Tag: Borage leaves

According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), borage contains liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which means you must approach the question 'Can you use borage leaves for tea?' with extreme caution. While it has a long history of traditional use and a pleasant cucumber-like flavor, regular or long-term consumption of borage leaf tea is not recommended due to these potential health risks.

Recent studies have identified surprisingly high levels of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in borage microgreens, with amounts far exceeding safe consumption guidelines. This raises a critical question for home cooks and gardeners: **Can I eat borage leaves?** The answer is more complex than a simple 'yes' or 'no', balancing traditional use with modern scientific findings.

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, borage leaves contain small amounts of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (UPAs), which are toxic to the liver, making the question of **can you eat raw borage leaves** a serious one. While the plant has traditional uses, modern safety standards advise caution, especially with uncooked leaves.