Borago is beautiful plant, which many grow in their gardens and vegetable gardens to obtain the first salad greens, the smell of which is reminiscent of cucumbers. That's why it is called borage, borage. Young leaves of the herb are used in salads. Today, few people know that it was once used exclusively in medicinal purposes. If they talk about the beneficial properties of borage, it is only about the oil that is obtained from the seeds of the plant.

Borago grows in nature as a perennial plant. It belongs to the borage family. This is a tall grass with a straight, thick, hollow inside stem, which is covered small hairs. The basal leaves are elliptical or oval in shape. The upper ones are oblong-ovate with denticles along the edges on a short petiole. Special attention deserve blue or blue flowers, similar to stars and which bees readily visit. Borage blooms from May to August. The seeds ripen a month after flowering.

Borago is considered a good honey plant and, in addition to pollen, also produces beebread. The honey from this herb is light, almost transparent.

The territory of modern Syria is considered the homeland of wild borage. But even today you can find thickets of this plant in northern Africa, the Mediterranean countries, South America, and Asia Minor. In our country, borage is grown mainly as a salad plant. It is found wild in some areas of the European part, where it grows as a weed.

Chemical composition of borage

The plant is rich in beneficial chemicals that have a beneficial effect on human health. Borage contains:

Mucous substances;

Saponins;

Essential oil;

Vitamin C;

Apple acid;

Lemon acid

and other substances.

Leaves borage contain a small amount of the alkaloid pyrrolizidine. However, its content is low and cannot have a toxic effect on the liver. The flowers mainly contain mucus and essential oil.

The oil obtained from the seeds is of great value to the plant. It is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, Omega-6. Its content can range from 20 to 27 percent.

In addition, it also contains alpha-linolenic acid, Omega-3, the content of which can reach up to 10 percent. Its properties are similar to evening primrose oil and often serve as its replacement.

Borago borage beneficial properties

Borage has many beneficial properties that many people are not aware of. One of the most important nutrients in borage are irreplaceable fatty acid which our body needs to maintain good health and good skin. Even a slight deficiency of these acids can directly affect mood, development internal inflammation in the body, the state of immunity and other functions, including the functions of cardio-vascular system.

Essential fatty acids improve appearance nails and hair. Children also need them for correct height and development.

Due to the high presence of calcium and iron, this herb will be beneficial for women. Many women are deficient in these minerals.

High levels of vitamin C and A provide good antioxidant properties. Vitamin A helps maintain good vision.

The presence of potassium allows you to remove excess fluid from the body, and, therefore, toxins along with it. Fresh sap can contain up to 30 percent potassium, while dried leaves contain only 3 percent.

Choline stimulates the glands that produce sweat and cool the body. This property of borage allows it to be used for fever, colds, and coughs.

Niacin or nicotinic acid has a calming effect on the body, relieves anxiety, nervousness, and mood swings.

There are suggestions that gamma-linolenic acid may have an effect on growth cancer cells, in particular breast cancer.

Borage borage herb medicinal properties

Nowadays, few people use borage as medicinal plant. But even the ancient doctors of Rome and Greece noted its good medicinal properties and were often prescribed to their patients for the treatment of certain diseases. Roman soldiers were given borage wine before battle to strengthen their morale and give them vigor.

Candied flowers were considered beneficial for people who were weakened long-term illness, for those who suffered from frequent fainting.

Diuretics;

Calming;

Sedatives;

Laxatives;

Sweatshops;

Anti-inflammatory;

Emollient.

Borage has traditionally been used as a treatment for:

Urinary system infections;

Pneumonia;

Qatar of the upper respiratory tract;

Tuberculosis;

Gastritis;

Irritable bowel syndrome;

Depression.

Externally, herbal poultices were used to treat:

Itchy, inflamed skin;

Dermatitis;

Psoriasis;

Preparations containing borage were used to gargle the throat and mouth for mouth ulcers and bleeding gums.

Borage oil helps with:

Rheumatism;

Skin diseases;

Premenstrual syndrome;

Diseases of the prostate gland;

Allergies.

Tea with borage is drunk when:

To reduce temperature;

Bronchitis;

Cold.

It is useful for treating acne and blackheads. In addition, tea helps increase milk production in lactating women.

Poultices made from crushed leaves are used to reduce itching from insect bites, relieve swelling, reduce bruises, and to cleanse the skin of pimples and blackheads.

