Starflower / Bee Flower/Borage, also known as starflower or bee flower, is a plant harvested mostly for its seeds. It’s an annual plant with coarse, hairy leaves. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and has blue, star-shaped flowers. The leaves and stems are a grey-green color.

Borage is also used for a hormone problem called adrenal insufficiency, for “blood purification,” to increase urine flow, to prevent inflammation of the lungs, as a sedative, and to promote sweating. Borage is also used to increase breast milk production and to treat bronchitis and colds.

Borago officinalis is a species of the genus Borago L. in the family Boraginaceae native to the Mediterranean region. Known as Starflower, it has acquired common names of Burrage, common bugloss, bee plant and beebread. There are more than 2500 species in this plant family. The oil which is extracted from Borage is known as Borage oil. It is an herbaceous annual plant growing to 2 feet high, with hairy stems and leaves. The leaves are alternate, 3-10 cm long, and margined. Borage is a healthy plant with blue flowers which is grown commercially in order to extract oil from its seeds. The showy star-shaped flowers attract bees and insects. The breeding takes place from the large black seeds. Some varieties of Borage are: Common borage, Variegata, Alba and Creeping borage.

Borage Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Borago officinalis

Plant

Borago officinalis is an herbaceous herb, which is annual, fast-growing, and aggressive. The plants grow up to 2 feet in height and 2½ feet in width. The stem is erect, vertically grooved, hollow, and 1 1/2 feet high. The leaves form upon the stem and are alternate, margined, ellipsoid-ovate, pubescent or hairy, 3-10 cm long and are deep green in color. The flowers are star-shaped and blue but sometimes they might be white or pink in color. The nuts are keeled, elongated to ovate with light brown rough skin which is 7-10 mm long.

History

Native to the Mediterranean region, today it is extensively cultivated all over North America and Europe.

In the early 19th century, the young flowers were used as a potherb in salads and wine. In the UK, Borage was grown for at least 1200. The young leaves were used in salads. Its taste is much like cucumber, and leaves that are steeped in water are consumed as a refreshing drink.

Borage has been widely spread to the world. It grows primitive in the European countryside. In Roman and Greek times, it was thought to eliminate melancholy. The Greeks place it in wine cups to enhance courage.

Minerals	Amount	% DV
Calcium, Ca	83 mg	8.30%
Iron, Fe	2.94 mg	36.75%
Magnesium, Mg	46 mg	10.95%
Phosphorus, P	47 mg	6.71%
Potassium, K	418 mg	8.89%
Sodium, Na	71 mg	4.73%
Zinc, Zn	0.18 mg	1.64%
Copper, Cu	0.116 mg	12.89%
Manganese, Mn	0.311 mg	13.52%
Selenium, Se	0.8 µg	1.45%

Vitamins	Amount	% DV
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.053 mg	4.42%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.134 mg	10.31%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	0.801 mg	5.01%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	0.036 mg	0.72%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	0.075 mg	5.77%
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	12 µg	3.00%
Folic Acid	0 µg	N/D
Folate, food	12 µg	N/D
Folate, DEF	12 µg	N/D
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)	31.2 mg	34.67%
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A, RAE	187 µg	26.71%
Vitamin A, IU	3738 IU	N/D

Lipids	Amount	% DV
Fatty acids, total saturated	0.151 g	N/D
Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid)	0.053 g	N/D
Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid)	0.019 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	0.188 g	N/D
Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid)	0.17 g	N/D
Erucic acid 22:1 (docosenoic acid)	0.018 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	0.097 g	N/D
Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid)	0.097 g	N/D

*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ 

Health Benefits of Borage

Borage is loaded with various amounts of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins which provide enormous health benefits. It enhances the immune system and soothes inflammation. The plant, as well as the oil extracted from the plant, are equally useful. It also possesses anti-inflammatory, diuretic, galactagogue, and emollient properties.

1. Respiratory health – The chewing of leaves of Borage helps to provide relief from sore throat, cold, painful sinuses, and stuffy nose. The compound in this herb helps to wipe out the phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tracts and also clears sinuses. It also enhances the immune system by preventing the development of pathogens and bacteria in the tracts. (1)

2. Skin conditions – Indian borage is used to treat various skin conditions such as stings, bug bites, psoriasis, and eczema. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and redness by eliminating irritation as well as itchiness. (2)

3. Omega 6 – The essential oil which is extracted from the Indian borage leaves contains the omega 6 fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid which helps to reduce arthritis by increasing the regeneration of joints that is essential for athletes or people with osteoporosis who has stressed on bones and joints. (3)

4. Vitamin A and C – Indian borage leaves possess a high amount of ascorbic acid which helps to enhance the immune system. Vitamin A and carotenoids enhance vision with the reduction of oxidative stress in the eyes and also prevent macular degeneration. (4)

5. Prevent cancer – The research shows that Indian borage showed positive results in the treatment of breast cancer but the studies are still going on. The antioxidants and omega-6 gamma-linoleic acids help to slow down breast cancer growth. It also has an effect on prostatitis which is an indicator of prostate cancer. (5)

