Borage (scientific name: Borago officinalis) is an annual herbaceous plant of the Borage family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is grown around the world for its culinary, medicinal and decorative uses. In traditional medicine, borage has been used to dilate blood vessels, as a sedative, and to treat epileptic seizures. The plant's leaves and flowers are edible and are commonly used as a garnish, dried herb or vegetable in a variety of drinks and dishes. The leaves are also sometimes ground and steeped in hot water to make herbal tea. Meanwhile, the seeds are used to make borage oil, which is often applied topically to hair and skin. Additionally, borage is widely available in supplement form and is used to treat a variety of respiratory and digestive ailments.
Exterior
Borage features vibrant blue star-shaped flowers clustered on hairy stems. This plant has rough, oval-shaped leaves that are also covered with fine hairs.
Is borage edible?
You can eat the leaves and stems of borage while it's still young and before it blooms, but older leaves are tougher and develop prickly, unpalatable hairs. The very young leaves are refreshing in salads and can be mixed with other salad greens, chopped into soups and stews, or added at the end of a stir-fry.
Borage has a mild, cucumber-like flavor, which makes it a popular addition to salads, soups, and drinks. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be used fresh or dried. In culinary applications, borage is often used as a garnish or to impart a subtle flavor to dishes.
Can borage flowers be eaten raw?
Both the leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in delicious sweet and savory recipes. It can be eaten raw in delicious mixed green salads, cut into yogurt, cheese, even added to stocks, soups and stews, or simply added as a garnish.
Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
In traditional herbal medicine, borage is used for its purported medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, diuretic and expectorant properties. Borage oil, extracted from the seed, is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that appears to have anti-inflammatory effects. Borage flowers may have antioxidant effects.
Can promote skin health
Borage seed oil can be used to treat skin conditions including eczema, red itchy rashes on the scalp, and a skin condition called neurodermatitis. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), swollen gums, stress, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), diabetes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alcohol abuse, pain and Swelling, breathlessness, and prevention of heart disease and stroke. Borage oil is sometimes added to infant formula in small amounts to provide the fatty acids needed to promote development in premature infants.
Borage flowers and leaves
Borage flowers and leaves are used to treat fever, cough, and depression.
Borage is a versatile herb that can be used to treat hormonal problems, purify the blood, improve urinary flow, reduce inflammation in the lungs, promote sweating, increase breast milk production, and treat bronchitis and colds. It can also be applied topically to soothe baby scalp rashes and soften the skin.
lung function
Improve lung function in critically ill patients. There is some evidence that borage seed oil, when taken orally in combination with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may reduce the number of days spent in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the need for a ventilator in patients with the following conditions: Time: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
nervous system
Growth and development of premature infants. Infant formulas fortified with borage oil and fish oil fatty acids appear to improve the growth and development of the nervous systems of premature infants, especially boys.
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is some evidence that taking borage seed oil with traditional pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce RA symptoms after six weeks of treatment. This improvement appears to last up to 24 weeks. Improvement is measured by a reduction in the amount and severity of joint tenderness and swelling.
asthma
Early research shows that taking borage oil daily for 12 months does not improve asthma symptoms. Borage extract has shown potential to relieve asthma symptoms by reducing airway inflammation. Several studies have reported positive results, such as reduced inflammation in asthma patients taking capsules containing borage oil and blue thistle seed oil. For children, supplements containing borage oil and other ingredients may also reduce inflammation and asthma symptoms. However, the specific contribution of borage to these effects is unclear. Another study showed that symptoms improved but inflammation did not decrease after taking borage extract. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of borage extract on asthma and inflammation.
Periodontitis
A dental disease called periodontitis. Early research shows that taking borage oil daily for 12 weeks improves gum inflammation but does not reduce plaque in people with periodontitis.
A skin disease in babies called seborrheic dermatitis. There is some evidence that topical application of borage seed oil may help treat infantile seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes a red, itchy rash on the scalp. It seems to resolve within 1 to 3 weeks.
- side effect
Borage seed oil may not be safe when taken orally in products containing the dangerous chemical pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). Borage plant parts, including leaves, flowers and seeds, may contain PAs. PAs can damage the liver or cause cancer, especially when used in high doses or over long periods of time. Only use products that are certified and labeled "PA Free".
child
Borage oil is probably safe when taken orally in moderation. Borage seed oil may not be safe when taken orally in products containing PAs.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Borage seed oil should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because it may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), which may cause liver disease, cancer, and birth defects. Even if borage products are certified PA-free, they may not be completely safe. Therefore, it is recommended to use borage with caution during this period.
bleeding disorders
There is concern that borage seed oil may prolong bleeding time and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Liver Disease
Borage products containing the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) may worsen liver disease.
Operation
Borage may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking borage at least two weeks before your scheduled surgery.
Who should avoid borage?
People with epilepsy should use borage oil with caution. One case report describes a seizure that eventually developed into persistent seizures in a 41-year-old healthy woman who ingested 1,500 to 3,000 mg of borage oil daily for 1 week. Additionally, it has been reported that borage may be the cause of several cases of blood disorders in infants in Europe. People with rheumatoid arthritis may experience hiccups and loose stools after taking borage.
Because borage contains low concentrations of substances associated with liver damage, it should not be used with medications that may affect the liver, such as anabolic steroids, phenothiazines, or ketoconazole. Borage may also lower the seizure threshold and therefore should not be used with drugs that also have this effect, such as tricyclic antidepressants and phenothiazines. Caution should also be used when using borage oil with any medication that may increase the risk of bleeding.
Does borage oil interact with medications?
The effects of borage seed oil on medications have not been well studied, but you should be cautious if you take anti-inflammatory medications (such as cortisone) and anticoagulants as there may be interactions. Some sedatives and high blood pressure medications can inhibit the anti-inflammatory properties of borage seed oil.
plant
Borage is valued for its attractive flowers and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. The bright blue flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making them a popular choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.
Borage is also valuable in agriculture as a companion plant. Its deep roots help improve soil structure and nutrient uptake by neighboring plants, while its flowers attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.
There is a pest or disease problem with borage. Powdery mildew may occur, especially if growing conditions are poor. To prevent this disease, make sure your plants have adequate air circulation and are watered properly.
cultural significance
Borage has a long history of culinary and medicinal uses dating back to ancient times. It is mentioned in historical documents and folklore for its various properties and association with courage and bravery.
growth conditions
Borage is relatively easy to grow and thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It is usually grown from seed and can self-sow in large numbers under favorable conditions. Borage plants are drought tolerant once established and require minimal maintenance.
reward
Both borage leaves and flowers can be harvested throughout the growing season. The leaves are best harvested when young, while the flowers can be harvested as soon as they bloom. Harvested leaves and flowers can be used fresh or dried for later use.
In short
Borage is a versatile plant with culinary, medicinal and ornamental value. Whether for its edible leaves and flowers, its medicinal properties, or its role in supporting pollinators and improving soil health, borage is a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes.