Another use of the herb is to relieve hangover symptoms.

Borage application

The leaves and oil of the plant are of main interest for medicinal purposes.

Fresh juice of the leaves is drunk for kidney diseases. Wash the cut lower leaves of the plant well and scald with boiling water. Grind in a meat grinder or blender and squeeze out the juice through cheesecloth.

The resulting juice is mixed with cold boiled water in equal proportions and boiled for three minutes. Take 3 tablespoons 3-4 times a day half an hour before meals.

Borage infusion for heart disease. Brew 2 tablespoons with a glass of boiling water (250 ml) and, covering the container with a lid, leave for 5 hours. Strain and take 2 tablespoons 5-6 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is one to two weeks.

Treatment of rheumatism. Brew a tablespoon of dried leaves with a glass of boiling water and leave until the infusion cools. Filter and take a tablespoon 3 times a day.

This infusion can be drunk for menstrual disorders and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Decoction of borage leaves. Brew 20 grams of leaves in a glass hot water and cook for 10 minutes at a low boil. Filter and take a tablespoon three times a day before meals.

This decoction helps with colitis, gastritis with low acidity, colds, joint pain, nervous tension.

For depression, drink freshly squeezed plant juice, a tablespoon 3 times a day.

Poultices. Brew the herb with a small amount of water. Cool slightly and place on a cloth. Apply it to sore joints. Cover the top with film or a bag and wrap it with a scarf or scarf. Leave it on all night. Please note that this may stain the laundry.

Skin diseases. The affected areas are treated with borage juice diluted with water in equal proportions.

Herbal tea is prepared by steeping 2 teaspoons of the herb in a glass of boiling water. Leave for 5-10 minutes. You can drink up to 3 cups of this tea a day.

It is recommended to include young leaves in your menu to improve metabolism and heart neuroses. Salads with borage relieve nervous excitability, stress, and improve sleep. And also such salads excellent remedy at spring vitamin deficiency. Borago is unpretentious to grow and even grows in pots.

Contraindications and harm

Borage borage is a culinary salad plant with a subtle cucumber aroma. It has few contraindications. The main problem is the presence of the alkaloid pyrrolizidine, which can affect the liver and cause cancer. But its content is not so great. And yet, it is not recommended to use this herb either for food or for treatment for this very reason for more than one month.

It is forbidden to take borage at the same time as taking anticoagulants.

It may cause seizures in some people, headache, nausea, bloating. Although all these symptoms are usually mild.

Hairs on the stem and leaves can irritate the skin. Therefore, when collecting, if you have sensitive skin use gloves.

It is not recommended to use borage during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Although it has traditionally been used as a lactation enhancer, these limitations are due to the lack of scientific data on the effects of borage on women during this period.

Those who suffer from seizures, epilepsy, schizophrenia or are taking the drug Phenothiazine should not use the herb.

It is always best to consult a doctor before starting borage treatment.

Collection and preparation

You can harvest borage throughout the growing season. The leaves are most often used for medicinal purposes. The collected raw materials are laid out thin layer in the shade and ventilated area. Dried grass does not lose its properties throughout the year. Then her healing effect drops noticeably.

Video about the properties and uses of borage

Borage (borage) is an annual plant that belongs to the Borage family. Borage has other names - borage, borage. The plant's native country is Syria; wild specimens are found in South America, in Asia, in Europe. In Russia, borage grows as a weed plant. Borago is loved by bees and collects nectar from cucumber fields even in rainy weather. The herb got its name because of the cucumber taste and smell of the leaves.

Borage has been known since ancient times and is used in folk medicine, cooking and housekeeping. When using borage for treatment and prevention pathological processes in the body, one should take into account what beneficial properties are inherent in the plant and whether there are contraindications for its use.

Biological description

What borage looks like:

• an adult plant reaches 1 m in height;
• has a powerful root system;
• the stem is thick, branching upward;
• leaves and stem are pubescent with hairs;
• the basal and lower leaves are oval in shape with a blunt end, and the upper ones have an oblong, pointed design;
• blooms in summer blue flowers having 5 petals;
• bears fruit with nuts from July to September.

