Yes, But With Extreme Caution and Limitations
While borage leaves have traditionally been used to make tea, it is crucial to understand the significant health risks involved, primarily due to naturally occurring compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These compounds can cause liver damage when ingested, especially with high doses or regular, long-term use. For this reason, many health authorities advise against the internal use of borage leaves and flowers.
For those who choose to proceed, a strict policy of intermittent and occasional use is necessary to minimize exposure to PAs. Borage tea has a subtle, cucumber-like flavor and is praised for a range of traditional medicinal properties, but its consumption is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with pre-existing liver conditions, and those on certain medications.
Potential Health Benefits and Traditional Uses
Despite the safety concerns surrounding its internal consumption, borage is recognized for several traditional applications. It is important to note that these benefits are often linked to borage seed oil, which is processed to be PA-free, or derived from traditional anecdotal use, not the PA-containing leaf tea.
Traditional Applications of Borage
- Digestive Aid: Historically, borage has been used to soothe the digestive system and alleviate issues like bloating and gas.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: The omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found primarily in borage seed oil, has shown promise in reducing inflammation. Some traditional uses of the plant relate to this effect.
- Stress Relief: Borage is traditionally known for its calming properties and has been used to help relieve stress and anxiety.
- Diuretic Effects: The tea has been used to promote urination, which was traditionally thought to help treat urinary tract and kidney infections.
- Fever Reduction: As a diaphoretic, borage was used to induce perspiration, which was believed to help break fevers.
Important Considerations
While these traditional uses exist, the presence of toxic PAs in the leaves makes consuming borage leaf tea a high-risk activity for achieving these effects. Many of the reported benefits are now sought by using PA-free borage seed oil supplements, which do not carry the same liver toxicity risk.
How to Prepare Borage Leaf Tea (Occasional Use Only)
For those who understand and accept the risks associated with intermittent consumption, preparing borage tea is a simple process.
Harvesting and Processing Leaves
Harvesting should be done with care, as the prickly hairs on the leaves can irritate the skin, so gloves are recommended. Younger, more tender leaves contain fewer PAs than older leaves, making them the preferred choice.
- Harvest: Select young, tender borage leaves.
- Wash: Rinse the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Dry (Optional): For later use, spread the leaves on a tray in a warm, dry area or use a dehydrator until they are brittle. Store dried leaves in an airtight container.
Simple Borage Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiling water
- ¼ cup fresh borage leaves OR 1 tablespoon dried borage leaves
- Honey or lemon to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the leaves in a mug or teapot.
- Pour the boiling water over the leaves.
- Allow the tea to steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the leaves from the tea.
- Sweeten with honey or add a squeeze of lemon if desired.
- Consume immediately, hot or chilled.
Comparison: Borage Tea vs. Borage Seed Oil
Understanding the differences between borage tea made from leaves and PA-free borage seed oil is critical for health-conscious consumers.
| Feature | Borage Leaf Tea | Borage Seed Oil (PA-free) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water. | Cold-pressed oil from the seeds, commercially processed to remove toxins. |
| Primary Use | Traditional herbal remedy; occasional beverage. | Dietary supplement for health benefits. |
| Safety Concerns | Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic to the liver with regular use. Not recommended for regular consumption. | Processed to remove PAs, making it safer for consumption as a supplement. |
| Primary Benefit Compound | Trace nutrients and traditional compounds. | Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an Omega-6 fatty acid. |
| Contraindications | Pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver disease, interactions with blood thinners. | Limited interactions, safer for general adult population in recommended doses. |
Safe Alternatives and Precautions
For those seeking the potential benefits traditionally associated with borage without the risks, safer alternatives exist. Many of the benefits, such as those related to GLA, can be obtained from PA-free borage seed oil supplements, which are widely available. For culinary purposes, safer herbs can substitute the cucumber-like flavor, such as cucumber slices or a bit of dill.
For anyone considering borage leaf tea, it is vital to remember these precautions:
- Do not consume regularly; limit intake to occasional, infrequent use.
- Consult with a healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver issues, or take other medications.
- Be aware of potential side effects such as bloating, belching, or stomach pain.
- Do not mistake borage leaf tea for the much safer PA-free borage seed oil.
Conclusion
While it is technically possible to use borage leaves for tea, the presence of liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) makes it a high-risk activity not suitable for regular consumption. Consumers should prioritize safety by consulting a healthcare professional and limiting intake to rare, occasional use if they choose to proceed. For those seeking the health benefits traditionally associated with borage, particularly its anti-inflammatory properties, PA-free borage seed oil supplements offer a much safer and more reliable option. Ultimately, a well-informed decision about borage leaf tea must weigh its traditional appeal against significant and scientifically-supported health warnings. For more information on borage safety, see the WebMD article on Borage.
