Medicinal Properties Leaves & Flowers Edible Herbal Tea use Cool Beans n Sprouts Brand Also known as starflower, borage is an herb notable for its vibrant purple flowers and medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, borage has been used to dilate blood vessels, act as a sedative, and treat seizures (5Trusted Source). Both the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and commonly used as a garnish, dried herb, or vegetable in a variety of drinks and dishes. The leaves are sometimes also ground up and steeped in hot water to brew herbal tea. Meanwhile, the seeds are used to make borage oil, which is usually applied topically to the hair and skin.