Composition and calorie content

Borage has been studied in laboratory conditions. What substances are found in the leaves of the plant:

• carotene (an orange pigment that transforms into vitamin A);
• minerals;
• B vitamins;
• organic acids;
• mucous substances;
• glycosides of plant origin;
• tannins.

The flowers of the plant contain mucilaginous substances and essential oil. Valuable oil is extracted from the seeds, which is rich in healthy fatty acids - Omega-3 and Omega-6.

The calorie content of the above-ground part of the plant is 21 kcal per 100 g of product. The grass contains no fat and contains 3 g of carbohydrates and about 2 g of protein. Borago oil contains 899 kcal per 100 g, like all vegetable oils.

Borage is a valuable source of vitamins A and C, which are the strongest.

Beneficial features

The above-ground part of borage, as well as the oil of annual seeds, is used in various directions– from cooking to cosmetology and alternative medicine. Benefits of borage:

1. Vitamin C has antioxidant, hemostatic properties, removes harmful toxins, and improves redox processes in the body.
2. Vitamin A stops the aging process, protects the organs of vision, improves the condition of mucous membranes and skin.
3. Potassium normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system, relieves the body of excess liquid, improves the conduction of nerve impulses.
4. Manganese is involved in the regulation of blood glucose levels, has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, and reduces the risk of atherosclerotic plaques.
5. Iron helps restore hemoglobin levels in the blood and saturates it with oxygen.
6. B vitamins speed up metabolism and improve health nervous system and immunity.
7. Borago oil contains fatty acids that are beneficial for the body, as well as vitamins A, E and F. The oil has positive impact on the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

This is interesting! In ancient times and during the Middle Ages, borage leaves and flowers were added to drinks for soldiers and guests. With the help of grass, fighters got rid of the feeling of fear, and cucumber grass lifted visitors’ spirits and relieved them of sadness.

Areas of use

The above-ground parts of borage and seed oil are used in various industries - in cosmetology and cooking, for the treatment and prevention of diseases, and in farming.

Treatment and prevention of diseases

Borage has the following effects:

• diuretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• calming and sedative;
• antipyretic;
• expectorant.

Borage is suitable for treatment and prevention inflammatory diseases Gastrointestinal tract and respiratory organs, with joint diseases. The plant is suggested to be eaten by people suffering from diseases urinary system and liver, as well as for the outflow of bile in pathologies of the gallbladder. Borage is an excellent preventive remedy. diabetes mellitus and diseases endocrine system, normalizes blood sugar levels.

The use of borage oil is due to its beneficial properties. . The product obtained from borage seeds is used as a supplement to complex therapy for the treatment of long-term and short-term pathological conditions:

• symptoms of premenstrual tension in women;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system associated with deficiency cartilage tissue and brittle bones;
• hyperactivity and deterioration of memory and attention;
• skin diseases;
• unpleasant conditions characteristic of the menopause;
• hormonal imbalance;
• syndrome constant fatigue and poor resistance to stress;
• withdrawal syndrome;
• colds;
• cardiovascular pathologies.

Cosmetology

In cosmetology, borage oil is used, which is used as a care product. different types skin. The oil softens the skin, eliminates dryness and flaking, stops inflammatory processes, has a thermal protective effect, and stops the aging process.

The product is suitable as a hair care product. The oil helps restore hair, protects it from exposure to high and low temperatures, gives hair a beautiful appearance.

You can buy the product from essential oil manufacturers or pharmacies.

Cooking

Cucumber grass is used to replace the vegetable of the same name, and is also used as a spice and for making salads. Recommendations for use:

• the grass harmonizes perfectly with vegetables and spices;
• Fresh juices are prepared from the leaves of the plant with the addition of lemon juice;
• borage is added to drinks for a refreshing taste and aroma;
• the above-ground part is used for canning vegetables;
• the herb is included in recipes for culinary dishes (okroshka, salads, pizza, stuffed vegetables and poultry, pastries, desserts).

Daily consumption of borage speeds up metabolic processes which promotes weight loss.

Use in everyday life

Contraindications

Despite many beneficial properties, borage has a number of contraindications. The plant should be used with caution by persons prone to allergies. You should not eat borage or use it as a medicine during pregnancy and lactation.

The benefits and harms of borage are determined by the chemical composition of the plant. Borago may harm people with a history of liver disease. The fact is that the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have a toxic effect on the liver. The substance is contained in small quantities, but it is still not recommended to take the plant for more than a month.

