The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
Borage is an annual plant (Borago officinalis) that grows wild in the Mediterranean countries. Also known as Bugloss and Burrage, the hollow, bristly, branched stem of Borage grows up to 2 feet tall. Typical parts of the plant used include the leaves, flowers, and oil from the seeds.
Borage is typically found in the following forms: a tea, tincture, juice, or oil. The word Borage is a Celtic derivative from 'borrach', meaning 'courage'. However some assert that the name might be derived from the Latin 'borra', which means 'rough hair' due to the hairy leaves and stems. Borage tea was given to competitors in tournaments of medieval times as a moral booster. "I, borage bring always courage", was a popular rhyme of the day. The belief that Borage flowers nourish the adrenal glands may be why they have long been thought to bolster courage.
Borage has been historically used for various medicinal purposes over the years as an aperient, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, febrifuge, galactagogue, pectoral, and tonic. Borage is good for reducing fever and for restoring vitality during convalescence from illness. Its diaphoretic action is also credited with some antidotal effect against several poisons. This herb also exhibits some calmative properties that make it useful for nervous conditions. Borage has also been recommended in the past for pleurisy and peritonitis due to its calmative and anti-inflammatory action.
Past topical applications for Borage included bruises, eczema, eye soreness, inflammation, rash, and skin dryness. Compress on sore eyes. Poultice for inflammations, bruises and eczema. Salve for rashes. Dry skin facial mask. Bath herb for dry skin. Use flowers (remove prickly backs) in salads or as a garnish for cakes and candy. Young leaves taste like cucumbers and can be finely chopped and added to salads or mixed with yogurt for a refreshing chilled soup. Leaves are also added to cooling summer drinks like lemonade. Add blossoms to ice cubes for decor. Add blossoms to party punch and wine cups for garnish. Roots have been added to wine.
The primary known constituents of Borage include the following: leaves & flowers - mucilage, tannin, saponins, essential oil, alkaloid (pyrrolizidine), vitamin C, calcium, and potassium; the seeds - essential fatty acids, linooleic and gamma-linolenic acid.
(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program.)
