Borage Herb: Benefits, Uses & Growing Guide

Borage is an annual plant indigenous to Europe, but cultivated in the United States and other countries. It is a hardy plant and easy to grow. Borage has several beneficial effects on health.

Identification

• Borage is also called a starflower because its flowers look like blue stars. The plant is rough, with prickly hairs and grows to about 18 inches at maturity.

Benefits

• Borage can be beneficial for the treatment of jaundice, arthritis, renal health, diabetes, skin conditions like dandruff and lung problems.

Properties

• Borage has diuretic, anti-mucus and anti-inflammatory properties. Borage also contains potassium and calcium.

Omega-6

• Borage oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health, metabolism and cardiovascular protection. Most Americans are deficient in omega-6.

Side Effects

• Side effects of using borage oil include indigestion, nausea and bloating. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days of regular use.