Borage should not be consumed simultaneously with drugs that increase blood clotting. The plant is contraindicated for people with increased convulsive activity, epilepsy and schizophrenia.

Very rarely, borage can cause cramps, headaches and intestinal disorders. Usually side effects manifest themselves weakly and are relieved with symptomatic treatment.

How to use borage for treatment?

Borage oil and leaves are used for medicinal purposes. The most common recipes with borage:

• Pour boiling water over the root leaves, chop and squeeze out the juice. Mix the juice with settled water in a 1:1 ratio and boil for several minutes. The mixture is taken 3 spoons up to 4 times a day for kidney pathologies. This mixture is used to treat dermatoses, as well as to heal burns and wounds.
• Pour 2 tablespoons of leaves into a glass of boiling water and leave for at least 5 hours. The infusion is taken for pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, for the treatment of arthritis and relief of PMS symptoms.
• Pour 20 g of freshly picked borage leaves hot water and cook for 10 minutes. The decoction is used for complex treatment gonarthrosis, gastritis, to eliminate colic and relieve tension and anxiety.
• At nervous disorders It is suggested to drink the juice of the plant.
• To relieve joint pain, make compresses from borage decoction. The lotions should be left overnight, covering the joints with a warm cloth.
• Pour boiling water over 2 teaspoons and leave for 10 minutes. Such Herb tea, which has a tonic effect, can be taken up to 3 times a day.
• Salads with borage will help with central nervous system disorders, improve sleep quality, and normalize metabolism.

Due to its medicinal properties, the plant was called the “heart flower”, and in the Middle Ages the herb was used to improve mood and treat sleep disorders.

Borage is an unusually pretty plant belonging to the borage family. People also call it a gimlet. Many amateurs cultivate Borago in their gardens in order to obtain early greenery. Smell and taste qualities of this herb are identical to cucumbers. This is where its name came from: borage. Borage is famous as an excellent honey plant; it is used in folk medicine and culinary technologies. Beneficial features and contraindications of borage will be discussed further.

Distribution area

Southern Europe is considered the birthplace of wild forms of borage. But in our time, specimens of this plant are found in the north of the African continent, in the countries of the Mediterranean basin, South America, Asia Minor and Western Asia. As a cultivated plant, it is cultivated throughout Europe and the USA. In Russia, wild forms of borage are found in certain areas of the European part, mainly in the south of the country, where it grows as a common weed.

Biological features

The borage, a photo of which is in the article, is cross-pollinating, quite cold-resistant, but in the hot summer season its leaves become coarser and a peduncle begins to form. Prefers neutral or slightly acidic soils of light mechanical composition. The length of the growing season is 70-80 days. Borage usually grows up to 60-80 cm, on thick stems that are hollow inside. The stem is well branched at the top. Those leaves that are formed in the lower tier have an oval appearance, a long petiole and large size. On the upper tier, smaller leaves are formed, oblong in shape, sessile, covered with hard white pubescence.

Borage inflorescences

The flowering stage extends from mid-summer to August inclusive. And fruiting occurs from July to September. The inflorescence is represented by a panicle, which contains single gimlet flowers on long stalks. The flowers are large, star-shaped, blue or light blue, with purple anthers. Each single flower accumulates up to 5-12 mg of nectar. From the ovary of the flowers a fruit is formed - a dark brown nut.

Borage seeds

Borago seeds are quite large, easily crumbling nuts, and remain viable for 2-3 years. The fruit is up to 5 mm long, ribbed and unequal in shape.

Varietal composition

This crop does not have generally accepted domestic or foreign zoned varieties. Each locality uses its own varietal lines and populations.

Borage agricultural technology

Cultural forms of borage are sown in spring or before winter, before frost arrives. IN subsequent years grass can reproduce by self-seeding. When sowing, the following scheme is used: the width between the rows is 30 cm and the sowing step between plants in the row is 10 cm. The seeds are buried 2 cm into the soil. On the tenth day, shoots appear from the seeds.

Plant care

In the phase of the first true leaf, plants should be thinned out, leaving 9-10 cm between them. During the growing season, the row spacing should be loosened and weeded three times. And in dry summer water several times. Soil moisture must be constantly maintained at 80% HB. Borage responds very well to fertilizing with organic and mineral fertilizers. The first fertilizing should be done with urea during the period of plant thinning. To do this, dissolve 12 grams of urea in a bucket of water and feed the plant with this solution. The second feeding can be done 25 days after the first. Here it is appropriate to use a solution of mullein in a ratio of 1:5 with water.

