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Information about the herb Borage
Borago officinalis, also known asBugloss is part of the Boraginaceae plant family. Borage was originally from Aleppo.
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General Information
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Common Name: Bugloss, Burrage, Common Bugloss
Plant Family: Boraginaceae
History: There is some doubt as to the name's origin:
A corruption of the Latin corrago, from cor, 'the heart' and ago, 'I bring', because of its cordial effects; or from the French bourra or Italian borra meaning 'hair or wool', both from the Latin burra, 'a flock of wool'; or from the Celtic barrach meaning 'a man of courage'.
Borage was called 'the Herb of Gladness' and was a favorite of ancient scholars and writers. Pliny called it 'Euphrosium' and wrote that 'it maketh a man merry and joyeth'.
It is classed as 'a herb of Jupiter'.
Contains:
- calcium
- deposits of niter and common salts (when boiled or cooked)
- mineral acids
- nitrate of potash
- potassium
- saline mucilage
Action:
- ant-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
- aperient [a mild stimulant producing a natural movement of the bowels; a gentle purgative]
- calmative [an agent that has a mild sedative or tranquilizing effect]
- demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and to protect them from irritation]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- emollient [an agent used externally to soften and soothe]
- febrifuge [an agent that reduces or eliminates fevers]
- galactagogue [an agent that encourages or increases the secretion of milk]
- pectoral [remedy for pulmonary or other lung and chest diseases]
- refrigerant [an agent that lowers abnormal body heat, relieves thirst and gives a feeling of coolness]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Borage was the famous 'Nepenthe of Homer that when steeped in wine, brought absolute forgetfulness' (Dioscorides) and was one of the four cardinal flowers of the ancients.
Medicinal Part used: Herb, Leaves and Flowers
Borage was used since olden times:
- before tournaments and jousts for courage
- for the comfort of the heart
- to calm and quieten frantic, hysterical behavior
- to drive away 'all sad sadnesse, dulnesse and melancholy' (Pliny and Dioscorides)
- to drive away sorrow
- to exhilarate and make the mind glad
- to instill courage in warriors (Vikings)
- to 'revive the hypochondriac and cheer the hard student' (John Evelyn, late 17th century)
Borage is commonly used for:
Blood Conditions
- purifies blood
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- nerve tonic
- nervous conditions
Cardiovascular Conditions
- palpitation of the heart
- pulmonary complaints
Female Conditions
- promotes milk in nursing mothers
Genitourinary Conditions
- promotes the activity of the kidneys
Glandular Conditions
- activates the Adrenal Glands
Inflammatory Conditions
- catarrh
- peritonitis
- rheumatism
Liver Conditions
- jaundice
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- feverish colds
- pleurisy
It is used as a gargle for:
- mouth ulcers
- sore throat
Externally it is used as a poultice for:
- inflammatory swellings
Other Uses:Flowers can be:
- candied and used on cakes or in sweets
- eaten in salads
Other
- antidote to some poisons
- reduces fevers
- reduces high temperatures
- restores vitality during convalescence from illness
Caution:
Contact with the fresh leaves may cause dermatitis in sensitive people.
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Borage without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if your are taking any of the following medications:
- None Known
Global Herbal Supplies has Borage available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
