Borago officinalis Print

Borago officinalis

Borage

Family: Boraginaceae
Found in Portugal: Common in gardens, disturbed soils, roadsides, and sometimes naturalised

Description

Borage is a generous, fast-growing plant with bristly stems and vivid star-shaped blue flowers. The leaves are large, soft, and slightly rough to the touch. Flowering from spring through summer, it brings a bright, almost luminous blue to the landscape and hums with visiting bees.

Edibility

Yes — traditionally edible, with care.

• Young leaves have a mild cucumber-like flavour

• Flowers are often used fresh in salads, drinks, and desserts

• Best harvested young, as older leaves become coarse

Borage has a long history as a culinary herb, though it is not suited for frequent or long-term heavy consumption.

Medicinal Uses

Traditionally regarded as a plant that “lifts the spirits.”

• Leaves and flowers used in infusions as a mild calming herb

• Historically associated with courage and mood support

• Borage seed oil is valued for its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, used to support skin and inflammatory conditions

Modern herbal use focuses mainly on the seed oil, rather than the fresh plant.

Safety Notes

• The leaves and stems contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may affect the liver if used excessively

• Not recommended for long-term internal use

• Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in cases of liver conditions

• Flowers contain much lower levels and are generally considered safer in small amounts

Notes

Borage is both wild-hearted and generous — feeding pollinators, brightening gardens, and offering gentle support when used wisely. A plant of courage <3