Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Borago officinalis
|
| Common Names: |
Borage, Starflower, Cool Tankard, Borrache
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| Key Name: |
Borage
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| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, seeds
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| Sister Plants: |
Borago pygmaea, Echium vulgare, Symphytum officinale
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| Comments: |
Annual herb, one of the best forage plants, producing nectar throughout its flowering season; supports pollinators
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Boraginales |
| Family |
Boraginaceae |
Genus |
Borago |
| Species |
officinalis |
NCBI Tax ID |
13363
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| Organism |
|
|
Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Annual herb (1-2 ft), erect bristly stem, broad oval Leaves with bristly hairs, star-shaped blue flowers (1 in) with black anthers, blooming May-September
|
| Stem: |
Erect, 1-2 ft, bristly, green
|
| Leaves: |
Broad, oval, 2-6 inches, bristly, dark green
|
| Flowers: |
Star-shaped, blue, 1 in diameter, with black anthers, in clusters, blooming May-September
|
| Fruit: |
Small, black nutlets, 2-3 mm
|
| Taste: |
Cucumber-like (Leaves), mild (flowers)
|
| Odour: |
Mild, fresh scent from Leaves and flowers
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| Root: |
Taproot, supports annual growth
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| Image: |
(image unavailable)
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to the Mediterranean, naturalized in Europe, North America, and elsewhere
|
| Cultivation: |
Self-seeding annual; plant in full Sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water moderately
|
| Harvest: |
Leaves/Flowers: May-September; seeds: Late summer
|
Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, emollient
|
| Medical Uses: |
Used for respiratory issues, Fever, Urinary complaints, inflammation, and as a mild Diuretic; Leaves for poultices, seeds for oil (GLA content)
|
| Constituents: |
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Mucilage (Mucilage)">Mucilage, Tannins, potassium, Calcium
|
| Solvents: |
Water, oil (seed extraction), alcohol (Tincture)
|
| Dosage: |
infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Oil: 1-2 tsp seeds daily
|
| Administration: |
Internal: infusion or seed oil; External: Poultice
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| Formulas: |
|
| Contra Indications: |
May cause Allergic reactions; avoid Excessive use; consult healthcare provider, especially during Pregnancy
|
| Preparation: |
infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water 10 min; Oil: Cold-press seeds
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| Veterinary: |
Used for skin irritations or mild Digestive support in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination
|
| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees and hoverflies throughout flowering season
|
Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
ornamental, bee forage, cosmetic uses
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| Culinary Uses: |
Young Leaves in salads, flowers as garnish or in drinks
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| History: |
Used in Mediterranean and European herbal traditions since ancient times; valued for cooling properties
|
| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Borago+officinalis
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| Share: |
Private
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