Borage
Borago officinalis
Quick Reference
Folk Names
Starflower, Bee Bread, Herb of Gladness
Latin Name
Borago officinalis
Family
How To Use
Balm, Cream / Lotion, Elixir, Flower Essence, Glycerite, Infused Oil, Vinegar Infusion, Poultice, Tincture
Magickal Lore
“Speak truth with love and let joy rise unfiltered.” Borage comes in soft and steady. She speaks with a kind voice, yet carries a lion-hearted message: be brave, even while you’re afraid. She brings the kind of courage that doesn’t roar, but whispers in your chest and strengthens your spine. She reminds us that it’s not weakness to feel deeply, but rather a strength to wear your heart like a banner.
Magickal Themes
Magickal Uses
Bravery in difficult emotional times
Invoking peace during conflict
Easing grief and sorrow
Attracting bees, pollinators, and good energy
Speaking truth gently, but firmly
Confidence before public speaking or difficult conversations
Aiding in heart-centred rituals, especially involving healing and reconciliation
Chakras
She also resonates with the Throat chakra, particularly in encouraging emotional honesty. She brings clarity and confidence when words are hard to find, helping you speak from a place of truth and tenderness.
Clinical Herbal Data
Herbal Actions
Constituents
Medical Uses
Adrenal support: Borage is known for helping with adrenal fatigue, offering gentle upliftment during periods of burnout, chronic stress, or long emotional strain.
Mood and nervous system: Contains nourishing compounds that gently lift low mood, reduce nervous exhaustion, and can soothe anxiety or grief-related tension.
Inflammation: Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Borage can help reduce internal inflammation and support hormonal balance, especially in people assigned female at birth.
Hormonal support: Traditionally used to ease symptoms of PMS and menopause, especially where mood swings, breast tenderness, or low vitality are present.
Respiratory system: Mild expectorant properties — helpful in cases of dry, irritating coughs or colds.
Cardiovascular system: Borage can help support the heart both physically and emotionally, by encouraging healthy circulation and resilience.
Diuretic: Mildly diuretic and useful for clearing water retention.
Tissue State
Borage excels where there is dryness (physical or emotional), especially when paired with coolness and fatigue. Think cracked lips, dry lungs, dry grief, a brittle emotional body, and adrenal burnout. It nourishes, cools gently, and moistens without dampening. It’s especially suited for cases of withered energy, lack of vitality, chronic sorrow, or spiritual fatigue — a “herbal blessing” that slowly restores flow. Particularly helpful where grief, anxiety, or burnout have left the body and spirit ‘thinned out’.
Herbal Energetics
Cooling, moistening, gently uplifting
Carries a lunar, watery quality — helping to bring softness, flow, and inner spaciousness
Useful for those who feel brittle, emotionally threadbare, or energetically ‘flat’
Energetic keywords: softening, heartening, rebuilding, blessing
Mild, slightly sweet and cucumber-like. Fresh and hydrating. Not pungent, spicy or bitter — instead, gentle and nourishing.
Body Systems
- Adrenal / Endocrine System
- Supports recovery from long-term stress and burnout by gently nourishing the adrenals.
- Nervous System
- Eases anxiety, mental fatigue, and emotional heaviness, especially when related to hormonal imbalance or grief.
- Cardiovascular System
- Encourages better circulation and emotional heart support.
- Lungs / Respiratory System
- Can gently support dry or irritated lungs, mild coughs, and sinus inflammation.
- Urinary System
- Mild diuretic action helps reduce bloating or water retention.
- Skin
- Rich in GLA, supports dry skin, eczema, or irritation (especially when infused into oil).
- Reproductive System
- Particularly helpful for hormonal balance (PMT, menopause), especially where emotional/energetic depletion is part of the picture.
Skin Uses
Infused oil: Soothes dry, irritated, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. Great for inflamed or reactive skin conditions. GLA-rich content: Supports cell regeneration and reduces redness. Used in balms: For cracked or weathered skin, lip care, and gentle facial serums. Good in postpartum or menstrual care blends for emotional softness and skin nourishment.
Safety Notes
Generally considered safe for short-term use in teas, oils, and skin care.
- Borage contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in small amounts — not advised for long-term internal use unless you’re sourcing PA-free seed oil or preparing properly.
- Borage seed oil should be from a reputable source (PA-free certified) and used with professional guidance if taken internally.
- May cause contact dermatitis in very sensitive individuals (rare).
CAUTION: Avoid internal use during pregnancy due to its emmenagogue action.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a health condition.
Borage in the Grimoire
Explore everything across the JOTE world that features borage.