Borage - Borago officinalis (bugloss, burrage, common bugloss)
Borage is an annual plant with a hollow, bristly, branched and spreading stem. It grows up to 2 feet tall. The leaves are also bristly and are oval or oblong-lanceolate. The leaves at the base of the plant form a rosette, while the upper leaves grow alternately on the stem and branches. The star-shaped flowers grow from June to August and are blue or purplish in
colour.
Borage is aperient, diaphoretic, febrifuge,
galactagogue, pectoral and tonic. It is said to be good for reducing
fever and restoring vitality during convalescence from illness. It's
diaphoretic property is believed to have some antidotal effect against
poisons. It may also have some calmative actions against nervous conditions.
This calmative property, along with it's anti-inflammatory action has
lead to it being recommended for treating pleurisy and petrotinitis. The
leaves and seeds of borage will stimulate the flow of milk in nursing
mothers. The fresh herb may be used as an eye wash or as a poultice for
inflammations, however, contact with fresh leaves of the plant may cause
dermatitis in sensitive skin types.
Prolonged use of this herb is not
advisable.