Cleaning

They start collecting leaves when they are young, even before the flower stalk appears. Leaves are not taken from plants left for seeds. When the seed pods turn brown, the stems are cut off at the bottom of the inflorescences. From one square meter you can get 20 grams of seeds and 600 grams of greens. Borage can be grown on a windowsill. The leaves are periodically cut off and dried in the shade.

Chemical composition

The beneficial properties of borage are due to the rich content of useful chemical organic and inorganic components that can have a healing effect on people's health. Available in vegetative mass and seeds:

• essential oils;
• mucous compounds;
• substances from the tannin group;
• silicon;
• compounds from the group of saponins;
• resin compounds;
• vitamin C;
• zinc;
• potassium;
• carotene;
• Apple acid;
• calcium;
• choline;
• iron;
• lemon acid and other equally valuable substances.

Reserves of essential oil were found in the flowers. The oil produced from the seeds is also very valuable. It consists of 20-27% gamma-linolenic acid, used in pharmacology. In addition, the oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, the presence of which reaches 10%. In its composition and properties it is very similar to primrose oil. The presence of essential oil in borage varies between 0.01-0.13%. Moreover, over time, the plant accumulates this product, so there is more oil in old leaves than in young ones. This oil contains 23 volatile compounds, of which aldehydes, as well as neadcane, tetracosane and heptacosane, are especially valuable.

Useful qualities

The beneficial properties of borage (borage, a photo of which you can see in the article) have been studied since ancient times. Great importance have essential fatty acids found in the plant. They are needed to the human body to save vitality and health skin.

If these substances are lacking in the body, mood may suddenly drop, immunity may weaken, inflammation of organs and weakening of the heart may develop. Essential fatty acids are responsible for the condition of nails and hair. They are especially necessary for children.

Potassium found in the plant facilitates the removal of water from the body, and with it toxic compounds. Freshly squeezed borage juice can consist of a third of potassium, but dried leaves contain only 3 percent. Choline has a beneficial effect on the glands that produce sweat, which helps regulate the body's thermoregulation. Therefore, the plant is used for coughs, colds and fever. A nicotinic acid has a calming effect on the body, removes anxiety and nervousness.

Residents Western countries They usually eat young borage leaves, adding them to various dishes. Fresh flowers are placed in glasses with drinks or wine, and the candied inflorescences are eaten for dessert. The formed leaves can be stewed and used in marinades and pickles. Borage inflorescences are used industrially in the production of confectionery products and cognac.

When should borage be used?

Modern healers recommend using borage as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, laxative and enveloping agent to cure fever, gastrointestinal inflammation, colds, constipation. As a diuretic medicine, borage is used to treat edema, kidney diseases, Bladder and urinary ducts. To do this, its infusions are taken orally. Compresses using borage leaves have an antirheumatic and analgesic effect in the treatment of joint and muscle pain, as well as gout. Borage seeds boiled in grape wine are prescribed to increase mothers' lactation.

Borago, or borage (photo, useful properties - in the article), also has a calming property, is widely used in homeopathy, in the treatment of depression, neurasthenia and sleep disorders. Decoctions of its leaves are used to treat skin rashes, eczema and other skin diseases. Mineral salts of borage improve metabolism, so it is included in multi-component diets.

Alternative medicine advises turning to borage for the following diseases:

• asthenia;
• rheumatic diseases;
• joint pain;
• insomnia;
• gout;
• inflammation of the bladder and kidneys;
• colitis;
• gastritis;
• fever;
• constipation;
• neurasthenia;
• swelling;
• colds;
• cardiac neuroses;
• skin diseases.

But before you decide to take medications made from borage, you should consult your doctor, as self-medication can only worsen the situation. Therapy traditional methods is effective only in combination with the main drug treatment and under the supervision of a specialist.

Contraindications

Borage herb has few contraindications. Its main problem is the insignificant presence of the alkaloid pyrrolizidine, known for its ability to cause liver cancer. Therefore, borage should not be consumed for food or for treatment for more than 30 days in a row. It is also prohibited to take borage together with a group of drugs related to anticoagulants. In a certain category of people, borage can cause convulsions, pain in the head, nausea or bloating. Usually all these ailments have weak manifestation. The hairs present on the stem and leaves are very hard and can irritate sensitive skin. Therefore, it is better to wear gloves during the collection process.

