THE FOLKLORE OF PLANTS: Borage

Lisa Karen Miller

In Robert Burton’s “Anatomie of Melancholy,” first published in 1621, borage’s depression-fighting powers are extolled:

“Borage and hellebore fill two scenes,

Sovereign plants to purge the veins

Of melancholy, and cheer the heart

Of those black fumes which make it smart.”

In the Middle Ages, only borage’s flowers were used to create the shade of blue with which the Virgin Mary’s robes were painted in religious pictures.  It was believed to be closest to the color of Heaven.

It also served as the medieval symbol of courage. Ego Borago gaudia semper ago translates to “I, Borage, always bring courage.” It was always added to the final stirrup cup of departing Crusaders, and was embroidered on scarves presented to them.

Those waving them off often took some too, to ward off the melancholy that their sad departures caused.

Many ancient herbalists advised shy suitors and reluctant soldiers simply to “take borage for courage.” Its reputation as such a remedy was so widely known that this instruction may have served as a potent placebo. Some believed it was presented to Christ on the cross on the point of a sword. Oliver Cromwell’s troops accredited their capacity to fight night and day to their consumption of borage.

The nicknames Cool Tankard and Herb of Gladness recall its abilities to refresh and uplift.  It was served to newlyweds along with strawberries. It still appears in some form on many a drinks table, especially in summer.

Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, borage thrives in rich soil and full sun. It benefits most any plant growing next to it by increasing resistance to both pests and disease. It deters tomato hornworms and cabbage worms, as well as attracting bees and wasps. Borage enhances the flavor of strawberries while increasing the yield.

Best of all, you only have to plant it once where you want it.  After that, it will self-sow to give your garden years of protection.  Also called Bee Bread, it will make your garden a Mecca for bees.

The leaves contain vitamin C and are rich in calcium, potassium, and mineral salts. Both the leaves and stems exude a cucumber fragrance when crushed. The flower petals are edible, but not the sepals. 

A leaf and flower infusion can treat stress, depression, fevers, dry coughs, and dry skin rashes. Borage is a diuretic, but not recommended for prolonged use.

Be brave this spring – plant some borage and invite the bees and other beneficials to your garden.

© Copyright 2023 Lisa Karen Miller