
Borage
Borage officinalis
Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
Starflower: A Soothing Herb of Joy and Courage
Other names:
Starflower, Bee Plant, Burrage, Bugloss

Superpower
Promotes emotional resilience, joy, and courage.
Cautions
Use cautiously during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulation.
Caution advised in any person with known or suspected liver disease and in children due to potential hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects.
Known Chemical Constituents
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA): Anti-inflammatory, supports skin and joint health.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (trace): (lycopsamine, intermedine, amabiline & supinine) Caution advised in any person with known or suspected liver desease and in children due to potential hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects.
Mucilage: Soothes mucous membranes, supporting respiratory and digestive health.
Flavonoids: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tannins
Saponins
Botanical Description
Borage is an annual herb growing up to 60-100 cm (2-3 feet) tall. It has rough, hairy stems and leaves, with ovate to lance-shaped leaves. The star-shaped, brilliant blue flowers have five petals and prominent black anthers, blooming from late spring through summer.
Fun Facts
Believed in medieval Europe to bestow courage and bravery, often given to knights before battle.
Borage flowers are a favorite among pollinators, especially bees.
Parts Used
Leaves, flowers, seeds (oil extraction)
Harvest
Leaves: Harvest in late spring and early summer when fresh and tender.
Flowers: Harvest when fully open, typically mid-summer, in the morning when potency is highest.
Preparations
Infusion (tea), tincture, syrup, fresh edible flowers in salads or desserts, infused oil (topical)
Sacred Rituals
Used historically in rituals for courage, protection, and uplifting the spirit. Borage tea is traditionally consumed before meditation to enhance emotional tranquility and spiritual insight.
Affirmations
“I am courageous, joyful, and at peace within myself.”
Spiritual Associations
Associated with courage, psychic protection, and emotional healing. Traditionally used to uplift the heart and strengthen the spirit.

Functions
A substance or agent that inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the likelihood of blood clots forming in the circulatory system.
DemulcentA substance or agent that soothes and protects irritated or inflamed tissues by forming a protective film over mucous membranes.
DiureticA diuretic is a substance that promotes the increased production and excretion of urine, helping the body eliminate excess fluids and salts through the kidneys.
EmollientA substance or agent that softens, soothes, and moisturizes the skin or mucous membranes, often used to alleviate dryness, irritation, or inflammation.
Expectorant (clears mucus)Galactogogue (Increase breast milk)A galactagogue is a substance that stimulates or increases the production of breast milk in lactating individuals, supporting both the quantity and quality of milk supply.
Hormonal balanceRefers to the equilibrium of hormones within the body, ensuring optimal functioning of physical, emotional, and reproductive health systems.
HypolipidemicA substance or agent that helps lower lipid levels in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides, to support cardiovascular health.
Inflammatory-modulatingInflammatory-modulating refers to a substance or intervention that regulates the body’s inflammatory response, either by reducing excessive inflammation or promoting a healthy level of immune activity as needed.
