Herbs of the Field - Borage
Borage -
Borage is an annual flower with showy blue flowers. It is edible and medicinal plus helpful around the house. Borage is an herb that is cooling and cleansing, plus has adaptogenic, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The flowers are commonly used but the leaves and the oil from the seeds are helpful too. The oil is a good source of plant-based Omega fatty acids. Borage oil also has gamma-linolenic which is help for join pain.
Borage is helpful for the following ailments: acute respiratory distress, asthma, attention deficit-hyperactive disorder, cough, depression, diabetes, eczema, fevers, heart disease, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Stress, and strokes. In the kitchen, one can make soup out of borage. The leaves have a light cucumber flavor, and make an excellent soup base. Can make a cucumber dip with borage and mint. Borage lemonade is refreshing during the summer.
In addition, borage is a great companion plant for pest deterrent. The aroma is mild but keeps pests out of your garden. Plant near tomatoes to repel hornworms, cabbage for cabbage worms because it attracts beneficial insects such as Honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies which love the blue flowers!! These insects are great pollinators along with repelling garden pests. Also good to plant near vegetable garden or along the fence row by fruit trees. Borage is high in calcium and potassium so planting with tomatoes helps
Identification - Blooms summer, with small blue flowers. Plant has silvery, hairy, rough leaves about four to six inches. The hairs get prickly when the plant matures. The plant has a width of 12 to 18 inches wide.
Harvesting - Borage will self seed for continuous generations. When plant matures, harvest leaves and flowers. The plant does not dry well, very brittle. Pick younger leaves and continually harvest. Deadheading will help with longer growth period.
Usage - fresh leaves and flowers, for tea. Flowers used for tinctures. Borage infusion using fresh leaves. Borage poultice for bug bites, bee stings, swelling, bruising, rashes, and boils. Infused oil from the seeds but could be made from the flowers. Mix borage with calendula and lavender to create salves.
Cautions - Plant contains silica, and can be an irritant. Can cause issues or damage to the liver. Can cause bleeding problems. Side effects diarrhea, headaches, nausea, cramping or allergic reactions.