Borage

A spice and medicinal plant from the family of predatory leaf plants (Boraginaceae). Originally native to the Mediterranean region, borage has also been found in Central Europe since the late Middle Ages. An annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 70 centimetres high and has bristly hairs on its stems and leaves. The rough lancet-shaped leaves are dark green and 10-15 cm long.

Flowering time: May to September. The flowers are bright blue. Borage produces an oily seed about 0.5 cm long and dark brown in colour.

Borage flowers and herb contain tanning agents, soluble silicic acid and mucilage; used in folk medicine for inflammation of the respiratory tract, urinary retention and diarrhoea. Content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids toxic to the liver may be high; medical use is not recommended.

Internally: The oil obtained from the seeds(borage seed oil) is almost free of alkaloids when cold-pressed. The proportion of gamma-linolenic acid is about 20% (higher proportion than with evening primrose oil). It is used as open oil or in capsule form for atopic eczema

External: Borage seed oil (Borago officinalis seed oil (INCI) can be added 10-20% to appropriate ointment bases (e.g. Unguentum emulsificans). Indication: chronic eczema, atopic eczema

The pyrrazolidine alkaloids in the herb have hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects.

Borage seed oil cream

Glandol® special 1-0-0 cps/day; Children: Glandol forte 1-0-0 cps/day