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What is Borage Borage is an annual herb that is found throughout the Asia Minor, the Mediterranean region and Europe, it is also used as herbal medicine for various illness. ...(more) Borage Herbal Availability is available in capsule, tinctures and liquid extracts...(more)

Borage used in medicine. Used as diuretic, studied for anticancer properties and used to treat skin infections ...(more)

Borage side effects and warnings. Borage has no serious side effects except for possible allergic reaction from its hairy stems and leaves....(more)

 

SCIENTIFIC NAME(S): Borago officinalis L. Family: Boraginaceae

Also Known as : Borage, common borage, bee bread, common bugloss, starflower, ox's tongue, cool tankard

Borage, (Borago officinalis) is an annual herb that is found throughout the Asia Minor, the Mediterranean region, Europe, North Africa, and South America. Borage flowers and leaves are edible, commonly added to salads and used in cooking. Borage is also used as herbal medicine to dispel melancholy. Borage has been used for the relief of rheumatisms, colds, bronchitis, and to increase breast milk production.

Borage plant grows to height of about 100 cm. The stems and the leaves of Borage plant are bristly or hairy. Borage leaves are alternate and simple, that grows to 10 cm long. The blue flowers forms like a star with perfect narrow triangular pointed petals, hence it is also called starflower. Although in some cultivated specie of Borage, pink and white flowers can be found. Borage are found in the wild but is also cultivated as ornamental plant.

Borage is a popular culinary herb that contains minerals, vitamins and other nutrients that promotes good health.

Borage flowers and leaves are used used in salads, tea preparation and in cooking.
Borage is rich in essential fatty acids such as gamma-

linolenic acid (GLA) or omega-6 fatty acid that has been studied to promote joint restoration, healthy skin, and boosts immunity.

Borage has high levels of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. the Vitamin C in borage makes it valuable for its anti-oxidant property while vitamin A is known to promote good eye sight.

Borage as diuretic. Borage is used to remove excess liquid from the body, and is believed to help remove toxins.

Borage as sudorific. Borage is known to contain choline that stimulates the glands that produce sweat and cools the body. Because of this cooling property of borage, it is used to treat fever, bronchitis, colds and flu.

Borage is also used to treat arthritis. Borage is rich in essential fatty acids that help to relieve pain associated with arthritis.

Borage is known to have sedative action. Borage contains niacin or nicotinic-acid that may have positive effects against anxiety, stress and nervousness.

Another disease that may be caused by lack of fatty acids is macular degeneration. Borage may also be used for the prevention and treatment of macular degeneration.

Borage is also being studied on its effect to breast cancer. Borage is rich in omega-6 fatty acid that is found to have positive effect against breast tumor growth.

Borage is also used in the treatment of prostate gland inflammation such as prostatitis.

Borage promotes digestion and helps to relieve stomach aches such as gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Borage is used to treat skin infections and inflammation such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, pimples, herpes, nail fungus, etc.

A poultice of crushed Borage leaves is also used to relieve insect bites and stings, reduce swelling and bruising and is also helpful for clearing up boils and rashes.

Borage tea is also used to promote milk production for lactating mothers..

Borage is also used to treat hangover

The Borage herb is available in bulk herb, capsules, tincture, and oil. It comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products that can be purchased at health food stores.

To make a poultice chop fresh borage leaves and stems in sufficient quantity to cover the area being treated. Cover with a strip of cotton gauze to hold the poultice in place.

 

Borage because of its hairy or bristly leaves and stems may cause skin allergic reaction to sensitive persons.

Borage has been reported as safe to use with no reported side effects.

But as with any other herbal medicines, moderation of use is recommended. Prolonged use is discouraged.

Borage use is not recommended for pregnant women. Although Borage has been used to increase milk production in lactating mothers, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or a competent medical practitioner before using this herb.

Borage has no reported interaction with other pharmaceutical drugs or herbs.

Sambong Herbal Medicine A diuretic herbal remedy for the treatment and dissolution of kidney stones, and in the treatment of hypertension..

Malunggay Herbal Medicine A tropoicl herb known for its nutritional value to combat malnutrition. It is also known for its medicinal properties against cancer.

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