What is borage and what is it for?
The borage (Borago officinalis) is a plant characteristic of the Mediterranean landscape, which appears abundantly on roadsides and fields from early spring.
It is a annual plantup to 70 cm high, all covered with bristly hair, very visible. Has the fleshy stemthe very large basal leavespetiolate, wrinkled and rough, and the smaller topshugged to the stem.
Has showy flowersblue or white, which, like the stems, they are ediblewith a spicy flavor. In addition to their culinary uses (With boiled potatoes and chopped garlic and almonds, borage stalks make a tasty and healthy dinner). borage has healing properties.
Although the expression «staying in borage water» refers to unmet expectations, borage is, on the contrary, a exceptional medicinal plant, useful against dozens of conditions.
Borage properties
- The seeds of borage are rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acids.
- He borage oil is considered a excellent hormonal regulatorthat balances the menstrual cycle and relieves associated painsuch as back and kidney discomfort, muscle spasms and breast swelling. Like evening primrose oil, borage oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, precursor of prostaglandins E1. Its vasodilator effect and hormonal regulation allows its use as a uterine relaxant. For this purpose, two to four oil pearls are usually taken a day, before meals.
- Borage oil is also indicated in rheumatic and arthritic pain.
- Additionally, it prevents circulatory disordersand balances cholesterol levels in the blood.
- To the virtues of borage seeds are added the medicinal properties of the rest of the borage plant: expectorant, sudorific and purifying.
- Borage also has properties diureticsfacilitates the emission of urine and increases its frequency, and allows stop infections in the urinary tract. It has been indicated in cases of arterial hypertension, gout, edema and overweight due to fluid retention.
- Borage is a very valid remedy to deal with all types of respiratory conditionsin colds with cough, flu, laryngitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis. It helps sweat and reduce the tenths of fever.
- In external use shows a marked purifying action and dermoprotectiveuseful against skin impurities, such as eczema, dermatitis and pimples, and to be applied to bites, swellings, wrinkles and dry skin, improving its appearance.
Natural remedies with borage
Borage infusion for throat irritation
In cases of throat irritation and lung congestion, herbalists combine the leaves and flowers of borage with plantain, agrimony and marshmallowin equal parts for infusion.
How to prepare it: Boil 2 level tablespoons of the mixture per half a liter of water for three minutes. It is filtered and drunk during the day.
Infusion with borage to combat the flu and reduce fever
Combine 40 g of borage, elderberry and basil flowers, with 30 g of rosemary, hyssop and savory and 10 g of eucalyptus, centaury and lavender leavesin the proportion of two level tablespoons per half a liter of water.
How to prepare it: Boil the water, add the mixed plants when it starts to boil, remove from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. It is sweetened with honey or a few drops of lemon are added. Up to three glasses a day, very hot, are drunk as long as the discomfort persists.
Infusion with borage for irritated or aging skin
The compresses that are prepared with the combined infusion of borage, calendula, gotu kola and chamomile.
How to prepare them: Two tablespoons of the mixture are served per glass of water and boiled for two minutes. Leave 10 more to rest and filter. The compresses are soaked with the infusion and applied, twice a day, to the skin, keeping them for a few minutes for them to take effect.
Borage infusion to purify the body
The infusion of 30 g borage leaves and flowers per liter of water also acts as an excellent natural purifier. It is enough to drink three glasses a day, before meals.
Precautions and contraindications
He prolonged use is not recommended. It should also not be consumed during pregnancy and lactationand in case of liver conditions previous.
Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from Manantial de Salud