Borage - dosages and safety?

[Guest guest]

I'm considering using borage (borago officinalis) with a client (to

support adrenal function primarily - they are, and have been, and

probably will be for a while, really stressed)... But there is such

conflicting information on the herb, in my head, in books, online...

Mostly around the potential toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids

contained within it.

I'm thinking of using a specific 1:1 within a mixture of a few herbs

(mostly nervine & hepatic, alongside some support in balancing the

female hormones - client and I are looking to address stress and PMS)...

I've read comments about borage ranging from 'not to be used internally'

(andrew chevallier), to take 1-4ml tincture a day (david hoffmann). I

know I have used it internally with a client in clinical training in the

past, and I recall an idea of 10-15ml a week within a mixture.

Searching the archives has not suggested anything about dosages and

safety, but has suggested that others of you use the herb...

I'm hoping that some of you might be able to comment from your

experience/knowledge on the herb's realistic safety, dosages, and also

length of use - I get the impression the herb is useful and safe over a

'period of time', and a period of use is particularly relevent to

restoring nervous system and adrenals over time, but also suggested not

to be used 'long term' - how long is a safe period of time.

Any input appreciated *smile*

Eirwen,

Enfield, N. london.

[Guest guest]

nne

did you put something here becase I don't have any message from you - just your

address in the 'from " field?

Anyway, Eirwen

i use Borage quite frequently. Often use it for patients where Glycyhrriza is

contraindicated (BP). Sorry I've had a couple of glasses of wine and my spelling

is off!

Thought processes OK though. Have given it to 2 patients today for that very

reason -

wanted good adrenal tonic but both had BP problem. Also often use it where

people

need fortifying in emotional sense (old proverb - I borage give courage).

Strengthens

the heart - probably through adrenal activity.

I prescribe in the region of 15 - 20 mls and have never had problem. Personally

I

don't see the pyrrolizidine alkaloisds as a problem - benefits of the herb

outweigh any

negatives. Yes I use other adaptogens but there are times when only Borage will

do -

it's the emotional aspects which are most important. Don't be afraid of it - use

it, and

get to know it well.

Stannard

========================================

Message date : Nov 12 2004, 06:58 PM

From : " nne Last "

To : ukherbal-list

Copy to :

Subject : RE: Borage - dosages and safety?

Re: Borage - dosages and safety?

Dear EIRWIN,...Re Borage

Inever use borage more than 5% because of pyr. alk. content. I always use

liver protectants eg, Carduus. I dont use over 3 months. There are lots of

other adrenal herbs to use eg, a, panax,Withania,etc.I have often used

5% of each of these herbs to give a good shot to the adrenals, and have

never seen any problems.

Emmett Walsh, M.IIMH, M.NIMH

Borage - dosages and safety?

>

> I'm considering using borage (borago officinalis) with a client (to

> support adrenal function primarily - they are, and have been, and

> probably will be for a while, really stressed)... But there is such

> conflicting information on the herb, in my head, in books, online...

> Mostly around the potential toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids

> contained within it.

>

> I'm thinking of using a specific 1:1 within a mixture of a few herbs

> (mostly nervine & hepatic, alongside some support in balancing the

> female hormones - client and I are looking to address stress and PMS)...

> I've read comments about borage ranging from 'not to be used internally'

> (andrew chevallier), to take 1-4ml tincture a day (david hoffmann). I

> know I have used it internally with a client in clinical training in the

> past, and I recall an idea of 10-15ml a week within a mixture.

>

> Searching the archives has not suggested anything about dosages and

> safety, but has suggested that others of you use the herb...

>

> I'm hoping that some of you might be able to comment from your

> experience/knowledge on the herb's realistic safety, dosages, and also

> length of use - I get the impression the herb is useful and safe over a

> 'period of time', and a period of use is particularly relevent to

> restoring nervous system and adrenals over time, but also suggested not

> to be used 'long term' - how long is a safe period of time.

>

> Any input appreciated *smile*

>

> Eirwen,

> Enfield, N. london.

>

>

>

>

>

> List Owner

>

>

>

> Graham White, MNIMH

>

[Guest guest]

apologies to all - clicked the wrong button

====================================================

nne Last BA MNIMH

Consultant Medical Herbalist

Monmouth Herbal Clinic

Tel: 01600 719497

www.mariannelast.co.uk

Re: Borage - dosages and safety?

Dear EIRWIN,...Re Borage

Inever use borage more than 5% because of pyr. alk. content. I always use

liver protectants eg, Carduus. I dont use over 3 months. There are lots of

other adrenal herbs to use eg, a, panax,Withania,etc.I have often

used

5% of each of these herbs to give a good shot to the adrenals, and have

never seen any problems.

Emmett Walsh, M.IIMH, M.NIMH

Borage - dosages and safety?

>

> I'm considering using borage (borago officinalis) with a client (to

> support adrenal function primarily - they are, and have been, and

> probably will be for a while, really stressed)... But there is such

> conflicting information on the herb, in my head, in books, online...

> Mostly around the potential toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids

> contained within it.

>

> I'm thinking of using a specific 1:1 within a mixture of a few herbs

> (mostly nervine & hepatic, alongside some support in balancing the

> female hormones - client and I are looking to address stress and PMS)...

> I've read comments about borage ranging from 'not to be used internally'

> (andrew chevallier), to take 1-4ml tincture a day (david hoffmann). I

> know I have used it internally with a client in clinical training in the

> past, and I recall an idea of 10-15ml a week within a mixture.

>

> Searching the archives has not suggested anything about dosages and

> safety, but has suggested that others of you use the herb...

>

> I'm hoping that some of you might be able to comment from your

> experience/knowledge on the herb's realistic safety, dosages, and also

> length of use - I get the impression the herb is useful and safe over a

> 'period of time', and a period of use is particularly relevent to

> restoring nervous system and adrenals over time, but also suggested not

> to be used 'long term' - how long is a safe period of time.

>

> Any input appreciated *smile*

>

> Eirwen,

> Enfield, N. london.

>

>

>

>

>

> List Owner

>

>

>

> Graham White, MNIMH

>

[Guest guest]

susan fidler wrote:

>

> I have used it wioth pts for 6 months, but as a tea. I

> don't know, but I would think fewer of the alkaloids

> would be water soluble. Most people who need it also

> need other calming herbs - Tilea and mix very

> well, as does Calendula and Licorice (if appropriate).

Hi susan, and thanks for that.

As it happpens, melissa is one of the others herbs in the mixture

*smile*

so far it's working out well too.

Eirwen.