Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Borago officinalis
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| Common Names: |
Borage, Starflower, Cool Tankard, Borrache
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| Key Name: |
Borage
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| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, seeds
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| Sister Plants: |
Borago pygmaea, Echium vulgare, Symphytum officinale
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| Comments: |
Annual herb, one of the best forage plants, producing nectar throughout its flowering season; supports pollinators
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Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Annual herb (1-2 ft), erect bristly stem, broad oval leaves with bristly hairs, star-shaped blue flowers (1 in) with black anthers, blooming May-September
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| Stem: |
Erect, 1-2 ft, bristly, green
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| Leaves: |
Broad, oval, 2-6 inches, bristly, dark green
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| Flowers: |
Star-shaped, blue, 1 in diameter, with black anthers, in clusters, blooming May-September
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| Fruit: |
Small, black nutlets, 2-3 mm
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| Taste: |
Cucumber-like (leaves), mild (flowers)
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| Odour: |
Mild, fresh scent from leaves and flowers
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| Root: |
Taproot, supports annual growth
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to the Mediterranean, naturalized in Europe, North America, and elsewhere
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| Cultivation: |
Self-seeding annual; plant in full sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water moderately
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| Harvest: |
Leaves/Flowers: May-September; Seeds: Late summer
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, emollient
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for respiratory issues, fever, urinary complaints, inflammation, and as a mild diuretic; leaves for poultices, seeds for oil (GLA content)
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| Constituents: |
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), mucilage, tannins, potassium, calcium
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| Solvents: |
Water, oil (seed extraction), alcohol (tincture)
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| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Oil: 1-2 tsp seeds daily
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion or seed oil; External: Poultice
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| Formulas: |
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause allergic reactions; avoid excessive use; consult healthcare provider, especially during pregnancy
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| Preparation: |
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water 10 min; Oil: Cold-press seeds
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for skin irritations or mild digestive support in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees and hoverflies throughout flowering season
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental, bee forage, cosmetic uses
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| Culinary Uses: |
Young leaves in salads, flowers as garnish or in drinks
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| History: |
Used in Mediterranean and European herbal traditions since ancient times; valued for cooling properties
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Borago+officinalis
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| Share: |
Private
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