Boraginaceae
Borage
Borago officinalis
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Mediterranean, North Africa
Also known as: Starflower, Bee Bread, Cool Tankard
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlowerSeed
Therapeutic Uses
Seed oil for rheumatoid arthritis (GLA — clinical evidence), eczema, PMS, ADHD, diabetic neuropathy. Herb: adrenal exhaustion, stress, insufficient breast milk.
Herbal Actions
Seed oil: anti-inflammatory, GLA precursor. Herb: diuretic, diaphoretic, adrenal tonic, galactagogue
Active Constituents
Seed oil: GLA (gamma-linolenic acid, 22–26%), linoleic acid. Herb: pyrrolizidine alkaloids (trace), mucilage, tannins, flavonoids, saponins
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea💧 Infused Oil
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Fresh leaves: 2 tsp per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | Seed oil: 1–2g GLA daily (500mg capsules 2–4x daily) |
| Notes | CRITICAL: Use seed oil (safe) separately from herb (contains PA). Seed oil: 500mg GLA daily for rheumatoid arthritis. Herb: occasional use only — pyrrolizidine alkaloids limit long-term use. Flowers safe as food garnish. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Herb: avoid in pregnancy, liver disease, long-term use (pyrrolizidine alkaloids). Seed oil: avoid with anticoagulants. PA-free preparations only.
Side Effects: Herb: liver toxicity (PA content) with prolonged use. Seed oil: GI upset, possible antiplatelet effects. Seed oil generally safe short-term.