Borage

Botanical Name: Borago officinalis Folk Names: Borage, burrage, cool tankard, starflower, bee bread, tailwort, talewort, herb of gladness, courage herb. Parts Used: Dried leaves and flowering tops (most common magically); fresh flowers (for offerings or garnishes); occasionally seeds or whole plant. Forms Used: Dried herb for sachets, teas (external magical use), incense, spell jars, or protective charms; fresh blue flowers for altars, courage rituals, or symbolic work.

Note on Identity Borage is an annual herb in the Boraginaceae family with hairy stems, large rough leaves, and striking star-shaped bright blue flowers (sometimes pink). It self-seeds readily and attracts bees (hence "bee bread"). In occult traditions, borage is a classic Jupiterian herb of courage, happiness, protection, psychic power, and healing—famous for "dispelling melancholy" and granting "boldness." Its blue flowers symbolize heavenly protection and emotional uplift. It is non-toxic in moderate external and culinary use (flowers/leaves edible; seeds contain GLA but avoid large internal doses due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids).

History and Etymology

The name "borage" likely derives from Latin borago or Arabic abu araq ("father of sweat," for its diaphoretic use) or Celtic borrach ("rough"). "Starflower" refers to its five-pointed blooms; "cool tankard" from medieval use in wine cups to "cool" hot tempers.

Ancient Greeks and Romans used borage for courage and joy—Pliny claimed it "maketh men merry" and drove away sorrow. Medieval Europeans drank borage-infused wine for bravery before battle; it was carried into combat or hung over beds for protection and prophetic dreams. In Christian tradition, borage was linked to the Virgin Mary (blue flowers) and used for melancholy.

In Hoodoo and modern witchcraft, borage is prized for lifting spirits, courage in adversity, and gentle psychic enhancement—often combined with lavender or mugwort.

Correspondences

Magical Uses

Borage is a Jupiterian herb for courage, happiness, protection, and psychic work—its uplifting energy "drives away sorrow" and grants boldness. Traditional and folk-magic applications include:

• Granting courage, confidence, and boldness in difficult situations
• Lifting depression, melancholy, or low spirits (joy-bringing)
• Protection from evil, negativity, or psychic attack (carried or hung)
• Enhancing psychic abilities, prophetic dreams, and vision work
• Attracting happiness, peace, and emotional balance
• Healing heartbreak or emotional wounds (heart-opening)
• Purification and aura cleansing (washes or incense)
• Offering to deities of joy, courage, or healing

Sample Spells and Rituals

All rituals are for external use only. Borage is safe externally (flowers/leaves edible in moderation); patch-test washes or oils. Avoid large internal doses (pyrrolizidine alkaloids in leaves—low risk in small culinary amounts but caution advised).

1. Courage & Confidence Sachet

• Fill a blue or yellow pouch with dried borage leaves/flowers, rosemary, and a small carnelian or tiger's eye.
• Tie shut and anoint with frankincense oil while saying:

“Borage bold, courage hold, fear be gone, strength live on.”

• Carry into challenging situations or wear for bravery.

2. Joy & Melancholy-Lifting Ritual

• Place fresh or dried borage flowers on altar with a yellow candle.
• Light candle and affirm:

“Starflower bright, bring delight, sorrow flee, joy to me.”

• Use during low moods or seasonal blues.

3. Psychic Protection & Vision Incense

• Burn dried borage (with mugwort or frankincense) on charcoal.
• Waft smoke around self/space while saying:

“Borage blue, visions true, protect my sight, guide me right.”

• Excellent before divination or dream work.

4. Peace & Emotional Healing Bath

• Simmer dried borage leaves/flowers (with lavender or chamomile) in water; strain and cool.
• Add to bathwater; soak while visualizing uplift:

“Borage heal, heart reveal, peace descend, joy extend.”

Cautions and Toxicity

Borage (Borago officinalis) is generally safe for external use and moderate culinary amounts.

• External: Safe as sachets, washes, carried dried, or incense. Rare allergic reactions (Boraginaceae family—patch-test if comfrey/allergic).
• Internal: Flowers/leaves used sparingly in salads or tea; contains low pyrrolizidine alkaloids (potential liver toxicity with prolonged/large use)—avoid regular internal consumption; seeds high in GLA but not recommended without guidance.
• Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for those with liver issues.
• Safe around children/pets in external applications.
• Sustainable sourcing: Easy to grow—self-seeds readily.
• Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before internal use.