Borage, Star Flower
Botanical Family : Boraginaceae
Native to : Mediterranean Regions & Europe
Researched by : Shawn Helm
Botanical Family:
Boraginaceae, which includes Forget-me-nots, Comfrey, & Bugloss.
Cultivation:
Easy to grow!
Borage is a self-seeding annual, sometime biennial, herbaceous plant. Sow seeds after danger of frost has passed in full sun, in fairly rich, moist, light soil. A pH of 6.6 is best. Thin the seedlings to about 2 feet when they appear. A manure compost is the best fertilizer.
Borage is also great in a container indoors.
Folklore & Traditional Uses:
Borage is said to endow the imbiber with courage. Roman soldiers, according to the 16th century British herbalist John Gerard, used to say “ego borago gaudia semper ago.” A loose translation provided was: Borage always brings me courage. Gaudia actually means delight, not bravery. Regardless, borage is said to bring a sense of elation and well being. It was traditionally mixed in wine and to embellish salads. It was also used as a cooling and soothing poultice to relieve external inflammations and swellings.
Modern & Medicinal Uses:
Today, while herbalists still use it to treat high temperatures, dermatitis, eczema, PMS, and cold & flu symptoms, it has been said there is no significant value as a medicine. Some, unverified claims warn it could be toxic to the liver. However, it is considered safe to eat by Varro Tyler, PhD (pharmacognocsist and author of The Honest Herbal), and James Duke, PhD (author of Handbook of Medicinal Herbs).
Its tannin content means it is slightly astringent. Its mucilage has a mildly expectorant quality.
Borage primarily is used as an oilseed. It is the richest known source of GLA (gamma linoleic acid). As such, it is used as a supplement. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid, essential for human health.
Recipes:
Crystallized Flowers
Crystallized flowers are a favorite decoration on cakes and other food items.
For this, place one egg white in a bowl and, in another, 1/4 cup of castor sugar. Dip the flowers in the egg white and then the sugar. Let dry for 24-48 hours. Decorate as desired!
Borage Tea
As a tea, add 2 teaspoons of the herb to 2.5 cups of boiling water & infuse for 5 minutes.
Garnish
Float the flowers in soups, add to salads, or chop into compound butters. Makes such a lovely visual appeal.
Other Uses
Add a handful to 2 quarts of chicken or fish stock to flavor it.
The only way to store it long term is in vinegar.
References:
Carr, Anna, et al., “Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs,” Emmaus, PA, Rodale Press, Inc., 1987, book.
Ellis, Sonya Patel, “The Botanical Bible,” NY, Abrams, 2018, book.
Webb, Marcus A. & Craze, Richard,”The Herb and Spice Companion,” NY, Metro Books, 2004, book.
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