Borage is an annual herb widely used for culinary purpose. Also, known as Starflower, the plant is extensively used in German cooking. The flowers of the plant are often used to decorate dishes and desserts.


Origin
The origin of borage can be traced to western Mediterranean region. It is widely grown in Syria, Europe, North Africa, and Iran.

Chemical Constituents
Borage consist of essential oil which contains aroma constituent named 2,6 nonadienal. The herb also contains non-volatile components like lycopsamine, amabiline, supinine etc. The flowers contain another constituent named sinine. The fatty oil of borage seeds contains good amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Trade in Borage
The commercial production of borage is done mainly for its seed oil, which has a high content of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) and Samma-Linoenic Acid (GLA) which is widely used in the neutraceutical and diet supplement market. UK grows about half the total production of borage and its derivatives. New Zealand, Canada are other significant producers. Australia has also started growing borage on a commercial basis.

Description
Borage is an annual herb which has erected stem and ovate to lanceolate basal leaves up to 20cm long. The smaller leaves may be of 7cm long and 3cm broad having sinuous margin. The leaves have bristles on both surfaces. Flower is generally blue and is star shaped. The taste is similar to cucumber and is saline and odourless.


Cultivation
Borage can be grown on the ordinary soils. During spring, propagation is done by division of rootstocks and by putting shoots in sandy soil in a cold frame in summer and autumn. Propagation may also take place from the seeds. The seed is planted in rows 15 inches apart. Borage has the capacity to to grow on the same place year after year.

Uses of Borage
The herbs has certain medicinal properties which are used to alleviate and heal colds, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory and balsamic properties. The oil is also being commercially traded because of its medicinal value. Borage oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant and is also known as starflower oil. Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)found in the oil is a human diet-supplement and also responsible for providing health benefits. Borage is rich in potassium and calcium, and certain mineral acids. It is used as a diuretic, demulcent, emollient.