Using and Growing Borage: A Guide to One of the Prettiest Garden Herbs

10 Fun Facts About Borage

1. Edible Flowers: Borage flowers are not only edible but also quite beautiful. They have a mild, cucumber-like taste and are often used as a garnish for salads, desserts, and drinks.
2. Herbaceous Plant: Borage is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It's native to the Mediterranean region but is now cultivated in many parts of the world.
3. Culinary Uses: Beyond its flowers, borage leaves can also be used in cooking. They are commonly added to soups, salads, and sauces to impart a mild cucumber flavor.
4. Medicinal History: Borage has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It was believed to have various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects.
5. Bees Love It: Borage is a favorite of pollinators, particularly honeybees. Its abundant nectar and pollen make it a valuable plant for beekeepers and gardeners interested in supporting bee populations.
6. Self-Seeding: Borage is known for readily self-seeding. Once established in your garden, it often returns year after year without needing to replant.
7. Companion Plant: Borage is considered a beneficial companion plant for many vegetables, including tomatoes and squash. It can help deter certain pests and improve overall garden health.
8. Nutrient-Rich: Borage leaves are a good source of essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. They can be a nutritious addition to your diet.
9. Traditional Beverage: In some regions, borage is used to make a traditional herbal tea called "cooling borage." It's believed to have a calming and soothing effect, especially in hot weather.
10. Historical Significance: Borage has historical significance and is often associated with courage and bravery. It was used as a symbol by medieval knights, and its name is derived from the Latin word "borago," meaning "to comfort the heart."

Beautiful and a Skin Saver!

What Is Borage?

People have used the Star Flower for centuries as a medicinal herb and for cooking. It is reputed to soothe stress and calm frayed nerves. No crusader set off without Borage, as they believed it strengthened courage and helped calm the mind.

The Elizabethans believed that, when added to wine, Borage helped to improve their mood and tolerate alcohol better. No party was complete without a Pimm's cup cocktail with some Borage flowers.

Modern versions of this famous cocktail now incorporate cucumber slices or mint instead. Still, I think the Borage flowers are a great addition if you have them. They definitely turn heads.

Growing Borage is popular today because it attracts bees and butterflies to the garden. In addition, the leaves make valuable green manure and work well in compost.

Borage growing in high-heat areas provides valuable protection for more heat-sensitive plants. In addition, the leaves shade the roots of plants adjacent to them and help keep them cool.

Growing Borage near vegetable gardens boosts the yield and improves the taste and tomatoes and strawberries.

Medicinally, herbalists incorporate Borage flowers into cough syrups and tonics to treat coughs and colds. Herbalists also use this herb in treating anxiety and symptoms of depression.

No other herb has blue flowers and such a wide range of uses.

Quick Borage Poll

Borage is the Prettiest Blue Flower

Warning for People Prone to Seizures

While we need more research on the effect of the compounds within Borage on seizures, this study shows a potentially harmful link.

The patient studied had only taken Borage oil for a week before experiencing a seizure. It's, therefore, better to err on the side of caution and avoid the supplement if you are prone to attacks.

In any case, people tend to underestimate the potency of herbs. If you have any medical conditions, I advise checking with a medical professional before you take any of these supplements.

Recommended

How to Let Go of Past Mistakes and Move on With Your Life

Tips for Growing a Blue Borage Plant

Borago officinalis is native to the Mediterranean and is a hardy plant. They withstand heat and cold weather and thrive best in plant or hardiness zones 3 to 10. However, these annual plants are frost-sensitive and will die down in winter.

As one of the easiest herbs to grow, Blue Borage is rewarding for the home gardener. Once established in your garden, you will always have Borage, as it self-seeds pretty quickly.

Looking at these plants, it is hard to imagine they are so heat resistant because they look delicate and fleshy.

Plant Near Heat-Sensitive Plants

What few people know is that the plant has natural refrigerant properties. It cools the soil. Plant it near plants that don't manage heat well and keep their roots cool.

Use It In Your Compost

Chop the leaves when you cut the plants back and add them to the compost heap. Alternatively, use them as mulch or dig them into poor soil. The leaves are rich in nutrients and will perk up poor-quality soil as they decompose.

Grow Your Own

It is pretty easy to grow from seed. Here is how to do it:

• First, plant them in seed trays and keep them moist until they are big enough to transplant into your garden.
• Do not worry about planting the seeds directly in the garden - the seedlings transplant well.
• If you have limited space, consider planting them in a pot instead. They might become a nuisance otherwise.
• They tend to grow into a medium-sized bush, so give them space to spread out.
• It is best to plant them in compost-rich soil that you've dug over well. Also, the soil should drain well.
• They will thrive in full sun to light shade—mulch well and water twice a week for the best results.
• They can also survive in less-than-ideal circumstances quite well too.

