BORAGE Star Flowers

Traditional medicine

Traditionally Borago officinalis is used in hyperactive gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, such as gastrointestinal (colic, cramps, diarrhea), airways (asthma, bronchitis), cardiovascular, (cardiotonic, antihypertensive and blood purifier), urinary (diuretic and kidney/bladder disorders).

Naturopathic practitioners use borage for regulation of metabolism and the hormonal system, and consider it to be a good remedy for PMS and menopause symptoms such as the hot flush.  The flowers can be prepared in infusion.

One case of status epilepticus has been reported that was associated with borage oil ingestion.

A methanol extract of borage has shown strong amoebicidal activity. The 50% inhibitory concentration (LD50) of the extract for Entamoeba histolytica was only 33 µg/mL.
Companion plant

Borage is used in companion planting. It is said to protect or nurse legumes, spinach, brassicas, and even strawberries.  It is also said to be a good companion plant to tomatoes because it confuses the search image of the mother moths of tomato hornworms or manduca looking for a place to lay their eggs.  Claims that it improves tomato growth  and makes them taste better remain unsubstantiated.

  

Companion plant

Borage is used in companion planting. It is said to protect or nurse legumes, spinach, brassicas, and even strawberries. It is also said to be a good companion plant to tomatoes because it confuses the search image of the mother moths of tomato hornworms or manduca looking for a place to lay their eggs. Claims that it improves tomato growth  and makes them taste better remain unsubstantiated.

Borage, raw Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy     88 kJ (21 kcal)
Carbohydrates     3 g
Fat     0.7 g
Protein     1.8 g
Vitamin A equiv.     210 μg (26%)
Thiamine (vit. B1)     0.06 mg (5%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)     0.15 mg (13%)
Niacin (vit. B3)     0.9 mg (6%)
Vitamin B6     0.084 mg (6%)
Folate (vit. B9)     13 μg (3%)
Vitamin C     35 mg (42%)
Calcium     93 mg (9%)
Iron     3.3 mg (25%)
Magnesium     52 mg (15%)
Manganese     0.349 mg (17%)
Phosphorus     53 mg (8%)
Potassium     470 mg (10%)
Sodium     80 mg (5%)
Zinc     0.2 mg (2%)