6. Reduce anxiety – The minerals and organic compounds contained in Indian borage possess sedative properties. The tea made from Indian borage helps to reduce chronic stress or anxiety and promotes peace of mind, relaxation and sound sleep. (6)

7. Kidney ailments – Indian borage possesses diuretic properties which clear out the toxins by promoting urination. It also lowers the excess fat, salt, and water contained in the body. It enhances the function of the lymphatic system and kidneys as well. (7)

8. Reduce fever – Flu and cold are the common symptoms of fever. Indian borage enhances sweat, clear toxin from the body, and also speeds up the recovery process. (8)

9. Relieves bowel syndrome – Traditionally, Indian borage was used to soothe upset stomachs and provide relief from bowel syndromes by soothing inflammation and regulating digestion. The effective way of getting benefit from the Indian borage leaves is to brew it as tea. (9)
10. Reduce arthritis – Borage oil contains GLA which acts as an aid for pain caused due to rheumatoid arthritis. It is most effective when used with anti-inflammatory medications or conventional painkilling. The evidence shows that some people experience a reduction in joint pain, severity, and swelling with the treatment of borage oil for six weeks daily.
11. Improving the function of the lungs in critically ill patients. There is some evidence that borage seed oil, when taken by mouth in combination with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), might reduce the number of days spent in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the length of time a breathing machine is needed by patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
12. Growth and development in premature infants. Infant formula supplemented with fatty acids from borage oil and fish oils seems to improve the growth and development of the nervous system in infants born early, especially boys.
13. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is some evidence that taking borage seed oil in combination with conventional painkilling or anti-inflammatory medications might help decrease symptoms of RA after six weeks of treatment. The improvement appears to last for up to 24 weeks. Improvement is measured as a decrease in the number and severity of tender and swollen joints.
14. Itchy, red skin (eczema). Taking borage seed oil by mouth does not seem to improve eczema in adults or children.
15. Asthma. Early research suggests that taking borage oil daily for 12 months does not improve asthma symptoms.
16. A dental condition is called periodontitis. Early research suggests that taking borage oil daily for 12 weeks improves gum inflammation but does not reduce plaque in people with periodontitis.
17. Skin conditions in infants. There is some evidence that topical application of borage seed oil might be helpful for infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It seems to heal the condition within 1 to 3 weeks.
18. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
19. Diabetes.
20. Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
21. Alcoholism.
22. Heart disease.
23. Stroke.
24. Cough.
25. Depression.
26. Dry skin.
27. Arthritis.
28. Pain relief.
29. Inflamed veins (phlebitis).
30. Menopausal disorders.
31. Fluid retention.

Benefits Of Borage Seed Oil

1. Fights Inflammation

The gamma-linolenic acid must be given credit for this particularly beneficial quality of borage seed oil. GLA is an important omega-6 fatty acid that is converted into prostaglandins in your body – and these compounds regulate your immunity and fight inflammation. GLA also directly influences inflammatory cells and thereby suppresses inflammation.

One study from the University of Pennsylvania spoke of how borage oil can help treat rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps heal skin conditions like eczema (more of which we will discuss later), periodontitis, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. The anti-inflammatory effects of this oil have been supported by several other studies as well (1). Another study talks about how borage oil can be particularly helpful for rheumatoid arthritis (2). The GLA in the oil also has anti-mutagenic properties and might help fight cancer as well.

2. Aids Weight Loss

GLA, being an important fatty acid, can often lead to an overall improvement in health – and this includes healthy weight loss as well. GLA also helps your body to hold on to protein and slows down the absorption of carbohydrates. The acid also transports the fat-soluble vitamins to the bloodstream. And since GLA is good fat, it prevents overeating and cuts down fat cravings as well. Simply put, GLA helps reduce fat accumulation in the body.

And more interestingly, GLA leads to the accumulation of brown fat and cuts down white fat. Research has shown that leaner people tend to have more brown fat. Brown fat acts more like a muscle.

In fact, one American study talks about how GLA can help reduce weight gain in previously obese humans (3).

3. Helps Treat Acne And Related Disorders

The GLA in borage seed oil helps fight inflammation, and this can play an important role in treating acne. Herbal practitioners often suggest that the oil be taken orally or applied topically for this purpose. These anti-inflammatory properties of the oil also help treat conditions like rosacea. The oil also reduces skin reddening associated with the condition. One Korean study talks about how gamma-linolenic acid, along with omega-3 fatty acids, can aid the treatment of acne vulgaris (4). Some sources say that borage oil can also help in the treatment of keratosis pilaris, which is another skin condition that causes rough patches and acne-like bumps on the skin.

