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 Associations Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.