Bulk Herbs: Borage, Organic
Borago officinalis

Format: C/S
Size: 1 oz package

Also Known as: Borago officinalis, Beebread, Bugloss, and Star Flower.

Farming Type: Organic
Origin: Croatia

Borage is a native plant of Southern Europe, having become naturalized all over Europe and the United States. It is a prolific grower, having a tendency to sprout up in abandoned lawns and junkyards. At one time borage was an essential herb for beekeepers, grown to help bees produce more honey. Traditionally, it was also grown as an ornamental, or boiled as a pot herb. Borage is noted for having a cucumber like flavor and easily recognized by its white prickly hairs and bright blue, star-shaped flowers. Its dark green leaves are gently curved and its fruits consist of dark brown nutlets (seeds) in groups of four. Both Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides claimed that borage was used to "exhilarate the mind", comfort the heart, drive sorrow away, and increase one's general happiness.

Borage makes an excellent companion plant alongside tomatoes, cabbages, and other crops, helping to ward away harmful insects and worms. It is also said to improve the yield and disease resistance of the accompanied plants. Borage seed oil is used as an anti-inflammatory for chronic conditions; notably arthritis, but also asthma, chronic bronchitis, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Borage seed oil is also high in GLA, an essential fatty acid, and thought to assist in weight loss.

Borage flower, stems, and leaves are used in diuretics to support treatment of urinary tract conditions and weak hearts as well as to support circulation to treat varicose veins. The herb, but not the seed oil, induces sweating and sedates.

Note: The leaf and flower contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are toxic to the liver when consumed internally. For this reason, internal use is not recommended except under the guidance of a qualified health practitioner. Not recommended while pregnant. Not recommended for long term use.

In magick, Borage is a masculine herb ruled by Jupiter and Air. It can be used to strengthen courage and to increase psychic ability.

Keywords: Courage, Psychic Powers

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.