FoodBorage: The unexpected superplant for your health and kitchen

Borage: The unexpected superplant for your health and kitchen

Borage is not only a decorative plant; it also offers numerous medicinal and culinary benefits. Therefore, it is used in both natural medicine and culinary arts. Here’s what you should know about borage.

Borage is appreciated in natural medicine.
Borage is appreciated in natural medicine.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

8:03 PM EDT, July 19, 2024

Borage (Borago officinalis L.), as it is scientifically known, naturally occurs in the Mediterranean region. Borage can reach a height of up to 24 inches. Its flowers are violet-blue and star-shaped, while its fruit is a dark brown, ribbed nutlet filled with four seeds. Interestingly, the stem and leaves of borage emit a refreshing cucumber scent. The taste of the leaves and flowers of this plant resembles that of cucumber.

What does borage do? Properties of borage

One of the primary uses of borage is for treating inflammation and damage to the mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It soothes these areas, bringing relief and aiding the healing process. Borage is also used to treat various cardiovascular conditions and disorders. It improves blood flow in blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. It is effective in infections and colds, alleviating symptoms such as sore throat, cough with phlegm, and hoarseness.

Borage regulates metabolism and positively affects the body's lipid profile: it reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, counteracts coronary artery disease, and lowers levels of so-called bad cholesterol (LDL). At the same time, it normalizes the level of so-called good cholesterol (HDL). Additionally, borage increases urine output and aids in the removal of harmful metabolic by-products from the body. It also has anti-inflammatory effects on the kidneys and urinary system, helping to combat infections in these organs.

Borage is not just an ornamental plant.
Borage is not just an ornamental plant.© Pixabay

Borage – how to use it?

The leaves, flowers, and seeds of borage are used for medicinal purposes. The flowers and young, non-hairy leaves are edible. They can be added to salads, casseroles, soups, or sauces and prepared like spinach. Available products include borage juice, fresh or dried plants rinses, tinctures, seed oil, tablets, ointments, and even borage honey.

Preparing an infusion is a good way to harness the benefits of borage. Pour 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh borage leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried borage over a cup of boiling water and let steep for 15 minutes while covered. This infusion is best consumed three times a day. It is recommended for people experiencing digestive and respiratory issues.

Related content
© essanews.com
·

Downloading, reproduction, storage, or any other use of content available on this website—regardless of its nature and form of expression (in particular, but not limited to verbal, verbal-musical, musical, audiovisual, audio, textual, graphic, and the data and information contained therein, databases and the data contained therein) and its form (e.g., literary, journalistic, scientific, cartographic, computer programs, visual arts, photographic)—requires prior and explicit consent from Wirtualna Polska Media Spółka Akcyjna, headquartered in Warsaw, the owner of this website, regardless of the method of exploration and the technique used (manual or automated, including the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence programs). The above restriction does not apply solely to facilitate their search by internet search engines and uses within contractual relations or permitted use as specified by applicable law.Detailed information regarding this notice can be found  here.