Borage by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Borage, Starflower
2. Folk Name(s): Bee Bread, Cool Tankard, Burrage, Herb of Gladness
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Borago officinalis
4. Family: Boraginaceae (Borage family)
5. Plant Type: Annual herb
6. Botanical Description: A hardy, bristly-hairy herb that grows 2–3 feet tall. Leaves are oval, rough, and hairy; the stems are hollow and covered with coarse hairs. Flowers are bright star-shaped, five-petaled, usually vivid blue (sometimes pink or white), drooping on slender stalks.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA zones 2–11 (prefers temperate climates).
8. Best Zones for Growth: Thrives in zones 3–10 with full sun.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to the Mediterranean region; naturalized throughout Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers well-drained, moderately rich soil; full sun to partial shade. Tolerates poorer soils and self-seeds readily.
2. Propagation: Easily grown from seed; self-sows abundantly. Direct sow outdoors in spring or fall.
3. Companion Planting: Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects; improves soil and is said to enhance the flavor of strawberries, tomatoes, and squash.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Young leaves can be picked as needed before they become too coarse. Flowers should be harvested fresh and gently handled. Seeds collected for oil should be harvested once mature.
5. Drying/Preservation: Leaves are best used fresh (drying diminishes flavor and medicinal value). Flowers may be candied or dried for teas. Seed oil is extracted commercially.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Known since ancient times as the “herb of courage,” borage was believed to lift the spirits and embolden the heart. Romans and Celts alike valued it for strength and bravery.
2. Traditional Medicine: Used as a diuretic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and to support adrenal health. Borage tea was taken to soothe fevers, lung issues, and melancholy. Seed oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), beneficial for skin and inflammation.
3. Symbolism: Associated with courage, joy, and gladness; used to dispel sadness and melancholy.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), tannins, mucilage, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (in small amounts), potassium, calcium.
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Borage oil: eczema, arthritis, PMS/menstrual discomfort, inflammation
4. Tea: mild adrenal tonic, cooling febrifuge, relief for sore throat and cough
5. Poultice: soothes skin irritation and insect bites
   
6. Preparation Methods: Infusions (tea), tinctures, poultices, and seed oil extraction.
7. Dosage & Guidelines:
   
8. Tea: 1–2 tsp dried leaf/flower per cup, steep 10 min, up to 3 cups daily.
9. Seed oil: 500–1,000 mg capsules daily (commercial supplement).
   
10. Safety/Precautions: Contains small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to the liver in large or prolonged doses. Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with liver conditions. Use seed oil products certified PA-free.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Air and Water
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Jupiter, Venus; associated with deities of courage, joy, and renewal (often linked to Thor and Jupiter/Zeus).
3. Magical Correspondences: Courage, protection, joy, inspiration, psychic enhancement.
4. Ritual Use: Added to ritual baths or teas to bring courage and dispel sadness; scattered in sacred space to attract beneficial spirits; flowers used in charms for gladness and creativity.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Seeing borage may symbolize bravery, renewal of spirit, or overcoming grief.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Highly attractive to bees and pollinators—an excellent nectar source.
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
3. Culinary Uses:
   
4. Leaves: cucumber-like flavor; added fresh to salads, drinks, or soups.
5. Flowers: edible garnish; often candied for desserts; floated in wine or cocktails (“cool tankards”).
6. Traditional in Pimms Cup and other summer beverages.
   

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Edible garnish, pollinator attractor, compost accelerator, soothing poultice for skin.
2. Notable Traits: Self-seeds readily; vivid blue starry flowers; uplifting folklore reputation.
3. Special Notes: Historically placed in tankards of ale or wine to instill cheer and bravery.

Supporting Notes

1. References:
   
2. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal (1931)
3. Duke, J. A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs
4. Hoffmann, D. Medical Herbalism
5. Cunningham, S. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
6.