The use of borage by pregnant or nursing mothers is highly undesirable. Despite the fact that since ancient times it has always been used as a means of improving lactation, this prohibition is associated with insufficiency scientific information about the effect of this plant on the body of women at this time.

It is absolutely forbidden to use grass for people suffering from epileptic seizures, schizophrenic disorders, seizures or taking the drug "Phenothiazine". It is better to take decoctions and infusions of borage herbal infusions and consult your doctor before doing this. Some believe that gamma-linolenic acid present in the plant may promote the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. However, this has not yet been proven by anyone.

Preparation of infusions and decoctions

Before preparing borage juice, you should first fresh leaves Wash the lower tier thoroughly with running water, scald with boiling water, and then pass through a meat grinder.

Squeeze the resulting mass through two layers of gauze and get cell sap borage. Dilute the squeezed juice with water in a 1:1 ratio and boil over low heat for 4 minutes. After this, all that remains is to cool and strain the broth, and it is ready for use. The decoction should be taken orally three times a day, immediately after meals, 2 tablespoons. In some cases, for skin diseases, it can be practiced for external use.

A healing infusion is also prepared from borage. For this purpose, take 2 tablespoons of dried and crushed leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried flowers and pour 200 ml of boiling water over them. The mixture, steeped for two hours, is filtered and 1 tbsp is administered orally three times a day. spoon, for diseases of muscles and joints, as well as for gout or rheumatism.

To cure gastritis and kidney inflammation, as well as normalize cardiac activity, you need to consume 100 grams of borage infusion three times a day, when preparing it 1 tbsp. a spoonful of flowers was poured with boiling water in an amount of 200 ml and infused for 6 hours.

borage is a flowering annual plant native to Syria, the leaves of which smell like fresh cucumbers. Other names for borage: borage, borage, borage, heart flower, etc. In most cases, we perceive this plant as a weed, because grows almost everywhere - along roadsides, in vacant lots, landfills, vegetable gardens, etc. However, in Western Europe borage is grown as a vegetable plant, and has also been used as a folk plant since ancient times. medical product. Let's find out how borage is useful and whether it can cause harm to health.

Description and chemical composition of borage

Borage is a stiff-haired plant with a stem length reaching 1 meter, which blooms with fairly large five-petaled dark blue flowers. Flowering time – June – August. After this, a fruit is formed - an oblong tuberculate nut.

IN chemical composition leaves contain the following substances:

• ascorbic acid;
• lemon acid;
• Apple acid;
• microelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.);
• mucous substances;
• tannins;
• saponins;
• tannins.

Borago flowers contain essential oil and mucilage.

Useful properties and uses of borage (borage)

It is known that borage is used in homeopathy for the preparation of various medicines, and is also part of some dietary supplements. It is recommended to add borage leaves to food, which not only improves the taste of dishes, but also contributes to the following:

• improvement of digestion processes;
• normalization metabolic processes in organism;
• prevention inflammatory processes in the intestines and kidneys;
• excretion;
• calming the nervous system;
• normalization of work and strengthening of blood vessels.

The benefits of borage are not limited to this. The plant also has a mild laxative effect, has a diuretic, diaphoretic and enveloping effect, helps with various types pain – rheumatic, muscular, gouty, etc.

Young borage can be used as an additive to vinaigrettes, sauces, side dishes, okroshka, cold vegetable soups, meat and fish dishes. Ripe leaves can be used like spinach - stewed, boiled and fried, as well as in pickles and marinades. Flowers can be used fresh or candied as a delicacy, and oil can be prepared from borage roots, which is added to cheeses, syrups, essences, cold drinks, and wines.

Dishes with cucumber herb will be useful for women who want to lose weight. Due to its low calorie content and the ability to improve metabolic processes in the body, this plant will help you quickly get rid of extra pounds.

The plant can also be used as an external remedy for preparing anti-aging folk remedies for the face - masks, lotions. Both fresh and dried young leaves are suitable for this. From a decoction prepared from the leaves, you can apply compresses to help relieve painful sensations and promoting speedy healing in case of injuries and. In cosmetology, borage seed oil is used, which has a beneficial effect on the skin.

