Borage, also known as starflower, is a traditional annual herb cultivated for centuries across the Mediterranean region. Its distinctive appearance, featuring vibrant blue, star-shaped flowers, makes it a popular garden plant. Borage has a dual role, valued both for its leaves and flowers in the kitchen and its seeds in traditional health practices. Today, it is used in culinary dishes and as a source for an oil rich in a beneficial fatty acid.
Botanical Identity and Physical Characteristics
Borage, or Borago officinalis, is classified as an annual herb, completing its life cycle within a single growing season. It grows upright to about two feet and is easily recognizable. The plant is covered in stiff, bristly hairs across its stems and oblong leaves, giving the foliage a rough texture.
The most striking feature is the flower, a bright sky-blue blossom that hangs in loose, drooping clusters. Each flower has five narrow, triangular petals and a distinctive cone of dark, purple-black stamens at the center, which gives rise to its common name, starflower. Historically native to the eastern Mediterranean region, borage is now cultivated widely across Europe and North America and is especially attractive to bees.
Culinary Applications of the Plant
Both the leaves and the flowers of the borage plant are edible, offering a mild, fresh flavor often described as resembling cucumber. The bright blue flowers are widely used as a decorative garnish for salads, desserts, and cocktails. They can also be frozen within ice cubes for cold beverages.
Young borage leaves can be consumed raw in salads, though their prickly texture means they are often used sparingly. Mature leaves are typically cooked like spinach, which softens their texture and reduces the roughness of the hairs. The leaves are used to season soups and stews, and they are a traditional ingredient in various European cool drinks, punches, and lemonades.
Borage Seed Oil and Gamma-Linolenic Acid
The primary reason for borage’s modern popularity is the oil extracted from its seeds. This oil, known as Borage Seed Oil (BSO) or starflower oil, is obtained by pressing the tiny seeds of the plant. The oil is highly concentrated in the omega-6 fatty acid called Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA).
Borage Seed Oil is recognized as one of the richest natural sources of GLA, typically containing between 20% and 26% of this fatty acid. This concentration is significantly higher than other plant oils that also contain GLA, such as evening primrose oil. Once ingested, GLA is metabolized to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which acts as a precursor to specific anti-inflammatory compounds.
These compounds, particularly Prostaglandin E1, are signaling molecules that help manage inflammatory responses. Because of this metabolic pathway, BSO supplements are studied for their potential to support skin health, especially in conditions like atopic dermatitis or eczema, and for general inflammation management. The oil is also used topically in cosmetic formulations, where its GLA content helps repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier and enhance water retention.
Safety Considerations and Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
While Borage Seed Oil is widely used as a supplement, consuming the whole herb requires attention due to the presence of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs). PAs are found mainly in the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. When consumed in large quantities or over extended periods, these compounds can be toxic to the liver, potentially causing hepatotoxicity and liver damage.
Most commercially available Borage Seed Oil supplements are specifically processed and certified to be free of unsaturated PAs, which are the most toxic form. Consumers should seek out products clearly labeled as “PA-free” to mitigate the risk of liver damage. The raw or dried herb, including teas, is generally recommended to be avoided due to the higher PA content. Individuals who are pregnant or nursing should not use borage products, and anyone taking blood thinners or liver medications should consult a healthcare provider.