What is Borage?

Borage (Borago officinalis)
is a fairly common domestic herbal remedy that has been used since ancient times. It has a particularly good reputation for its beneficial effect on the mind, being used to dispel melancholy and induce euphoria. It is a soothing saline, diuretic herb that soothes damaged or irritated tissues.

Borage oil (also known as starflower oil) is an ancient oil which has been used in the far east for thousands of years. Borage oil has in recent years caused a revolution in nutritional therapeutics. It has been found to be one of the richest sources of essential fatty acids known to humans.
The seeds are a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, this oil helps to regulate the hormonal systems and lowers blood pressure. It is used both internally and externally, helping to relieve skin complaints and pre-menstrual tension. Borage oil typically contains a GLA content of min. 20%.

Borage Leaves raw or cooked. They can be used as a pot-herb or be added to salads. They are also added whole as a flavoring to various drinks such as Pimms and wine-based drinks. The leaves are rich in potassium and calcium, they have a salty cucumber flavor. Very hairy, the whole leaves have an unpleasant feeling in the mouth and so they are best chopped up finely and added to other leaves when eaten in a salad. The leaves should always be used fresh, because they lose their flavor and color if dried.

Borage Flowers (raw or cooked) They are used as a decorative garnish on salads and summer fruit drinks. The flowers are very nice, both to look at and to taste with a sweet slightly cucumber-like flavor. A refreshing tea is made from the leaves and/or the flowers. The dried stems are used for flavoring beverages.
The seed yields 30% oil, 20% of which is gamma-linolenic acid. Total yields are 0.35 - 0.65 tonnes per hectare. Unfortunately, the seed ripens intermittently over a period of time and falls from the plant when it is ripe, this makes harvesting the seeds in quantity very difficult. An edible blue dye can be obtained from the flowers. It is used to color vinegar.

Note: This is taken from NDSU's website.