Synopsis

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

Borage (Borago officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, including in European, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cultures. Traditionally, borage leaves and flowers have been employed as remedies for respiratory ailments, such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis. Herbalists have attributed expectorant and soothing properties to borage, with preparations often made as teas or syrups to ease throat irritation and promote mucus clearance. The presumed benefits are primarily based on anecdotal evidence and historical texts, rather than rigorous clinical research.

Scientifically, there is limited evidence to support the use of borage for cough. Some laboratory studies have found that borage contains mucilage, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals that may have mild anti-inflammatory or soothing effects on mucous membranes, potentially explaining its traditional use. However, there are no high-quality clinical trials specifically validating borage’s efficacy for treating cough in humans. As such, while its use for cough is well-documented in traditional medicine, scientific support remains weak, and the overall quality of evidence is low.

In summary, borage's use for cough is chiefly justified by traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation. Individuals should exercise caution, as borage may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to the liver if consumed in large or unregulated amounts.

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