Top 10 Borage Tea Benefits
Borage, also known as starflower, is an edible plant, native to the Mediterranean region. The seeds of the plant are used for making borage oil, but the flowers and leaves are edible and used in folk medicine for centuries.
Borage leaves and flowers can be used for making tea. They can also be used in cooking and added as a topping for salads, an addition to soups, and more. The plant is very popular because of its many potential health benefits.
Health Benefits of Borage Tea
Over the centuries, borage has been used for treating all kinds of things including anxiety, asthma, cough, depression, fatigue, and as a laxative.
The potential health benefits of borage tea include:
1. May fight inflammation
Borage extracts contain many antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids (1). These include:
astragalin
kaempferol 4-glucoside
rutoside
vitexin
rosmarinic acid
3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid
ferulic acid
caffeic acid
These compounds have antioxidant properties and many other potential health benefits.
2. May reduce symptoms of asthma
In folk medicine, borage has been widely used for the treatment of many respiratory disorders, including asthma. Recently, a clinical trial on patients with moderate asthma showed that borage extract could be useful against asthma symptoms (2). After one month, the participants taking the borage extract had less flare ups and an improved score on the asthma control test, compared to placebo.
3. Caffeine-free
Borge tea is caffeine-free and can be consumed at any time during the day and even before bed. Many people claim that it helps calm them down before going to sleep. Hundreds of years ago, in folk medicine, this plant was sometimes used for reducing stress and anxiety.
4. Mood enhancer
Borage tea may even help elevate mood. In fact, borage has been used for hundreds of years in folk medicine for its positive effects on the mood. It has been claimed that Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife, used borage to treat depression (3).
Borage contains a flavonoid called rutoside, also known as Rutin (4). This compound has many potential biological activities and is often added to all kinds of supplements. Scientists claim that Rutin may have antidepressant-like effects (5). It is not completely clear how this happens, but it could have something to do with an increase in serotonin and noradrenaline.
5. May lower blood sugar levels
Borage tea could potentially help control blood sugar levels. A recent animal study showed, that borage extract could lower glucose levels in diabetic rats (6). The glucose-lowering effect was measured 4 hours after ingestion. Other plants from the same family also show glucose-lowering activity (7).
6. Skin anti-ageing
Borage extract may have anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing effects for the skin. One very recent study from 2023 demonstrated that borage extract have valuable bioactive compounds. These compounds can reduce the activity of enzymes responsible for the breaking down collagen and elastin and have anti-inflammatory effects on skin cells (8).
According to one animal study, borage can even promote collagen synthesis (9).
7. Neuroprotective effects
Research suggests that oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders (10). A recent study showed that borage extract has strong antioxidant activity and can protect nerve cells, without causing toxicity (11). The study showed the neuroprotective effect of borage extract in vitro on nerve cells, and in vivo, using C. elegans as the model organism.
8. Improve memory
Borage extract may have memory-protective effects. A recent animal study showed that borage has the potential to counter memory decline typical for Alzheimer’s disease (12). This seemed related to its strong antioxidant effects.
9. May improve blood circulation
As mentioned above, borage contains Rutin, a compound which is known for it cardioprotective effects (13). These effects are likely related to its strong antioxidant properties. An animal study from 2009 demonstrated that Rutin could help limit the infarct size in rats (14). Interestingly, many people who take supplements containing Rutin, claim it helps strengthen their blood vessels and capillaries.
10. May help lower cholesterol
Borage may even be useful for lowering cholesterol. The compound Rutin, found in Borage, has some cholesterol-lowering effects. Research shows it has the potential to reduce different kinds of cholesterol, including LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides (15). An animal study on hamsters, demonstrated that Rutin can decrease triglyceride levels in the animals, without showing toxic effects (16). Interestingly, total cholesterol and LDL levels were not affected in this case.
What does borage tea taste like?
The taste of borage tea is similar to green tea, but without the bitterness from tannins. It has a mild grassy flavour, reminiscent of cucumber. Overall, it is a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
How to make Borage Tea?
Making borage tea is similar to making regular tea, but with a longer steeping time. You just need some dried borage, hot water, and a teapot or a cup.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp dried borage
hot water
lemon or honey (optional)
Directions:
Add 1 tbsp dried borage to a small teapot.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the leaves.
Steep between 5-15 minutes, depending on how strong you would like your tea to be.
Strain the tea into a cup.
Add some lemon or honey if you would like and enjoy.
Notes:
If you would like to make your tea with fresh borage, or if you want more detailed instructions, you can read this article.
Borage Tea Side Effects
Borage tea is generally considered safe, when consumed in moderation. However, it could cause unwanted side effects if consumed in large quantities or over a long period of time. The possible side effects of borage tea are usually mild and include:
digestive issues
bloating
indigestion
But it is possible for borage to cause some more serious side effects, including seizures or liver toxicity. Consuming high doses of borage is likely unsafe.
If you pick your borage leaves in the wild, make sure you don’t confuse them with foxglove leaves. Ingestion of foxglove could cause serious poisoning (17).
Certain groups of people should avoid this tea, as it may be harmful for their health. These include:
pregnant or breastfeeding women
people with liver issues
those allergic to borage or other plants in the same family
people taking medications