If you dream of turning to grow on your plot not only ornamental plants, but also medicinal, then take note of the borage plant. The second name of this plant is borage. Young leaves of borage smell amazingly like fresh cucumber. About healing properties borage knew back in the Middle Ages. Knights had a tradition of entering the battlefield only after drinking a cup of borage tea. They also decorated their armor with this plant, believing that it would bring good luck. The charming annual borage will become a real natural storehouse, which is full of useful properties.

Borago borage. Description of the plant

1. Borage is often called borage, borage, borage.
2. The borage plant belongs to the Borage family.
3. Syria is considered the birthplace of borage. The plant is widespread as a weed in the countries of North Africa, Asia Minor, Southern Europe, and South America.
4. Borago is a herbaceous annual plant that can reach 1 m in height.
5. The stem of borage is branched and straight. A peculiarity of this plant is the presence of hard “hairs” that cover almost the entire plant.
6. The root system of borage is taprooted with numerous lateral roots.
7. The leaves of borage vary slightly in shape depending on where they are located. The basal leaves have an oval shape, the leaves at the top have a blunter shape, the leaves on the stem are ovoid and more elongated. The leaves are covered with exactly the same hard “hairs” as the stem.
8. Borage flowers are a beautiful blue with a pink tint. They are collected in thyroid-paniculate inflorescences at the very top of the stem. The flower itself consists of 5 sepals.
9. The fruit of borage is a ribbed brown nut. It contains about 1000 small seeds, which fall to the ground after the fruit ripens.
10. The active flowering phase of borage occurs during summer season- from June to August.

Borago borage. Historical information

Despite the fact that today many people underestimate borage, considering it a weed, in ancient descriptions one can find many references to its beneficial properties and methods of use.

1. IN Ancient Rome borage was given special importance. Warriors took this plant with them on campaigns in order to increase their strength of spirit and courage.
2. Ancient healers called borage herb “the joy of the heart” because of its amazing healing effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
3. In France, borage was also called "heart flower" and was considered a powerful sedative.
4. Also in France, it was customary to use borage flowers to flavor wines, vinegar, and to decorate dishes.
5. Syria is considered the homeland of borage, from where the plant spread throughout Europe through the Mediterranean countries.
6. In Russia, the borage plant appeared only in the 19th century.

Borago is a borage herb. Beneficial features

Borage has many beneficial properties due to its rich composition. Among the most valuable substances are:

• saponins;
• tannins;
• fatty acid;
• mucous substances;
• essential oil;
• retinol;
• ascorbic acid;
• Apple acid;
• silicic acid;
• lemon acid;
• tannins;
• phosphorus;
• lithium;
• calcium;
• potassium.

As you can see, the chemical composition of the plant is impressive. You can grow borage on your site not only for decorative purposes, but also for medicinal use. Among the beneficial properties of borage are the following:

• fatty acids in borage can have an active anti-inflammatory effect;
• borage enriches the human body with omega-6 acids and other beneficial microelements;
• V folk medicine The beneficial effects of borage on the human gastrointestinal tract have long been known. Mucous substances that are large quantities contained in the plant, envelop the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines;
• borage is widely used as a natural laxative and mild diuretic;
• decoctions and teas from cucumber herb are widely used as sedatives. People who suffer from sleep disorders depressive states, nervous people can count on a wonderful effect from taking folk remedies based on borage;
• decoctions and infusions of cucumber herb will be useful for people who suffer from digestive disorders, thanks to high concentration tannins;
• due to the high concentration of saponins in the chemical composition, borage also has an expectorant effect;
• people suffering diabetes mellitus, obese people can safely use borage oil, which is not contraindicated for them;
• the excellent anti-inflammatory effect of borage is complemented by a mild analgesic effect and the ability to relieve swelling;
• people who suffer arterial hypertension, problems with blood vessels, they can actively use traditional medicine containing borage;
• borage is often used to treat colds as an anti-inflammatory agent;
• borage is also popular in treatment various problems with skin - neurodermatitis, allergic rashes;
• borage has a powerful activating effect on metabolic processes in organism;
• Very often you can find borage in traditional medicine recipes for the treatment of gout.

