Borage

Scientific Name(S): Baraga officinalis L. Family: Boraginaceae

Common Name(S): Borage, common borage, bee bread, common bugloss, starflower, ox's tongue, cool tankard

Borage oil is derived from the seeds of the borage (Borago officinalis) plant, a large plant with blue, star-shaped flowers found throughout Europe and North Africa and naturalized to North America

Botany: A hardy annual that grows to about 2 feet. The entire plant is covered with coarse hairs. Borage has oval leaves and star-shaped bright blue flowers with black anthers. The flowers bloom from May to September. It is found throughout Europe and North America. The fresh plant has a salty flavor and a cucumber-like odor.

History: Borage leaves have been a part of European herbal medicine for centuries. In the Middle Ages, the leaves and flowers were used, steeped in wine, to dispel melancholy. It has been suggested for the relief of symptoms of rheumatisms, colds and bronchitis and has been said to increase breast milk production. Infusions of the leaves and stems were once used to induce sweating and diuresis. Although it is now only sold as an herbal remedy, borage has been an official drug in Germany, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Venezuela and Mexico. The preserved leaves, soaked in vinegar, have been used as hors d'oeuvres and are eaten like spinach. An infusion of borage flowers and dried stems is valued for its refreshing effect. It is often used to accent salads, pickles, and vegetables.

Uses of Borage

• Leaves and flowers may be eaten, used for tea, or steeped in wine. Although credited with increasing lactation, dispelling melancholy, relieving cold symptoms, etc., borage exhibits little pharmacological significance.
• An infusion of borage acts as a galactogogue, promoting the production of milk in breastfeeding mothers.
• Borage oil has also been used to treat people with atopic dermatitis ( eczema ) in preliminary trials, with reductions in skin inflammation, dryness, scaliness, and itch, without side effects being reported.
• Borage is rich in minerals, especially potassium.
• Candied borage flowers make attractive cake decorations.
• Chopped leaves can be added to soups and stews during the last few minutes of cooking.
• The leaves can be cooked with cabbage leaves (two parts cabbage, one part borage.)

Side Effects of Borage

Borage seeds contain small amounts of liver toxins called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). However, testing has not demonstrated the presence of the alkaloid in the seed oil. 20 Most commercially available borage seed oil is, therefore, likely to be PA-free and presents no risk of PA toxicity. Minor side effects from borage oil use can include bloating, nausea, indigestion , and headache.

Dosage

For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis , the amounts of GLA from borage used in successful double-blind trials were 1.4-2.8 grams daily for at least two months. Although 360 mg of GLA daily from borage oil has been used to treat people with eczema , controlled research has not supported its use for this condition. Topically, 0.5 ml of borage oil may be applied to areas of seborrhea daily for two weeks, and then three times a week until the condition is stable

Toxicology: Borage has been used without significant adverse effects for hundreds of years. It can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach and has been used in jams, jellies and teas. The toxicologic importance of its chemotaxonomic association with toxic members of the family Boraginaceae is not known. Current research, however, suggests that it may be harmful in large doses.

Summary: Borage has a long history of use in herbal medicine. It has not been associated with significant toxicity, nor is it renown for its pharmacologic activity.