Organic Borage

Description

Borage Tincture: Benefits, Boundaries, and a Mama’s Perspective

By the time you’ve homeschooled six kids, tended a garden through droughts and deluges, and bottled more tinctures than you can count, you learn two things very clearly: herbs are powerful allies, and they deserve deep respect. Borage (Borago officinalis) is one of those plants that looks cheerful and harmless—bright blue star-shaped flowers, fuzzy leaves, bees absolutely drunk with joy over it. It volunteers freely in my garden, and for years my children have known it as “the bee plant.” But when it comes to borage tincture, this is an herb I approach with both appreciation and caution. Let’s talk honestly about where borage shines—and where wisdom says to slow down.

A Little About Borage
Borage has a long history in traditional herbalism. Old herbals called it “the herb of gladness,” and it was often used to lift the spirits and strengthen the heart. The leaves and flowers were used fresh, infused, or tinctured, while modern herbal products often focus on borage seed oil, which is a very different preparation altogether.

As an herbalist and a mom, I always say: the form matters.

A tincture made from the aerial parts of borage is not the same thing as a refined seed oil capsule you buy at the store.

Benefits of Borage Tincture
When used appropriately and short-term, borage tincture can offer some meaningful support.

1. Adrenal and Stress Support
Borage has traditionally been used to support the adrenal system and help the body cope with stress. In the thick years of homeschooling toddlers while teaching algebra (ask me how I know), gentle adrenal support can be a gift.

Herbalists have used borage for:

Nervous exhaustion
Emotional overwhelm
Low morale during long-term stress
It’s not a stimulant. It’s more of a quiet encourager.

2. Mood and Emotional Uplift
Historically, borage was used to “gladden the heart.” Some people experience a subtle mood-lifting effect, especially when stress feels heavy and joy feels distant.

I’ve seen this most clearly in adults who are burned out—not children, not pregnant mothers, not long-term daily use.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Borage contains compounds that may support the body’s inflammatory response. This is one reason borage seed oil (rich in GLA) became popular in modern supplements.

A tincture, while not as concentrated in GLA as the oil, may still offer mild inflammatory support when used sparingly.

The Cautions (And Why They Matter)
Now here’s the part I’m very careful about—especially as someone who grows, crafts, and sells herbal medicine.

1. Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs)
Borage leaves and stems contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds that can be hard on the liver when used frequently or long-term.

This is not fear-mongering. This is responsible herbalism.

Because of PAs:

Borage tincture should not be used daily or long-term
It should not be used by children
It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding
It should be avoided by anyone with liver conditions
In my own practice, borage tincture is used short-term only, often measured in days or a couple of weeks—not months.

2. Not for Chronic Use
This is not a “take every day forever” herb. There are many safer, gentler herbs for long-term adrenal or mood support—lemon balm, milky oats, holy basil, and nettle come to mind immediately.

Borage is more of a situational ally, not a daily companion.

3. Seed Oil Is Different
Many people confuse borage tincture with borage seed oil.

Important distinction:

Borage seed oil is typically PA-free and used for skin, joints, and hormones
Borage leaf/flower tincture contains PAs and must be used cautiously
They are not interchangeable.

How I Use (and Sell) Borage Tincture
As someone who sells herbal tinctures, I believe transparency is non-negotiable.

When I offer borage tincture:

It is clearly labeled for short-term adult use only
I educate customers about liver safety
I do not recommend it for children, pregnancy, or long-term protocols
I often suggest safer alternatives first
In my own home, borage tincture is rarely used—and when it is, it’s intentional, brief, and paired with nourishing herbs like nettle or oatstraw to support overall balance.

That’s part of modeling herbal wisdom for my kids: just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s casual.

A Mama’s Final Thoughts
Growing herbs has taught me patience. Homeschooling six kids has taught me humility. Making medicine has taught me reverence. Borage is a beautiful plant with real gifts—but it’s not a beginner herb, and it’s not an everyday one. When we respect its limits, it can serve well. When we ignore them, we risk harm. Herbalism isn’t about using more herbs. It’s about using the right herb, at the right time, in the right way. And sometimes, the most loving choice—for ourselves and our families—is knowing when not to reach for the tincture bottle. If you’d like help choosing a safer alternative or learning how to use herbs wisely in your home, that conversation is always welcome around my table.