By: Ivana Dragica |
Borage – a plant of exquisite beauty and healing |
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Borage (Lat. Borago officinalis) is a plant with beautiful and distinct blue star-shaped flowers and stem and leaves covered with white hairs.
Because of its beauty and appeal, it is often seen as a motive in a folk art.
For a while it has been neglected in medicine, but today, its old glory comes to life again.
It was brought to Europe by Arabs and today we can find wild borage all around the Mediterranean and southern Europe and it is cultivated all around the world.
According to Roman historians, Dioscuri used borage for the consolation of troubled hearts and for alleviating sadness.
In the 17th century, John Evelyn concluded that borage branches have positive effects on hypochondriacs and that they enhance student concentration.
Today we know that this plant has exquisitely beneficial effects on overall human health.
Products based on borage are used for outer, inner and aromatherapeutic treatments.
Borage’s healing properties
Borage contains potassium, calcium and mineral acids and has a vitalizing effect on the human organism.
It is the richest source of gamma-linolenic acid which has the following effects:
- anti-inflammatory
- protects against autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases
- protects against skin problems
- effects glucose levels
- ensures hormonal balance
- helps with weight-loss
- strong antioxidant
-
protects against several types of tumor
Borage enhances sweating, lowers body temperature and cures a broad specter of urinary problems.
It is traditionally used as a diuretic since it enhances the excretion of excess fluids from our organism.
It is effective against bronchitis, cough, various throat and mouth infections. As a tea it is used for oral cavity rinsing thus protecting the health of teeth and gums.
Borage increases energy levels, enhances concentration and immunity. Its effects alleviate apathy, depression, sorrow, melancholy, insomnia and it also have effects similar to mild sedative.
It is useful for treating eye problems since it prevents eyesight damages and night blindness. It is recommended to rinse dry eyes with borage tea.
Phytotherapists recommend borage for treating problems with metabolism, hormones, PMS, menopause, hot flashes and lungs.
Women suffering from polycystic ovaries should consume borage. Combine borage and licorice in 1:1 ratio. Such mixture reduces testosterone production, enhances ovulation and progesterone production.
Borage is a valuable dietary supplement and it is recommended against malnourishment, age-related problems and for recuperation after illness.
It enhances weight-loss and detoxifies our organism. It is also good as a spice in various diets, especially in low-salt diets.
Healing properties of borage include:
- wound healing
- helps with throat and mouth infections
- enhances energy levels and concentration
- helps against rheumatism
- strengthens our heart
- enhance iron absorption
- prevents dizziness
- regulated hormones in women
- helps with apathy and depression
- protects eyesight
- cleans our organism
Borage oil for beautiful skin
In the old days, the whole borage was used. Today, borage oil is growing more popular.
Borage oil has beneficial effects on our health and beauty. It is mostly used for skin care, whether it is used as a drink or used externally.
Borage oil has beneficial effects on our skin and removes red spots typical for sensitive and problematic skin. It cleans our skin, enhances the creation of new skin cells and has anti-inflammatory effects.
It is recommended for skin problems caused by hormones since it restores natural hormonal balance.
Another positive feature of this oil is that borage oil will not go bad as other oils.
Store it in a dark and cold place. When purchasing borage oil, make sure it is of high quality and cold pressed.
In oral application with a goal of skin disorder treatment, use 0.5 to 3 grams of oil – one teaspoon of oil - three times a day (during meals).
Children should use up to 2 grams a day.
In a case of rheumatoid arthritis, 7.2 grams of oil per day is recommended – which amounts to 1.4 grams of gamma-linoleic acid a day. Consult your doctor before you start treatments.
If you are suffering from epilepsy or your blood coagulates, you should avoid borage. Apart from the aforementioned cases, borage is harmless and you can use it on your skin undiluted.
Cultivation and preparation
Borage is an ideal plant for eco gardens. Apart from being very useful, it is believed that borage enhances the taste of strawberries, tomatoes, pulses and spinach. If you plant borage near those plants, borage will protect them against parasites.
Borage is planted in loose, drained and sunny soils or in pots during spring or autumn.
Borage leaves and flowers are used. Flowers have a sweet taste and are excellent for desert decorations.
You can also make borage tea, vinegar, juice or tincture. Borage can be used in a form of powder or capsules.
For making borage tea, use dry or fresh leaves and flowers.
Borage is also present in cuisine and due to its refreshing taste similar to cucumber; it is used in salads, drinks and cheese.
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