Borage (Borago officinalis) is an easily self-seeding herb with delicate blue star-shaped flowers and many valuable assets from stem to stern (and seed). The lightly cucumberish tasting flowers are a decorative and edible contribution to fresh salads, or can be frozen in ice cubes and served in a refreshing glass of iced herbal tea.

Found at the base of the blossom is Borage’s seed, which is packed with skin nourishing vitamins like A, D, E. The oil from the Borage seed is exceptionally high in gamma-linolenic acid and believed to be helpful for atopic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin while helping it retain moisture and elasticity.

The raw plant parts (leaves, stem and stalk) are not recommended for internal use during pregnancy, because of the high levels of the potential liver toxins, pyrrolyzidine alkaloids. But pyrrolyzidine alkaloid-free organic Borage seed oil used externally is a safe, light and rich herbal addition to body care products. (Read more here: blog.earthmamaangelbaby.com/mama-u/…)