I leave the herb to its own devices. I have a sizable Borage garden, all from one plant. I'm always amazed at how easily it spreads. I often find new little seedlings springing up at the opposite end of the garden as the wind scatters the herb seeds.

These hardy tiny plants are survivors and, once established, stand up well to the extremes of weather.

Borago officinalis Originates From the Mediterranean

Read This Before Taking Borage Internally

This herb's leaves are rich in Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids, just like Comfrey. I don't recommend using Borage every day for extended periods. Using a few leaves in a salad once a week or so is fine. The tea is more concentrated, so use it only for a few days at a time. Borage oil is derived from seeds and doesn't have harmful alkaloids in it.

Borago officinalis Deserves the Name Star Flower

• These are easy flowers to grow and make excellent home garden plants.
• The leaves and flowers make an excellent skincare lotion.
• You do need to be careful not to eat too many Borage leaves. They contain Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids. Borage flowers have far lower levels, and Borage oil is safe.
• This is one of the best companion plants for fruiting vegetables.
• It helps to cool the soil and plants around it.
• Borage tea makes an excellent tonic for ailing plants.
• One cup a day over short periods can help settle a bad cough and loosen mucous in the chest.
• You can dig it back in after its seeds set, and the ground will be ready for the next planting within two weeks.

Medicinal Uses of Borage Leaves and Flowers

This can be a valuable little herb, as long as you are careful to monitor your intake. It has high potassium and calcium levels and can assist in purifying the blood and boosting the system, especially during illness or recovery.

Make Borage Tea

It is best to make tea. Here is how to do it:

• Use a quarter cup of the flowers and leaves for each cup of boiling water. Leave to stand for five minutes. Strain and sip slowly.
• It is important to drink no more than one cup of this tea a day. Sip throughout the course of the day.

Borage Uses

Has an Immuno-Modulatory Function

An interesting use case for Borage is in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. While we need more research, studies to date have proven that the immuno-modulatory functions of the seed oil are useful in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Helps Respiratory Ailments, Coughs, and Flu

This tea is excellent at easing respiratory ailments and treating chronic coughs, tight chests, bronchitis, and excessive mucous production.

Reduce Inflammation in the Short-Term

Borage seed oil is high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. This decreases pain and inflammation in the body overall.

The Oil Manages Menopausal Symptoms

The essential fatty acids in Borage Seed Oil can be instrumental in calming hormones and managing menopause. Consult an herbal practitioner if this is what you are after, or take a supplement rather than drinking the tea too frequently.

Borage Oil is Rich in Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Borage Seed Oil

Borage Seed Oil is a convenient alternative to using tea or leaves. It is rich in the essential fatty acid Gamma-Linolenic Acid. In trials, this EFA proved helpful in:

• Reducing inflammation and the need for anti-inflammatory painkillers in arthritis
• Improving symptoms of dry eye and increasing tear production, which improved inflammation
• Improving the speed at which nerves in people with diabetes relayed signals improved circulation and reduced tingling.
• Combination with EPA to improve respiratory function for lung injuries. It also enhances Tamoxifen's effectiveness for some breast cancer patients and reduces the potentially adverse side effects.
• Easing the symptoms of pruritis in end-stage renal patients through topical application.

Borage Seed Oil Capsules are a Convenient Way to Take in GLA

Use Borage Oil for Skin Complaints

Borage is packed with saponins and tannins, making it great for soothing painful and inflamed skin conditions.

• Boil up one cup of leaves in three cups of boiling water, covered, for ten minutes. Allow the mixture to cool and then strain.
• Apply to the skin using cotton wool or pour into an atomizer and spray onto affected areas.
• Use regularly to treat chronic skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema and common issues such as rashes and sunburn.
• You can also simmer the herb in an aqueous base for ten minutes (1 cup herb to three cups cream) to create an intensive moisturizer. Finally, add one capsule of Vitamin E to boost the goodness and act as a natural preservative.

Borage has proven to be a valuable moisturizer and skin soother, and it is also an excellent treatment for varicose veins and thread veins.

I use a Borage aqueous cream daily and add some lavender essential oil. I love using it after a hot summer's day because the cream cools the skin. It softens the skin well and is an excellent skin soother. If you want to ramp up the moisturizing power of the blend, add Shea butter to the mix.

