Botanical Overview
Borago officinalis, commonly known as Borage, Starflower, or Common Borage, is a member of the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region but now grows widely across Europe and Western Asia. The parts used medicinally include the flowers, leaves, seeds, and the whole herb.
Energetics
Borage is considered cooling and moistening in nature. Its taste profile features salty, bitter, and sweet notes. It is classified as relaxing and moistening to the fluids (qi/blood/fluid: fluid).
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Demulcent
- Diuretic
- Emollient
- Expectorant
- Galactagogue
- Mild Sedative
Indications
Western
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Fever
- Skin inflammations
- Rheumatism
- Menstrual cramps
- Stress
- Mild anxiety
- Poor lactation
Syndromes
- Inflammatory conditions
- Respiratory catarrh
- Urinary tract irritation
- Menstrual irregularities
- Nervous tension
TCM
No traditional indications documented.
Ayurveda
- Skin disorders
- Inflammation
- Cough
- Vata imbalance
Syndromes
- Pitta disorders
- Kapha disorders
- Vata disorders
Unani
- Respiratory complaints
- Skin issues
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Warm diseases
- Inflammatory conditions
Constituents & Mechanisms
Borage contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), pyrrolizidine alkaloids (toxic), flavonoids, mucilage, tannins, and saponins contributing to its anti-inflammatory, demulcent, and expectorant effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2-3 g dried herb per 150 mL water, 2-3 times daily
- Seed oil: 1-3 g daily (standardized, PA-free)
- Tincture (1:5, 40% alcohol): 2-5 mL 2-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Borage contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; avoid use during pregnancy and lactation, and in liver disease. Use only pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free seed oil preparations for safety. It may potentiate anticoagulants and sedatives; caution is advised.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable, consistently sourced planetary or elemental rulers could be determined for Borago officinalis.
Selected References
- Borago officinalis, Plants For A Future, 2023
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Assessment Report on Borago officinalis, 2017
- Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Borago officinalis L., G. N. Tashireva et al., 2017
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, I.F.F. Benzie and S. Wachtel-Galor, 2011