numbness and cold in their hands and feet. Massaging with borage seed oil boosts circulation in the extremities and reduces these symptoms.
5. Borage Oil for hair growth There is some indication that borage oil can block the production of DHT to some extent when taken internally. This is very helpful to those people who lose more hair everyday. DHT is responsible in many cases for the hair fall. So, taking borage oil as a supplement ( not more than 1 gm ) can be great for hair growth and for slowing down the hair loss. One can apply borage oil directly ( undiluted ) to hair, but only apply to bald patches. This may help with hair regrowth in closed hair follicles.
6. Borage Oil for Kidney Inflammation Massage borage oil at the lower back just where the kidneys are located from the skin. This may be helpful in lowering the inflammation of the kidneys. This may be helpful in kidney infections.
7. Mental effects of borage oil Supplementing diet with organic borage oil can be helpful in stress and schizophrenia[4]. It is speculated that schizophrenia is aggravated by deficiency of healthy fatty acids in blood, which are improved by consumption of borage oil and other healthy fats. Borage oil may be effective in relieving diabetic neuropathy and multiple sclerosis. It seems to have protective effect on the nervous system and prevent damage to nerves. This is possibly because of a lack of GLA in diet, which gets better when oils such as evening primrose oil and borage oilare taken. Other ways to use borage oil at home- Borage Lotion - One can make a homemade lotion for healthier skin using borage oil. The ingredients are aloe vera gel, borage seed oil, jojoba oil and glycerin as base. Combine them to make a lotion consistency and use on dry or damaged skin.