Despite the fact that borage is a very valuable plant for health, it should be used with caution. Very rarely this plant can cause allergic reaction at the body. A long-term use Taking this herb internally can cause liver problems.

Use of borage in cooking

• In some countries, borage was originally grown exclusively for food use. The young plant has a pleasant and fresh aroma of cucumber, and its taste may resemble onions. Borago is used to prepare vegetable salads and cold summer soups.
• Salads with young cucumber leaves have gained the most popularity. Required condition it must be that the leaves must be used young. Later leaves also retain the aroma and taste, but become a little tougher and covered with “hairs”.
• Cucumber roots collected in the fall are also eaten. They add an unsurpassed aroma to wines, vinegars, cheeses, sour cream, syrups, etc.
• Borage is often used as a spice. It is added to meat and fish dishes, soups.
• Wonderful “companions” in borage salad are white cabbage, celery, and various types of lettuce.
• Fresh leaves and stems of borage can also be served as an independent side dish if you simmer them in a frying pan with a little oil.
• Housewives often use borage to prepare summer homemade lemonades, drinks that perfectly quench thirst in the heat.

Experienced housewives will find a huge number of recipes containing cucumber herb. Among the most popular dishes are:

• borage salad "Summer". Rinse young cucumber leaves thoroughly under running water, dry, cut or tear into pieces by hand. Serve with dressing from olive oil, salt and black pepper. The salad will be an excellent addition to meat or fish dishes;
• cucumber salad "Spring". To prepare an unusually healthy and tasty salad, you will need several Jerusalem artichoke tubers, fresh carrots, borage. All components can be taken in the ratio you need. Some people like Jerusalem artichoke more, while others prefer salads with high content carrots. The ingredients need to be grated and the borage leaves cut with a knife. Mix the salad and season with a little oil, salt and pepper;
• Stewed cucumber grass. Pick a few young plants, wash them well under running water, cut or tear them into pieces by hand. The borage should first be lightly fried in a small amount of oil, and then simmered in salted water for a couple of minutes. Pass the resulting stew through a sieve and serve with cream sauce or a piece of butter;
• candied borage flowers. Their borage plants can be used to prepare an exotic dessert with which you can surprise your guests and delight your loved ones. Pour a layer of sugar into a clay dish, place borage flowers on top, and then cover with sugar again. Store in a dark place;
• “Refreshing” lemonade. To prepare a tasty and healthy drink, you will need borage leaves, lemon balm leaves, mint, and half a lemon. Mix all ingredients in a blender, pour into several glasses cold water. Strain the lemonade through a fine sieve. To add more sweetness to the drink, use maple syrup. Serve lemonade in tall glasses with ice.

The use of borage in cosmetology

Borago grass is widely used in cosmetology. This component can often be found in home recipes for masks, tonics, creams, etc. What a valuable substance found in borage, which is often considered a simple weed? It's all about the huge concentration of fatty acids:

• linoleic acid;
• gamma-linolenic;
• alpha-linolenic;
• oleic

Finding another such affordable source of saturated fatty acids is quite difficult. This feature of borage herb makes it a universal and main component of skin care products. Borage can have an effect on our skin the following types influences:

1. moisturizing effect. Borage will undoubtedly benefit dry and dehydrated skin;
2. smoothing effect. Products containing borage herb can even out minor unevenness on the skin, wrinkles, and make the skin color more uniform;
3. restorative effect. Borage has a healing and healing effect on the skin after cosmetic hardware procedures;
4. improvement of metabolic processes in the skin. Owners of fat and problem skin you will immediately notice the elimination of oily shine, the reduction of pimples and blackheads;
5. lifting effect. Borage is known for its rejuvenating effect, giving the skin elasticity.

Natural borage oil can be purchased at cosmetic stores or pharmacies. Like any oil, it should be sold in a dark glass bottle. The shelf life of such a product is short - about 2 months. Borage oil can be used to prepare the following cosmetic recipes:

• healing oil for restoring very dry skin on hands. Mix chamomile, borage and pine nuts in equal proportions, warm them slightly and rub into the skin of your hands;
• nourishing oil bath. You will need all the same components as in previous recipe. But this time the oil should not be rubbed into the skin of the hands, but immersed in his hands. Of course, the proportions of oil will need to be increased;
• rejuvenating oil compresses. In order to get an excellent lifting effect, mix borage, rosehip, and jojoba oils in equal quantities. Also add a few drops of ylang-ylang and lavender essential oils to the resulting mixture. The resulting mixture can simply be rubbed into the skin every evening, or you can make compresses or fabric face masks.

