🌿 Borage Leaf & Flower (Borago officinalis)

Also known as: Starflower • Bee Plant • Herb of Courage
Family: Boraginaceae
Origin: Mediterranean region; now naturalized across Europe and North America
Parts used: Dried leaves and flowers
Primary use: Internal & External

✨ Description

Bright, uplifting, and deeply restorative, Borage is the “Herb of Courage” — long revered for its ability to nourish the adrenal glands, strengthen the nerves, and renew the spirit.

Its soft, fuzzy leaves and vivid blue, star-shaped flowers are rich in essential fatty acids, trace minerals, and mucilage that soothe inflammation and replenish depleted energy. In both herbal medicine and folklore, Borage is said to bring bravery, calm confidence, and joy during emotional or physical fatigue.

When brewed, it releases a subtle cucumber-like flavor and a gentle sweetness that refreshes both body and soul.

🍵 Dried Herb Uses

As a nourishing tonic or gentle cooling tea:

Adrenal & Hormonal Support: Helps replenish the body after stress or illness and gently supports hormone balance.
Anti-Inflammatory & Cooling: Soothes internal heat, inflammation, and tension in the body.
Respiratory & Throat Comfort: Calms irritation in the throat and lungs while gently moisturizing tissues.
Mood & Nerve Health: Traditionally used to lift the spirit, calm anxiety, and encourage a positive outlook.

Directions (Internal Use):
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried Borage in 8 oz of hot water for 10–12 minutes.
Strain and sip up to 2–3 times daily.
Pairs beautifully with Lemon Balm, Nettle Leaf, or Chamomile for soothing and adrenal-restoring blends.

💧 External Uses

Use as a skin rinse or compress for redness, eczema, or dryness.
Add to baths for its softening and calming effects on the skin and emotions.
Infuse into oil (like olive or jojoba) to create a nourishing base for salves or facial serums.
Use as a hair rinse to moisturize the scalp and restore shine.

🔮 Metaphysical & Energetic Uses

Emotional Resilience: Borage strengthens the heart and spirit, helping overcome fear, sadness, or discouragement.
Heart Chakra Support: Encourages courage, self-compassion, and inner peace.
Protective Energy: Used in spiritual baths or incense for emotional fortification and protection against negativity.
Symbolism: Represents bravery, joy, and the renewal of hope — often used in ritual teas or flower offerings.

Affirmation:

“My heart is strong and calm — I move forward with courage and grace.”

🌿 Pairing Suggestions

Lemon Balm – for emotional balance and stress support.
Nettle Leaf – for nourishment and mineral restoration.
Chamomile or Rose – for heart and skin soothing.
Ashwagandha – for deeper adrenal and hormonal recovery.

🌼 Harvest & Sourcing

Our Borage is hand-harvested during peak bloom, when its delicate blue flowers and downy leaves hold the highest concentration of essential fatty acids and plant mucilage.
It’s shade-dried and gently crumbled to preserve its bright color, floral aroma, and soft vitality.

⚖️ Energetics & Taste

Taste: Mild, fresh, and slightly sweet with a cucumber-like finish.
Energetic profile: Cooling, moistening, heart-strengthening, and uplifting.
Pairs well with: Lemon Balm, Nettle, Chamomile, and Rose.

⚠️ Warnings

Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Avoid high or prolonged internal use due to naturally occurring pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).
Best used in moderate amounts or as part of a balanced blend.
Store in a cool, dry, dark place to preserve freshness.

🌻 A Note from the Herbalist

Delicate yet determined, Borage embodies the courage to begin again. It restores energy to the weary, calm to the anxious, and hope to the disheartened.

When you drink Borage tea or add its blue blossoms to your herbal rituals, you’re inviting strength wrapped in softness — a reminder that true courage is quiet and compassionate.