Herbalists have made their mark across the historic record, experimenting with the natural cures that the world has to offer. In the case of borage, it was John Gerald, who made mention of borage, which was known for producing attractive purple blooms and dark green leaves. In the past, the plant had a reputation for stimulating the adrenal glands, promoting the production of adrenaline, and helped ease stressful situations. Today, the leaves, seeds, and flowers can be used to prepare an array of natural remedies.
Borage is often described as a plant that possesses coldness and moistness that is slightly sweet. The leaves and the flowers are known to contain tannins, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. The seeds are considered essential fatty acids, which offers the body cis-linoleic acid.
When the leaves and flowers are used to make herbal remedies, many different actions are associated with its usage. Some of the outcomes that an herbal concoction made from borage may facilitate includes lactation, a diuretic effect, and sweat promotion. It is also used as an expectorant when colds surface. The leaves of the borage plant are rather fleshy and course to the touch and are usually seen as a main ingredient in tonics aimed to stimulate the adrenal glands.
The leaves also possess the power to counteract the effects associated with steroid use. When a dry, raspy cold surfaces, the leaves provide relief and also helps to encourage the milk flow in breastfeeding mothers. Whooping cough patients may also benefit from the use of a borage remedy. When it comes to harvesting the leaves of this herbal delight, it is important to tend to the plant throughout the growing season. A juice is also produced from the leaves that offer assistance when depression strikes or someone is trying to overcome grief. Individuals suffering from itchy, dry skin will also find relief through the soothing lotion that borage leaves are responsible for.
The flowers have a history of their own, as they were added to food and beverage to produce “happy feelings” in the mind when eaten or drank. During the Elizabethan times, borage flowers were added to salads that may also still apply to today’s food preparation. There are also additional traditions that have used the flowers in wine to create a happy mood in men. The flowers were also added to cough syrup.
The seeds have been known to relieve the symptoms associated with eczema, work against rheumatism, aid irritable bowel syndrome, and regulate the menstrual cycle. It is the oil extracted from the seeds that also make an effective alternative for evening primrose oil that has aided patients battling menstruation disorders, as well as rheumatic distress. As an external remedy, the symptoms of eczema are treated. The seeds are sometimes administered as an oil or are sometimes made into capsules.
In the article titled, “How to Prepare a Borage Herbal Remedy,” you will find the many different ways the leaves, seeds, and flowers create effective herbal remedies.