4. Improves Skin Health

In addition to treating acne and the like, borage oil also improves skin health in general. It restores moisture and helps treat dry skin. Borage seed oil is specifically known for its ability to treat eczema and dermatitis. This can be attributed to its ability to correct deficiencies in skin lipids. The science is this – when the skin cannot produce enough of the protective oils, the result happens to be inflammation and skin flare-ups. The oil can also help improve psoriasis. You simply have to apply some borage oil to the affected areas and leave it on overnight. Wash off with cold water in the morning.

Certain sources say borage oil can also reduce cellulite – though more research is required in this regard.

5. Treats Respiratory Allergies

Borage seed oil can improve the functioning of the lungs, more so in individuals with inflamed respiratory disorders, including Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The oil aids the treatment of cough, cold, and flu. It is also often used to treat bronchitis (5). And as per other studies, borage oil can be useful in the treatment of other allergic diseases as well (6). This includes asthma too.

6. Might Be Beneficial During Pregnancy

Though some sources cite the benefits of borage oil during pregnancy, there is research that states otherwise (7). We suggest you check with your doctor before taking borage oil during pregnancy.

Borage oil has also been used for treating cradle cap, which is a rash starting on a baby’s scalp that might later turn into eczema (not necessary, though) (8). However, there is limited research on this. Certain sources also say that borage oil might induce labor – but we don’t know how far this is true. Hence, please talk to your doctor before using the oil for this purpose.

7. Eases Menopause Symptoms

As per reports published by Cleveland Clinic, the anti-inflammatory properties of borage oil can reduce the symptoms related to menopause and premenstrual syndrome – such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and hot flashes. It also can help ease night sweats. However, we need more research in this aspect (9).

8. Helps Cure Hangover

It is important to know that hangover symptoms occur due to inflammation caused by inflammatory prostaglandins – and like we already saw, the GLA in borage seed oil inhibits the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and increases that of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Hence, the hangover symptoms are significantly cured the next day. In fact, one supplement containing borage oil as one of the important ingredients was found to cure hangovers in 88% of the participants in a study (10).

9. Boosts Hair Health

Borage oil is popular for treating a condition known as folliculitis – where the hair follicles get damaged and inflamed as a result of infection. This can often lead to severe hair fall. Massaging borage oil into the scalp can help, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Also, the omega-6 fatty acids in borage oil positively influence hair growth. And not only that, the oil might also help cure dandruff.

10. Might Promote Breast Growth

The GLA in borage seed oil is known to convert testosterone into estrogen – and this might promote breast enlargement. The oil is also said to contain phytoestrogens that might increase milk supply. However, this information has been gathered from certain sources whose reliability is under question. Also, we need more research to substantiate this. Please consult your doctor before using borage seed oil for this purpose.

11. Can Help Fight Depression

Borage is often brewed as tea to fight depression (the flowers are steeped in hot water, and the liquid is consumed). The oil is also associated with the treatment of other mood disorders like OCD and panic disorders. Borage oil, as discussed, contains a higher percentage of GLA, and this soothes the nervous system.

But do take care with the ingestion of herbs for treating nervous system issues – as one study links the intake of borage oil with a case of epilepsy (11). Hence, consult your doctor.

Though research is limited, some sources say that borage oil helps treat adrenal fatigue as well.

12. Treats Dry Eyes

Anecdotal evidence has shown that borage oil can help treat dry eyes. You can use half a teaspoon of borage oil every day for this purpose.

Some studies have proven that the GLA in borage seed oil can help treat the symptoms of dry eyes.

13. Can Treat Ovarian Cysts

With high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, borage oil can help reduce testosterone levels in women. Borage oil can help relieve painful periods. It might also help treat the polycystic ovarian syndrome. (12).

 Health Benefits Of Borage Tea

1. It contains a high amount of calcium, mineral salt, and potassium, so it can be used in unsalted diets.
2. It has diuretic properties. It helps to reduce symptoms of kidney stones by helping to urinate frequently, especially in kidney sand and kidney stone complaints.
3. Expectorant. It helps to relieve complaints of intense cough.
4. Effective in sore throat complaints.
5. It helps reduce tonsillitis.
6. Sweating helps, this feature is effective in reducing the complaints of high fever.
7. It helps to reduce complaints such as depression, restlessness, anxiety and has an antidepressant effect.
8. It helps reduce insomnia problems. A cup of borage tea before bedtime helps a comfortable sleep.
9. It helps balance the hormonal system.
10. Reduces high blood pressure complaints by helping to lower blood pressure.
11. It helps lower cholesterol levels.
12. Strengthens the immune system.
13. Reduces symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
14. Helps in relieving cramps and similar ailments during the menstrual period. It also helps to overcome these periods more easily by providing relief psychologically.
15. Relaxes digestive system.
16. When used as a mouthwash, it helps to remove bacteria that accumulate in teeth and gums.
17. It helps to reduce cough complaints by relaxing the throat and respiratory system in cases such as bronchitis, colds, and colds.
18. Removes swelling due to inflammation in the body.
19. Borage oil obtained from seeds is very useful for skin problems. It can be used especially for problems such as acne, eczema, dermatitis.

References

Show More