If you don't have the herb in your garden, look for Borage Seed Oil instead.

Borage combines well with the common herb, Bulbine frutescens, or Bulbinella, to combat eczema and skin irritation. You can find the recipe in this post.

Using Borage Oil for DIY Skin Care

Patch Test: Before using any new skincare product, it's essential to perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of diluted borage oil to a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions, such as redness or irritation. If you experience any negative reactions, discontinue use.

1. Moisturizer: Borage oil can be used as a moisturizer for dry or sensitive skin. You can apply it directly to your skin or mix a few drops of borage oil with your regular moisturizer. Gently massage it into your skin, focusing on dry areas.
2. Serum: Create a nourishing facial serum by mixing borage oil with other carrier oils like jojoba oil, rosehip oil, or argan oil. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or chamomile for added benefits and a pleasant scent. This serum can help hydrate and rejuvenate your skin.
3. Acne Spot Treatment: Borage oil's anti-inflammatory properties may make it suitable for treating acne-prone skin. Apply a small amount directly to blemishes or mix it with a clay mask for an acne-fighting treatment.
4. Anti-Aging Eye Cream: Borage oil can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Mix a drop of borage oil with your regular eye cream or use it on its own as an eye treatment.
5. Body Oil: Extend the benefits of borage oil to your entire body by adding a few drops to your body lotion or making your own body oil blend. This can be especially helpful for dry or sensitive skin.
6. Sunburn Relief: Borage oil's anti-inflammatory properties can soothe sunburned skin. Mix it with aloe vera gel for a cooling and hydrating sunburn relief treatment.
7. Stretch Mark Prevention: Pregnant women may find borage oil beneficial for preventing and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Massage a blend of borage oil and a carrier oil like coconut oil onto the belly and other areas prone to stretch marks.
8. Hair and Scalp Treatment: Borage oil can also be used on the scalp and hair to promote hair health. Massage a small amount onto your scalp and hair, leave it on for a while, and then shampoo as usual.
9. DIY Lip Balm: Create your own nourishing lip balm by mixing borage oil with shea butter, beeswax, and a drop or two of essential oil for flavor.

When using borage oil in your DIY skincare products, it's essential to store them in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation, which can reduce its effectiveness. Also, use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way, and be consistent with your skincare routine to see the best results. If you have any skin conditions or concerns, consult a dermatologist before incorporating borage oil into your skincare regimen.

The Health Benefits of Borage Oil Supplements

Borage oil is derived from the seeds of the borage plant (Borago officinalis) and is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. The potential health benefits of borage oil include:

• Reducing inflammation: GLA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology in 1991 found that taking borage oil supplements resulted in a significant reduction in pain and stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Improving heart health: Borage oil may help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. A study published in the Journal of Lipid Research in 2005 found that taking borage oil supplements for eight weeks resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
• Improving skin health: Borage oil has been used topically to treat eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 1991 found that applying borage oil to the skin improved symptoms of eczema.
• Alleviating symptoms of menopause: Borage oil may help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. A study published in the Journal of Women's Health in 2007 found that taking borage oil supplements for 12 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1799138
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16244551
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1916188
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17688627

Culinary Uses of Borage

Because of the alkaloids in the plant, you do not want to eat them too often. Instead, keep the leaves for herbal preparations and use the flowers in the kitchen. The flowers have a very fresh flavor that is reminiscent of cucumber. They look and taste great in cordials.

Consider freezing a few flowers in ice to really up the wow factor at your next party.

You can also add flowers to salads and desserts.

Star Flower is an Excellent Companion Plant for Strawberries

Borage is Valuable as Green Manure and as a Foliar Feeder

If you have soil in the garden that has become unproductive, plant some Borage as green leaf manure. Allow growing until the seed sets, harvest the seeds, chop up the plant, and dig it in.

This restores much-needed calcium and potassium in the soil. The calcium makes soil alkaline again, and fruiting vegetables benefit from the potassium. You may use that plot of land again as soon as two weeks after digging the leaves in

You can also use it to make your plant tonic. Take half a bucket of sprigs, fill it with boiling water, and let it stand overnight. Then, strain out the plant material, throw it onto the compost heap, or use it to mulch around tender plants.

The herb tea is an incredibly excellent foliage feeder and is excellent at nourishing plants in containers and new seedlings that need a bit of a boost. It is an excellent addition as a tonic for your plants because of the essential nutrients.