Preparation and dosage : Infusion: pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried flower and steep for 10 minutes. This should be drunk 3 x's a day. Tincture: take 30-60 drops of the tincture 3 x's a day.

Borage Leaf (Borago officinalis) Cut and Sifted Bulk 

Family

Boraginaceae (Borage Family)

Etymology

The word borage is thought to derive from the Celtic borrach, "courage," or perhaps from the Arabic abu buraq, "father of sweat," in reference to the plant's diaphoretic properties. However, some claim that the name might be derived instead from the Latin borra, "rough hair," in reference to the hairy leaves and stems.

Range of Appearance

Borage, native to Eurasia and northern Africa, is a bristly plant growing to a height of 1 to 21/2 feet. The stems are round and hollow with prickly white hairs. The juice of the stems is cucumber scented. Borage is an annual, though it self-sows easily, with bright blue star-shaped flowers with brown anthers. After pollination, the flowers turn pink. Borage thrives well in poor soil, in full sun to partial shade. In the garden, borage attracts bees and repels tomato worms.

Parts Used

Leaf, flower, seed oil

Physiological Effects

Leaf and flower: adrenal tonic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, aperient, decongestant, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient (flower), febrifuge, galactagogue, laxative (mild), refrigerant, sudorific (leaf). Seed oil: anti-inflammatory.

Medicinal Uses

Borage leaves, flowers, and seed oil moisten yin, clear heat, and reduce inflammation. The leaves and flowers have long been used in treatments for bladder infection, bronchitis, catarrh, colds, convalescence, coughs, depression, fevers, grief, hypertension, pleurisy, pneumonia, and worry. The oil from the seeds is used in the treatment of arthritis, dermatitis, eczema, menstrual and menopausal problems, obesity, psoriasis, and rheumatism. Topically, borage leaves and flowers are used as a compress on sore eyes, a poultice for inflammations, bruises, and eczema, and a salve for rashes. They can be prepared as a facial mask or bath herbs to soothe dry skin or as a gargle to relieve sore throat. The oil from the seeds can be massaged into the fingers as a treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon.

Culinary Uses

Borage flowers (with the prickly sepals on their backs removed) can be eaten fresh in salads, candied, or used as edible garnishes for pastries and cakes, punches, ice cubes, and the like. The flowers are also sometimes used as a food-coloring agent. The young leaves taste like cucumbers; the fresh leaves are more flavorful than the dried ones. They can be chopped small and added to salads; mixed with yogurt for a refreshing chilled soup; or added to cooling summer drinks like lemonade. The roots are also edible and in the past were used as a flavoring for wine.

Other Uses

In 1597 herbalist John Gerard quoted in his writings an old saying, "Ego borago gaudia semper ago," meaning "I, Borage, always bring courage." In fact, the flowers have long been used to bolster courage (perhaps the fact that they nourish the adrenal glands explains why). In medieval times the flowers were embroidered on the mantles of knights and jousters to give them courage, and they were also floated in drinks given to Crusaders as they took their leave. They were also sneaked into the drinks of prospective husbands to give them the courage to propose.

Constituents

Leaf and flower: mucilage, tannin, saponins, essential oil, alkaloids (pyrrolizidine, lycopsamine), essential fatty acids, vitamin C, calcium, potassium. Seed oil: linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid.

Contradictions

The leaf contains pyrollizidine alkaloids, which are possibly toxic; use the leaf only in moderation unless further research negates the danger of these alkaloids. Avoid the leaf during pregnancy and while nursing.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/