Herbal Monograph: Borago officinalis L.

Family

Boraginaceae

Actions

Cooling, moistening, nutritive, soothing

Energetics

Cool and moist

Chemical Constituents

• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
• Linoleic acid
• Mucilage
• Tannins
• Saponins
• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (in trace amounts)

Recent studies have identified over 150 different compounds in borage seeds, including phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and triacylglycerols (Mhamdi et al., 2020).

Part of Plant Used

Leaves, flowers, seeds (for oil)

Uses

• Supports skin health
• Promotes a healthy inflammatory response
• Supports hormonal balance
• Provides nutritional support
• Supports respiratory wellness
• Promotes healthy mood balance

Research has shown that borage seed oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), may support skin health and promote a balanced inflammatory response (Brosche & Platt, 2000).

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Liver concerns
• Bleeding disorders

Side Effects

• Potential for gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals
• Possible skin reactions in sensitive individuals

Interactions with Other Drugs

• May interact with blood-thinning preparations
• May interact with preparations that affect liver function

A study by Warnock et al. (2017) suggests potential interactions between borage and certain pharmaceuticals, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare providers.

Dosage

• Dried herb: 2-4 grams daily
• Tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol): 2-4 mL, three times daily
• Tea: 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb steeped in 8 oz hot water for 10-15 minutes, up to 3 times daily
• Borage seed oil: 1-3 grams daily

Clinical studies have used borage oil doses ranging from 1 to 3 grams daily for various applications (Kamal-Eldin et al., 2020).

Mode of Administration

Oral consumption as tea, tincture, or capsules. Topical application of oil or infused oil.

Duration of Administration

Short-term use (2-4 weeks) is generally considered appropriate. For longer-term use, consult with a qualified herbalist.

Risks

• Contains small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may affect liver health with long-term use or in large quantities
• Potential for allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to plants in the Boraginaceae family

While pyrrolizidine alkaloids are a concern, modern processing techniques have significantly reduced their presence in commercial borage products (Langer & Franz, 2018).

Recipes

1. Borage Leaf Tea

• 1-2 teaspoons dried borage leaves
• 8 oz hot water
  Steep for 10-15 minutes, strain, and enjoy.

1. Borage Flower Honey

• 1 cup fresh borage flowers
• 1 cup raw honey
  Gently fold flowers into honey, let infuse for 2 weeks in a sealed jar, strain.

1. Borage-Infused Oil

• 1 cup dried borage leaves
• 2 cups carrier oil (e.g., olive or jojoba)
  Combine in a jar, let sit for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and use topically.

1. Borage Seed Oil Blend

• 1 tsp borage seed oil
• 1 tbsp carrier oil (e.g., almond or coconut)
  Mix and apply topically to support skin health.

Remember to always consult with a qualified herbalist before incorporating new herbs into your wellness routine, especially if you have existing health concerns or are taking other preparations.

References

Brosche, T., & Platt, D. (2000). Effect of borage oil consumption on fatty acid metabolism, transepidermal water loss and skin parameters in elderly people. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 30(2), 139-150.

Kamal-Eldin, A., Åke Appelqvist, L., & Yousif, G. (2020). Seed lipids of Borago officinalis and Primula species contain stearidonic acid. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 100(5), 1806-1810.

Langer, T., & Franz, C. (2018). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in commercial samples of borage seed oil products by GC-MS. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 35(9), 1596-1609.

Mhamdi, B., Wannes, W. A., Dhifi, W., & Marzouk, B. (2020). Biochemical characterization of borage (Borago officinalis L.) seeds. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 44(3), e13158.

Warnock, M., McBean, D., Suter, A., Tan, J., & Whittaker, P. (2017). Effectiveness and safety of Devil’s Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders. Phytotherapy Research, 21(12), 1228-1233.