Borage

Common Name: Borage

Latin Name: Borago officinalis

A native plant to Southern Europe, Borage has traditionally been used for relieving anxiety and stress and said “to drive sorrow away, and make men merry”. In ancient times, borage was known for its cooling quality and refreshing cucumber-like flavour. Also referred to as the “herb of courage”, its lovely blue start shaped flower is a nice addition to salads and decorations to confectioneries. Borage makes an excellent companion plant in the garden, helping to ward away harmful insects and worms. It is also said to improve the yield and disease resistance of the accompanied plants.

Parts Used: Flowering tops, seeds, leaves

Constituents: GLA (gamma lineolinic acid), beta carotene, saponins, mucilage, tannins, essential oil

Actions: Diuretic, demulcent, emollient, diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, galactogogue

Medicinal Uses: Borage acts as a restorative to the adrenals for relief of anxiety and stress. Taken throughout the day it is said to help with depression. It can be used during fevers especially to help restore vitality after convalescence. Its seeds and leaves have been used to help increase milk flow for new mothers. The seed oil is reputed for its antioxidant effect on the skin. It is said to contain the highest percentage of the fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and has anti-inflammatory and healing effects on the skin.

Used In: Anti-Oxidant Face Cream