Borage

Common Name:

Borage

Botanical Name:

Borago officinalis

Short Description:

Borage is a soothing, mineral-rich herb traditionally used to uplift the mood, cool inflammation, and support adrenal function. Its flowers and leaves were once said to "gladden the heart" and are used to ease grief and exhaustion.

Parts Used:

Leaves (fresh or dried), flowers (fresh or dried), seed oil

Actions:

Anti-inflammatory, adrenal tonic, nervine, demulcent (mild), galactagogue

Energetics:

Cooling, moistening

Body Systems:

Nervous, endocrine (adrenals), respiratory, skin

Spiritual/Energetic Uses:

Encourages courage and emotional renewal. Borage is associated with lifting heavy hearts and restoring hope—particularly during times of grief, burnout, or emotional depletion.

Planetary/Dosha Associations:

Planetary: Jupiter
Dosha: Balances Pitta and Vata

Safety Notes:

Fresh leaves contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids—limit long-term use or use dried leaves. Seed oil is high in GLA and used for skin/hormonal support. Not for use in pregnancy or liver disease.