Borago officinalis

Borago officinalis

Plant Family

Boraginaceae

Botanical Description

Borage is an annual herb growing 60-100 cm tall with hairy, oval leaves and distinctive star-shaped blue flowers with black stamens. The whole plant is covered with bristly hairs. Flowers are edible with a cucumber-like taste.

Cautions

Leaves contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids - avoid long-term internal use of leaf preparations. Flowers and seed oil are safer. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Habitat

Gardens, waste ground, roadsides. Originally from Mediterranean region.

Harvest Instructions

Flowers harvested when fully open. Young leaves harvested before flowering.

Geographic Distribution

Native to Mediterranean. Cultivated and naturalized in Europe, North America, and other temperate regions.

Growth Conditions

Full sun. Well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Tolerates poor soil. Self-seeds readily.

Plant Size

60-100 cm

Effects on the Body

Supports adrenal function, anti-inflammatory, traditionally used for depression and nervous exhaustion. Seed oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

Active Constituents

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in seed oil, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (in leaves), mucilage, tannins, vitamin C, potassium, calcium.

Safety Information

Dosage

Seed oil: 1-3 g daily. Fresh flowers: add to food freely. Avoid long-term use of leaf preparations.

Culinary Use

Flowers are beautiful edible garnish. Young leaves have cucumber flavor, used in salads and drinks. Classic ingredient in Pimm's cocktail.

Folklore & Historical Use

Called 'herb of gladness' - believed to bring courage and dispel melancholy. Roman soldiers drank borage wine before battle.

Scientific Research

Clinical studies on seed oil (gamma-linolenic acid) show benefits for skin conditions including atopic dermatitis. A 2013 systematic review found evidence for GLA in reducing inflammation.