BORAGO OFFICINALIS L. (BORAGE) AS AN ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR RESPIRATORY DISORDERS; BORAGO OFFICINALIS L. (BORRAJA) COMO ALTERNATIVA DE TRATAMIENTO EN AFECCIONES DEL SISTEMA RESPIRATORIO

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Borago officinalis L. or also known as "borage", has traditionally been used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as inflammation, fever, and respiratory disorders over time. OBJECTIVE. To identify the use of B. officinalis L. (borage) as an alternative treatment for the common cold, asthma, and bronchial infections in villagers. METHODS. The type of research was a basic, deductive method, non-experimental design, quantitative approach, and cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 254 villagers, and the instrument was a questionnaire. RESULTS. The study revealed an equal distribution between genders (50.4% male, 49.6% female), with the majority in the 26-35 years age group (30.3%) and secondary school as the most common educational level (40.9%). The use of B. officinalis L. varies, with leaves being most commonly used. Infusion is the preferred form (31.5% always), while the use of plasters is low. The plant is occasionally used (52.8%) for respiratory problems, especially common colds (54.3%) and bronchitis (31.9%). CONCLUSION. The use of B. officinalis L. as an alternative treatment for respiratory ailments among the villagers studied was only occasional. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.