Borage: The Starflower with Restorative Powers
If you’ve ever seen a patch of borage in bloom, you know how hard it is to walk past without stopping. With its bright blue, star-shaped flowers and soft, fuzzy leaves, borage has been brightening gardens and kitchens for centuries.
Native to the Mediterranean, borage (sometimes called the starflower) was prized by the Romans for courage and strength. Over time, borage traveled through Europe and beyond, spreading its cheerful blossoms and gaining a reputation as both a medicinal herb and an edible flower.
By the Middle Ages, it was a common sight in monastery gardens, where it was valued for its cooling properties and believed to “comfort the heart.” Today, both herbalists and gardeners are rediscovering borage, especially as research shines new light on its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Modern studies show that borage seeds are rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests GLA may help reduce symptoms of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and even PMS discomfort by modulating inflammatory responses in the body.
Borage oil (which is pressed from the seeds) is a popular supplement for joint health and skin conditions, while teas and infusions made from the flowers and leaves are used to gently support digestion and respiratory health.
But just a word of caution - resources say borage should not be used long-term or in high doses as it may cause certain health issues.
Borage flowers are small but super pretty. They’re star-shaped with 5 points, and usually a beautiful, bright sky blue - though you’ll sometimes find pink or white varieties. The plants have these bristly, gray-green leaves, and the flowers actually taste a little like cucumbers!
One of the best things about borage is how easy it is to grow. Borage is an annual herb that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Borage reseeds readily (sometimes a little too readily) so once you plant it, expect to see its cheerful blue blooms returning year after year. It grows quickly from seed, requires little maintenance, attracts pollinators and makes a great companion plant for veggies and other herbs.
Borage blossoms are edible and can be used in just about anything. Toss the flowers into summer salads, float them in lemonade or herbal teas, or freeze them into ice cubes for a simple garnish. You can also use the blossoms in bath salts or facial steams. And borage tea, made from the leaves or flowers, has been used traditionally to soothe coughs and support adrenal health - though as with any herb, moderation is key.
Whether you grow it for its medicinal qualities, its pollinator-friendly blooms or simply because it makes your garden look like a fairy tale, borage is a gift from nature.
With science now confirming what centuries of tradition have taught us, this little Mediterranean herb earns its place in both the garden and the home as a plant of beauty, nourishment and restoration.
And just for fun - here’s a little DIY recipe you can try!
Borage Blossom Bath Soak
1/2 cup dried borage blossoms
1 cup Epsom salts (for muscle relaxation & added magnesium)
1/2 cup baking soda (softens skin & soothes irritation)
5 - 10 drops lavender or chamomile essential oil (optional for aroma & extra relaxation)
First, prepare the flowers. If you grew your own borage, harvest the blossoms when they’re fully open and air-dry them for several weeks before using. Next, in a large bowl, combine the Epsom salts and baking soda. Add the dried blossoms and stir gently to mix. If using, sprinkle the essential oil over the mixture and stir again to evenly distribute. Transfer to a clean, air-tight container and store in a cool, dry place. Your bath soak will keep for several months.
To use: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of your bath soak to a warm bath. Let it dissolve while the flowers float and infuse their goodness into the water. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes and let the warmth and botanicals work their magic.
Tip: For less mess, put the bath soak in a muslin bag or clean cotton sock before adding it to the bath. The salts and oils will infuse the water, but the blossoms will stay contained for easy clean up.
Happy soaking!
