Borage
(also referred to as...)
Bugloss, Burage, Common Bugloss
Latin Name: Borago officinalis
Family: Boraginaceae
Description
"Those of our time do use the flowers in salads to exhilarate and make the mind glad. There be also many things made of these used everywhere for the comfort of the heart, for the driving away of sorrow and increasing the joy of the mind. It maketh a man merry and joyful."
-- Pliny
Ailments / Situations Where Used
The leaves and flowers have a cucumber-like taste and add beautiful colour to a salad. They are both used quite extensively by modern day herbalists. An infusion is used as a tonic to the adrenal cortex in times of stress or used to counteract the effects of steroid therapy and cortisone. The infusion has a strengthening effect on the heart and aids phlebitis and venous circulation. An infusion combined with fennel seeds or blessed thistle is helpful during lactation to increase mother's milk. The fresh juice is used for depression, anxiety and grief and is also very soothing when used externally on mild skin conditions. The flowers are an excellent expectorant and are used to remove congestion in the respiratory tract associated with dry coughs and lung disorders.
Boarge seeds are used for their high content of Gamma-Linolenic-Acid (GLA) and Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) which are helpful in many conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, poor memory, menstrual irregularities, irritable bowel syndrome, attention deficit disorder, hangovers, and skin conditions. See Food Supplements -- Essential Fatty Acids for more information on these acids.
Source
Leaves, flowers and seeds.
Preparations
Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of herb and infuse 10 minutes. Take 3 times daily.
Tincture: Take 15 to 20 drops 3 times daily.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Borage contains the same pyrolizzidine alkaloids as its cousin comfrey which has been shown to cause liver toxicity in rats, fetuses, and newborn babies.
Avoid in pregnancy and use in moderation.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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