Borage(Borago officinalis) is an easy-to-grow annual herbal plant with a wide range of applications. In summer, it blooms with blue flowers, the scent of which attracts numerous pollinating insects. Borage leaves and stalks have a cucumber aroma and a sour taste that transforms the character of many dishes.The healing properties of boragemadeusenot only in the kitchen, but also in cosmetics and medicine. See whatgrowing boragein the garden looks like and learn how to use this wonderful herb: -)
Borage - Borago officinalis
Fig. pixabay.com
Borage - healing properties
For medicinal purposes, borage herb, flowers and seeds from which the oil is obtained are used.
Borage herb containsflavonoids, saponins, mucilage compounds, tannins, choline, organic acids (citric, silicic, apple), easily digestible silica and a rare set of mineral s alts. Borage juice contains a large amount of vitamin C.Oil obtained from borage seedscontains omega acids and gamma-linolenic acid.
Borage has an effectdiuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, protective, regulating metabolism, bactericidal and sedative. Helps to fight inflammation of the kidneys and urinary system, increases the daily amount of urine excreted.
Borage oil has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic propertiesThe fatty acids contained in borage oil have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the immune system. They provide protection against diseases of the lungs, bronchi, throat and eyes, and prevent allergies and asthma. Borage seed oil has a positive effect on the condition of the oral mucosa, esophagus, stomach and intestines, and above all, on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It has an expectorant and protective effect. It soothes coughs and hoarseness, helps with all respiratory infections.
Borage regenerates the skin, hair and nails . Regular consumption of borage herb is recommended for people who have brittle nails and brittle hair due to the silica it contains.
Borage supports the treatment of depression , improves mood, improves brain function. Eating fresh borage leaves stimulates the production of adrenaline.
Borage removes toxins from the body and has a protective effect , protecting the body against harmful substances.
Borage seed oil contains linolenic acid and omega acidsThese acids reduce the level of the so-called bad cholesterol (LDL). They prevent cholesterol from building up in the walls of blood vessels. At the same time, they normalize the level of good cholesterol (HDL), which removes excess fat cells from blood vessels, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
Borage seed oil soothes inflammation of the gumsand supports the treatment of periodontal diseases and bleeding gums.
Fatty acids and magnesium present in borage seed oilalleviate menstrual discomfort and the accompanying menopause.
Borage - application
Borage in home treatment
In home conditionsborage infusions are usedin the case of poor metabolism, neurosis and hyperactivity in children. Fresh borage herb can be used to prepare cocktails with he alth properties.
Ointment made of fresh borage herband cod liver oil accelerates the healing of wounds, burns, eczema and bedsores. Compresses of the infusion of freshly ground herb and borage juice reduce swelling after mechanical injuries. Borage herb infusion is also used to treat boils, rashes, 1st degree burns and skin abrasions.
Rinses made of fresh or dried borage herbare used in catarrhs of the throat, mouth, hoarseness and dry cough.
Infusion of borage flowersis used for eye compresses and rinsing with conjunctivitis, reddened and tired eyes.
Salad with borage flowers
Fig. pixabay.com
Freshborage juice can be usedsupportively in the treatment of pneumonia.
Borage herb can be usedin a s alt-free diet because it is high in mineral s alts.
Use of borage in cosmetics
Borage seed oilis used in the production of cosmetics with skin regenerating properties. Borage oil is found in many care preparations for sensitive, mature and dry skin. It supports skin renewal, restores its elasticity, proper level of hydration and increases its resistance to the adverse effects of external factors.Borage seed oil can be usedfor acne, psoriasis, rough and itchy skin.
Fresh crushed herb and borage juice can be used to preparerejuvenating or nourishing masksgiving the skin elasticity and regenerating the epidermis.
Application of borage in the kitchen
Fresh, chopped borage leaves, due to the high content of vitamin C, are an excellent addition to salads? borage gives them the taste and aroma of cucumber.Salads with fresh borage leaveshave he alth properties similar to herbal infusion.
Borage is added to soups(Ukrainian borscht, broth, cold soup), sauces, mayonnaise, baked pumpkin, zucchini, squash and other stewed vegetables or casseroles, and to meat and fish dishes.
Borage leaves can be preparedsimilar to spinach or baked in batter. May be an ingredient in herbal butter.In some countries, the infusion of dried borage leaves is drunk as a tea substitute.
Borage herb is used to flavorliqueurs, wines, syrups and cooling drinks. Flowers are used in the production of liqueurs and sweets.
Borage is a valuable honey plant
Fig. pixabay.com
Freshly harvestedBorage flowers can be frozen in ice cubesand this is the most common way to store them.
Borage flowers can be candied and dry . They can be added to salads, cakes and desserts.
Application of borage in the garden
Borage can be grown in gardens as an ornamental plant . Borage flowers contain a lot of nectar, which is why it is a valuable honey plant. Borage plant should be planted next to strawberries so that it positively influences their growth and yield.
Good to know!
Borage growing in the vicinity of strawberries or wild strawberries stimulates their growth and has a positive effect on yield. It also grows better and blooms more profusely, when planted next to strawberries and wild strawberries. So strawberries and borage in one bed are a very good pair!
Growing borage
Borage grows best in a sunny position , but it also tolerates light shade.
Growing borageis successful on any soil in the garden, in boxes on the balcony or in pots on windowsills at home. However, borage grows best in nutrient-rich, permeable and moderately moist soils.
Borage in the garden of one of our Forowicz people
Fig. biker25, forum.PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Borage plant is a vigorously growing plant , competing with other plants for water and nutrients. Therefore, it should be sown about 40 cm away from other plants.
Borage seedsare sown directly into the ground from April to June (for summer-autumn harvest) or autumn (for spring harvest).They are sown in rows every 40 cm, to a depth of 2 cm. Emergence occurs 2-3 weeks after sowing and is often uneven.Borage very easily disperses by itselfand therefore can be grown for a long time in the same place. Borage seeds tolerate frost very well and sprout easily in spring.
The firstharvest of borage herbis carried out at the beginning of flowering (mid-July). The herb is cut and dried loosely spread out in the shade or at a temperature of 40 ° C. Fresh borage leaves for salads can be harvested throughout the growing season. The flowers are harvested when they are not yet fully developed.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
