Little scientific research has been done on the health benefits of borage, but the leaves, blooms and oil from the borage plant have historically been used to treat a number of different ailments, including eczema, joint and muscle pain, low milk supply and menopausal symptoms. According to Botanical.com, an online edition of the book "A Modern Herbal," borage is a diuretic, demulcent and emollient. You may find borage sold under the name bee plant, starflower oil or ox's tongue.
Step 1
Add borage flowers to a salad or sandwich. The crisp, cucumber-like flavor is a good complement to summer lettuces. The University of Washington Integrative Medicine Department of Family Medicine suggests this option if you're using borage to stimulate your milk supply.
Step 2
Steep 1 oz. of dried borage leaves in 1 pint of hot water for 15 minutes. Drink in one-cup servings to calm nerves, improve the symptoms of menopause and soothe cough and congestion, recommends Botanical.com.
Step 3
Rub borage seed oil directly onto sore joints or muscles or areas of skin infection or irritation to ease pain and inflammation, as needed. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the gamma-linoleic acid, or GLA, in borage seeds may have beneficial effects for both rheumatoid arthritis and eczema.
Step 4
Make a poultice with borage leaves by steeping a generous handful of fresh leaves in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. Soak a clean cloth in the resulting liquid, and apply the cloth to areas of skin irritation or dryness to help soothe your skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Borage can have a mild laxative effect. Taking borage has the potential to impact the effectiveness of other medications, including phenothiazines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and some antidepressants.
- Though borage is sometimes used to stimulate milk production, all pregnant and nursing women should check with their healthcare providers before using borage, because of potential risks for toxicity and premature labor.
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