Harm and contraindications of borage

Any plant can have not only benefits, but also harm, and borage is no exception. It should be consumed in moderation, because... long-term use V large quantities may negatively affect liver function. Therefore, it is not recommended to use this plant for more than a month - you should take short breaks.

Borage (borage, borage, borage) is a herbaceous annual flowering plant of the Borage family, growing in the countries of Southern Europe, Asia Minor, South America and North Africa. In its wild form, the grass is found in wastelands and fields in Russia, Ukraine, and the Caucasus. Medicinal properties Borago has been used in folk medicine since ancient times, and thanks to the characteristic fresh cucumber smell and taste of the leaves, it is currently also cultivated as a vegetable plant.

Borage blooms in June-August, with small white or deep blue drooping flowers collected in a raceme at the top of the stem, bears fruit in July-September, the fruits are oblong-shaped, dark brown nuts. The plant can reach 60-100 cm in height, the stem is ascending or straight, hollow, pubescent and thick, branched at the top. The root of borage is taproot, the basal leaves are large, oval or elliptical, the stem leaves are sessile, oblong-ovate, covered with whitish stiff hairs.

Chemical composition

For medicinal purposes, flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant are used in fresh and dry form. The following were found in the leaves: ascorbic, citric, lactic and malic acids, as well as tannins and mucous substances, carotene, tannins, saponins, mineral salts (especially a lot of potassium). The flowers contain essential oil and mucus, the germs of the seeds contain allantoin, and the seed oil contains linolenic acid (necessary for the production of prostaglandins).

The grass is collected in the summer (during flowering), dried in the sun or in well-ventilated areas, the raw materials can be stored for no more than a year, since it quickly loses its medicinal properties.

Beneficial features

TO healing properties borage herb include: sedative, metabolism regulating, antirheumatic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, expectorant, mild laxative, diuretic, enveloping.

Indications for use

Also in Ancient Rome flowers and leaves of the herb were added to soldiers’ wine to boost morale before battle, and in the Middle Ages, borage, or as it was also called “heart’s joy,” was used as a remedy to help fight melancholy and sadness.

Currently, plant-based drugs are used to treat damage to the liver, gallbladder, and cardiovascular system. The herb is prescribed for catarrh of the lungs, cough, rheumatism, gout, heart neuroses, neurasthenia, skin diseases caused by metabolic disorders.

Vitamin salads made from cucumber are recommended to prevent the development of inflammatory processes in the kidneys and intestines, reduce irritability in overly excitable people, and normalize metabolic processes. Infusions of flowers are used for colds, feverish conditions, diseases of the urinary system. Enveloping, anti-inflammatory and mild laxative properties of the herb in alternative medicine used in treatment gastrointestinal tract. Thanks to the rich content mineral salts and ability to activate metabolism, borage is often included in various diets.

In European countries, the leaves of the plant are added to salads, vegetable soups, sauces, fish and meat dishes, marinades and pickles. Borage flowers, fresh and dried, are used in the confectionery and liquor industries.

Contraindications

Persons with liver damage should not use herbal preparations for a long time, because it contains a small amount of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Before using the plant, you should consult your doctor.

Homemade borage herb remedies

• Infusion of leaves and flowers: 10 g of leaves and 5 g of dried flowers, infused in a sealed container for 1 hour in 200 ml boiled water. Drink 50 ml 3-4 times a day before meals to treat fever, colds, metabolic disorders, rheumatic joint pain, heart neuroses, bladder and kidney diseases;
• Decoction of leaves: 20 g of leaves are poured into 250 ml of water and simmered over low heat for 10 minutes, then filtered. Take 1 tablespoon before meals 3 times a day for colitis, gastritis with low acidity, nervous disorders, colds, joint pain. You can also wash the skin with a decoction for rashes;
• Infusion of flowers: 5 g of flowers are brewed in 200 ml of boiling water, left for 6 hours, then filtered. Drink 100 ml 4 times a day before meals for inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, gastritis with low acidity, weakened cardiac activity;
• Infusion of leaves: 10-15 g of leaves are poured into 200 ml of chilled boiled water and left for 2 hours. Take 100 ml 3-4 times a day for heart neuroses, fever, inflammation of the urinary system.