The Borage Plant

LATIN NAME:

Borage officinalis

The Borage plant is also known as Burrage, Bugloss, Common Bugloss, and Star Flower.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Borage plant is an annual with an exquisite, bright blue and star-like flowers which are edible. The Borage flowers have very prominent black anthers that grow from its center. It grows to about 1 to 3 feet tall with multiple branches, hollow stems, and large, gray-green, oval, pointed leaves that are hairy.

The Borage herb was once known as the “herb of courage.” The beautiful dainty blue Borage flowers were embroidered by ladies on the jerkins of knights about to embark on a crusade and used to flavor wine for soldiers preparing for battle.

The Borage plant is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, where it thrives in rich soil and full sun. The Borage herb has long been cultivated in herb gardens. It has become naturalized in much of Europe and England and continues to be cultivated worldwide.

Borage seed oil is a rich source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an Omega-6 Fatty Acid and one of the “good fats” this is considered to be necessary for you health and is commonly lost through normal ageing. Borage Oil is a good substitute for Evening Primrose Oil.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* relieving fevers

* bronchial infections

* liver complaints

* urinary tract infections

* gastritis

* irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

* mild sedative

* mild anti-depressant

* rheumatism

* hormonal complaints (PMS, hot flashes)

* skin conditions (eczema and rashes)

* boils

* measles and chickenpox

* irritation of the eye, mouth and skin

* healthy skin and nails

* increase milk supply in nursing mothers

* strengthen and restore adrenal function

Use externally for:

* eyewash

* gargle

* mouthwash

* poultice

* steam facial

PREPARATION:

The Borage herb is available in bulk herb, capsules, tincture, and oil. It comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products that can be purchased at health food stores.

It can be used as an infusion, poultices, and wash.

Parts used: Flowers, leaves, seeds

Collection: The flowering tops are cut just as the flowers are starting to open. Borage seeds are harvested when they are ripe for their oil. The leaves are gathered when the plant is starting to flower in the early summer.

Constituents: Tannins, saponins, mucilage, organic acids, alkaloids

Actions: Ant-inflammatory, diuretic, diaphoretic, astringent, expectorant, alternative

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

* Do not use if you have a liver disorder.

* Do not use if you suffer from epilepsy or schizophrenia.

* The Borage herb should not be used for long periods of time, can effect liver.

* Those with sensitive skin should not touch the Borage plant; it can cause dermatitis.