Both the leaves and flowers are edible, with a nice cucumber flavor. The leaves are not used much due to their slightly hairy texture--the flavor is great in salads, but the texture puts most people off. Use the young leaves if you want to try them. The flowers are great in salads and drinks, and as a pretty edible garnish. They can also be candied or frozen in ice cubes for drinks. Both leaves and flowers are generally only used raw, though you can saute older leaves like spinach too.

It is also medicinal.

I like using the flowers in salads. I also use them as a companion plant for my pole beans. See my article below.

FataMorgana

Here is a link that might be useful: Companion Planting with Pole Beans

I can see where they'd be an advantage to pole beans. I use them near my squashes and cukes for the same reason.

I posted this recipe back in 2006, and it still remains a favorite in our house.

GRUNE SOSSE
Minced chives
Minced parsley
Minced chervil
Minced borage
Minced tarragon
Minced savory
Minced watercress
Touch of dill
Oil
Vinegar
Touch of sugar
Mix all ingredients. Serve with fish or boiled potatoes. I also like to add minced sorrel, mache and/or sour cream to serve over potatoes. Chopped hard-boiled eggs can also be added.

Only the baby borage leaves are really palatable. I'll use 1/4 or less total in mixed greens, they can take over if too much.

I adore the flowers! I munch on them in the garden all the time, when they are just right - they taste like honey to me.

Last years borage reseeded for me, so I am very happy and looking forward to the flowers!

Now that I think of it, I might put some into the tomato bed......they say they are great for toms.

Hello! I am new here. I used to have borage when I lived up north. Such a bright pretty thing, and it re-seeded very nicely. :)
Never tried eating it, but it was fun to have that bright blue in my beds.

medicinal for what?

Borage flowers and leaves are used used in salads, tea preparation and in cooking.
Borage is rich in essential fatty acids such as gamma-

linolenic acid (GLA) or omega-6 fatty acid that has been studied to promote joint restoration, healthy skin, and boosts immunity.

Borage has high levels of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. the Vitamin C in borage makes it valuable for its anti-oxidant property while vitamin A is known to promote good eye sight.

Borage as diuretic. Borage is used to remove excess liquid from the body, and is believed to help remove toxins.

Borage as sudorific. Borage is known to contain choline that stimulates the glands that produce sweat and cools the body. Because of this cooling property of borage, it is used to treat fever, bronchitis, colds and flu.

Borage is also used to treat arthritis. Borage is rich in essential fatty acids that help to relieve pain associated with arthritis.

Borage is known to have sedative action. Borage contains niacin or nicotinic-acid that may have positive effects against anxiety, stress and nervousness.

Another disease that may be caused by lack of fatty acids is macular degeneration. Borage may also be used for the prevention and treatment of macular degeneration.

Borage is also being studied on its effect to breast cancer. Borage is rich in omega-6 fatty acid that is found to have positive effect against breast tumor growth.

Borage is also used in the treatment of prostate gland inflammation such as prostatitis.

Borage promotes digestion and helps to relieve stomach aches such as gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Borage is used to treat skin infections and inflammation such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, pimples, herpes, nail fungus, etc.

A poultice of crushed Borage leaves is also used to relieve insect bites and stings, reduce swelling and bruising and is also helpful for clearing up boils and rashes.

Borage tea is also used to promote milk production for lactating mothers..

Borage is also used to treat hangover

How do you eat the flowers? Just pluck them off and eat them whole? Or do you have to remove parts?

Pluck and eat. Pretty in punch bowls.

FataMorgana

I splurged on some white borage seeds this year. They're just starting to bloom now (started indoors in a large planter for the early bloom). Absolutely fabulous!

You only have to buy the seeds once for they are vigorous self-seeders and produce copious seeds for collecting and saving. The white variety is nice. I have both colors in my gardens.

FataMorgana

This year I'm working on learning some seed harvesting and saving. Starting with the borage, pansies, violas, and culantro. I know they self seed well, so I had figured on collecting too. Good to know that's very doable.

fatamorgana,

what have you found with the colors? does blue stay blue and white white? any obvious mixes - or blue being dominate?

Or do you segregate them?

fatamorgana,

what have you found with the colors? does blue stay blue and white white? any obvious mixes - or blue being dominate?

Or do you segregate them?

I had originally planted mainly white but blue came along in an edible flower mix once planted so that is why I have both colors. I find the colors to be equally vigorous and the dominant color is largely dependent upon what I let self-seed more. No segregation since they are mostly left to their own devices and self-sowing.

FataMorgana

you had me at 'treat a hangover' !!! LOL