-IBIS-1.7.0-
rx
herb
Borago officinalis (Borage)
Botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Borago officinalis

synonyms: borage, burrage, bugloss, common bugloss, boretsch, bourrache, borraggine, borrana, boraga

part(s) used: leaves

qualities:

affinities:

actions: diuretic, demulcent, emollient

dosage:

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

therapy:

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2a 2b, 2c, 2d (long-term use not recommended) (McGuffin)

toxicity: 2

» possible carcinogenicity (Duke, p. 81)

» although this plant contains small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, internal use has not been problematic; however it is recommended that internal use not last longer than 30 days

» handling of fresh plant may cause contact dermatitis (Duke, p. 81)

» Borage seed oil is safe and does not contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. (Brinker, P.28)

constituents: pyrrolizidine alkaloids

footnotes

Brinker, Francis. 1997. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.