Borage (Borago officinalis)
by Janine
Magical Properties: Courage, Psychic Powers
Element: Air
Planet: Jupiter
Parts Used: Leaves
Magical Uses: carry the blossoms to strengthen courage. The tea is said to help induce psychic powers.
Medicinal Properties: Anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, expectorant, lactation, emollient, diuretic, tonic.
Medicinal Uses: Helps treat depression. It relieves fevers, bronchitis, and diarrhea. It's an adrenal tonic, an anti-inflammatory, and stimulates milk flow in nursing mothers.
Many years ago I was going through a rough patch in my life and one night in my dream state a word came into my consciousness and it was Borage. I looked it up on the internet the next day and realized that the herb can be of assistance when one is feeling vulnerable and disjointed and when one needs courage to face untenable situations. Borage is associated with Jupiter and with the Hierophant in the tarot deck.
In ancient times Celtic warriors drank wine flavoured with borage to give them courage in battle, and it has always been considered it a very effective anti-depressant for the feeling of elation it induces. For courage, tuck a Borage blossom in your pocket before any stressful situation, or drink a tea or glass of wine flavoured with Borage leaves. Drinking Borage tea is also said to increase psychic powers.
Borage has many medicinal qualities, the flowers or leaves are helpful for relieving the symptoms of bronchitis, and also act as an anti-diarrhoeal remedy. Externally, Borage leaves can also be ground into a paste and make a cooling and soothing remedy for fevers, sprains, swelling, and skin inflammations and irritations.
