Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Borage (Borago officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. Historically, the leaves and flowers of borage have been used as remedies for various respiratory ailments, including lung congestion, coughs, and bronchitis. The plant contains mucilage, which is believed to have soothing effects on mucous membranes and may help to alleviate irritation in the throat and lungs. In folk medicine, borage tea or syrup was often prepared to help "clear the chest" and ease breathing.

Despite its traditional use, scientific validation for borage’s effectiveness in treating lung congestion is limited. Most modern research has focused on borage seed oil, which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and is primarily investigated for its anti-inflammatory properties in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or eczema. There are few clinical studies directly evaluating the effect of borage on respiratory congestion, and the available studies are either anecdotal or not rigorously designed. Thus, while there is a basis in tradition for using borage in this way, high-quality scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for lung congestion is lacking.

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More about Congestion (lungs)

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