BORAGE (Borago offinalis) BORAGE (Borago offinalis)Common Uses
Adrenal, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease
Borage is a plant with vivid, star-shaped flowers that are usually bright blue.
Borage oil (from the seeds), leaves, and flowers may be used as herbal supplements. Borage is often recommended as an adrenal gland stimulant. While not as powerful as licorice, it is often tried in cases of mild adrenal gland dysfunction (both in Addison’s disease and in cases of extended corticosteroid usage where there is temporary adrenal gland exhaustion). Borage may also be useful as an expectorant in patients with productive bronchitis, and as a mild diuretic. Applied topically, borage can act as an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent. The fatty acid content may help decrease blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and aid in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. However, GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid, is found in high amounts in borage. Since omega-6 fatty acids are proinflammatory compounds, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in fish oil may be preferred for the treatment of medical disorders (see Oral Fatty Acids).
Borage leaves contain small amounts of compounds (alkaloids) that can be toxic to the liver; therefore, borage should not be used in pets with liver disease or in pregnant animals. Use of large amounts of borage, or prolonged ingestion of large amounts should be avoided.