Borage

Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Family Name: Boraginaceae

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Emollient
Anti-inflammatory
Astringent

Borage, also known as starflower, is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and is cultivated in various parts of Europe, Great Britain, and North America. It is an edible and ornamental plant with loose, drooping clusters of starlike, bright blue flowers.  Borage is a hairy annual and can grow up to 60 cm (2 feet) tall and features large, rough, oblong leaves that have a cool cucumber-like aroma. Borage flowers are attractive to bees and are grown as an ornamental herb for honey bee feeding.

The leaves and flowers are used in salads, to season stews and soups, and to flavor wine and other spirits. An infusion made from the leaves can be taken to support those with colds, fevers, and respiratory infections. Borage seeds contain a fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA has anti-inflammatory effects and is used to support eczema, psoriasis, itchy scalp, rheumatoid arthritis, and general pain and swelling. Borage was one of the magical herbs of the Celts. It is believed that the name evolved from the Celtic word borrach, meaning courage. Borage may be used daily as a ritual bath, taken internally as a tonic, or burnt with incense in daily meditation. The results will be most gratifying for borage enables one to feel happiness and joy, even during the most difficult crisis.

All of our loose herbs are Certified Organic. Please stop by the shop and enjoy our Apothecary in person if you live in, or are visiting Colorado!

Please feel free to email us at spiritoftheherbs@gmail.com for bulk pricing <3