Borage Seed
Borago officinalis seed
About Borage Seed
Borage Seed (Borago officinalis seed) is a herb used in the Mediterranean tradition to help with Skin Health, Eczema, Hormonal Imbalance, and Inflammation. The seeds are the part traditionally used, taken internally.
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Decoction
- Add 1–2 tsp of dried Borage Seed to 2 cups of cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm.
Tincture
- Pack dried Borage Seed into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Borage Seed into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Topical / Poultice
- Mash fresh Borage Seed or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
Infused Oil
- Fill a jar with dried Borage Seed.
- Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
- Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
- Use topically or as a salve base.
Herbal Bath
- Brew 4–6 tbsp of Borage Seed in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Borage Seed in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Borage Seed itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
AvoidThis herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionHormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.
Children
AvoidHormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible
Warnings
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
May affect hormone levels
Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications
Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East
Climate
Mediterranean — hot dry summers, mild wet winters
Habitat
Rocky hillsides, coastal scrubland, olive groves, and herb gardens around the Mediterranean basin
🌿 To see Borage Seed growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
- Farmers markets with herb vendors
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Borage Seed, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.