Borage, a traditional Persian remedy

Borage, also known as starflower, is one of the most important herbs in Persian traditional medicine. It is called 'gol-e gav zaban' in Iran.

Borage has bright blue, star-shaped flowers. The plant grows to a height of 60-100 cm, and spreads about 25 centimeters. It produces plenty of seeds and thus continues to grow and spread prolifically from where it is first sown or planted. In milder climates, borage will bloom continuously for most of the year.

 
The oil that is extracted from the seeds (marketed as "starflower oil" or "borage oil") is a good source of gamma-linolenic acid.
Borage is also rich in oleic and palmitic acid, conferring a hypocholesterolemic effect.

This oil, which has recently been commercialized, may regulate metabolism and the hormonal system, and is considered by many naturopathic practitioners to be a good remedy for PMS.

Borage is further used to alleviate and heal colds, bronchitis, and respiratory infections in general for its anti-inflammatory and balsamic properties.