Borage

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

All authors of this article

Last updated on: 28.03.2025

Dieser Artikel auf Deutsch

Synonym(s)

Borage seed oil; Borago officinalis; Cucumber herb

Definition
This section has been translated automatically.

Spice and medicinal plant from the borage family (Boraginaceae). Originally native to the Mediterranean region, borage has also been found in Central Europe since the late Middle Ages. It is an annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 70 centimetres high and has bristly hairs on its stems and leaves. The rough lanceolate leaves are dark green and 10-15 cm long.

Flowering time: May to September. The flowers are bright blue. Borage produces an oily seed about 0.5 cm long and dark brown in color.

Borage seed oil is used phytotherapeutically.

Field of application/use
This section has been translated automatically.

Borage flowers and herb contain tannins, soluble silicic acid and mucilage; used in folk medicine for inflammation of the respiratory tract, urinary retention and diarrhea. The content of liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids can be high; medicinal use is not recommended.

Internal: The oil extracted from the seeds(borage seed oil) is almost free of alkaloids when cold-pressed. The proportion of gamma-linolenic acid is about 20% (higher than in evening primrose oil). It is used as an open oil or in capsule form for atopic eczema

Externally: Borage seed oil (Borago officinalis seed oil (INCI) can be added 10-20% to appropriate ointment bases (e.g. Unguentum emulsificans). Indication: chronic eczema, atopic eczema

Pregnancy/nursing period
This section has been translated automatically.

The pyrrazolidine alkaloids in the herb have hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects.

Recipe(s)
This section has been translated automatically.

Trade names
This section has been translated automatically.

Glandol® special 1-0-0 cps/day; Children: Glandol forte 1-0-0 cps/day

Note(s)
This section has been translated automatically.

Borage contains alkaloids, mucilages, tannins, resin, saponin, potassium nitrate, silicic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, essential oil. The oil extracted from the seed is used in the treatment of atopic eczema due to its high content of gamma-linolenic acid in 5-20% concentration.

Authors

Last updated on: 28.03.2025