Part(s) Used: Herb
MEDICINAL: Used for treating bronchitis, rashes, and to increase mother's milk. The infusion is used as an eyewash.
RELIGIOUS: Carrying the fresh blossoms brings courage. The tea will induce your psychic powers.
GROWING: Borage was once widely planted in gardens throughout Europe. It was brought to the United States, and now grows wild in much of the eastern half of the nation. It is an annual that grows in most soils, tolerates dry spells, and prefers full sun, reaching to 2 feet in height.
Herbal Use: Borage is stated to possess diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, antiinflammatory and galactogogue properties.(3) Traditionally, borage has been used to treat many ailments including fevers, coughs and depression.(3,G42, G64) Borage is also reputed to act as a restorative agent on the adrenal cortex.(3) Borage oil (starflower oil) is used as an alternative source to evening primrose oil for gamolenic acid.
Food Use: Borage is occasionally used in salads and soups.