Herbs & Supplements

Borage Other Names: Bee Bread, Borago officinalis, Bugloss, Common Borage, Common Bugloss, Ox's Tongue, Starflower What side effects should I watch for? Major Side Effects Because they contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the flowers, leaves, and stems of borage possibly may cause liver damage. Liver damage can take years to develop and it may not have obvious signs or symptoms. A doctor may have to do tests of liver function to diagnose it. A doctor should be notified immediately by individuals who take the aerial parts of borage and experience: Excessive fatigue Extreme widespread itchiness Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Pain or swelling in the upper right part of the abdomen Yellowing of the skin or the white parts of the eyes Less Severe Side Effects Taking the aerial parts of borage by mouth may cause constipation. Taking borage oil may result in belching, bloating, or soft stools. If large doses of borage oil are ingested, oil may leak from the gastrointestinal tract. << Back What interactions should I watch for? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.