Use of borage in agriculture

Along with its decorative function, borage also has practical benefits:

• summer residents and beekeepers will be pleased with the fact that after planting cucumber grass, the number of bees has increased. This grass is a good honey plant that attracts the “attention” of bees from afar;
• due to the fact that borage grows on your site, you will notice an increase in yield with fruit trees and bushes. Borage helps in their pollination by bees;
• Many summer residents use borage to combat the Colorado potato beetle, a well-known potato pest.

Borago is a borage herb. Photo

Borago is a borage herb. Planting and care

Choosing a place to plant borage

Borage in wildlife grows near roadsides, in vegetable gardens, etc. If you want to achieve maximum decorative value from this plant and use it for food, then you should take care of choosing a place to plant it.

1. One of the most best places planting borage will become a place where potatoes, tomatoes or legumes grew.
2. Borago should not be grown in areas that are too sunny; let it be a place under the spreading crowns of trees, near buildings, fences, which will create shade. When growing borage at home, you don’t have to worry about lighting at all. This plant adapts to growth even in constant shade.
3. Borage is not picky about soil composition. But on fertile soils it achieves excellent taste and good chemical composition, for which she is so appreciated.
4. When choosing a place to plant borage, prepare for the fact that you will have to limit its growth. The plant rapidly reproduces by self-sowing the following year. To prevent borage from filling the adjacent growth space of other plants, remove the fruit with seeds before it ripens.

Borage - borage. Which variety is better

Of course, borage can often be found in the wild. But only cultivated varieties have excellent taste and aroma, as well as a rich composition. Borage, or borage, can be purchased at almost any large seed store. For self-growing cucumber grass in open ground or at home, most often choose one of the following varieties:

• Vladykinskoe Semko;
• April;
• Okroshka;
• Stream;
• Dwarf.

The most cold-resistant variety is the “Gnome” variety, and the “Vladykinskoe Semko” variety is famous for its large flowers and leaves. This is what most gardeners choose to grow on their site. Finding borage, or borage, seeds is not difficult.

Borage - borage. Growing

Even a beginner can cope with the agricultural technology of growing borage. First, we need to talk about the time of planting this plant. Borago is a cold-resistant plant. Some gardeners even plant it before winter. But more popular time is early spring. It is in March or early April that you should start preparing for planting borage. If you sow borage again in August, you will get another harvest and beautiful flowering of this plant.

1. It would be a good idea to prepare the soil for planting borage in the fall. Superphosphate and potassium salt are added during digging.
2. In spring, it is also worth digging up the soil, loosening it well and adding ammonium nitrate.
3. Furrows are made in the soil about 3 cm deep. It is advisable to leave a gap of 8-10 cm between the seeds. If you do not do this, then you will have to remove excess bushes. The minimum distance between rows is 35-40 cm.
4. If you are afraid of frost or want to achieve earlier germination of borage, then the bed can be covered with film.
5. After approximately 7 days, the first shoots will appear.

Borago care

Caring for cucumber grass will not present any difficulties even to novice gardeners. Among the minimum actions that you will have to perform are:

• not too much, but regular watering. Although the plant is drought-resistant, you can achieve juicy and fleshy greenery only by watering it regularly;
• weed removal. If you grow borage for decorative purposes, then weeds will only spoil the appearance. You need to get rid of them;
• thinning cucumber grass. The distance that needs to be left between borage bushes depends on the purpose for which you are growing it. If you grow borage to obtain lush greens, then leave a distance between plants of about 10 cm. If you grow borage for decorative purposes and to obtain seeds, then the distance should be about 45-60 cm;
• Before the flowering period begins, you can feed the borage with any organic fertilizer.

How and when to harvest borage

• About a month after the first sprouts appear, you can already harvest the first borage crop.
• The most delicious, juicy, aromatic are the very first leaves, which have already reached 5-7 cm in length.
• If you delay harvesting, the leaves will become tougher, covered with a dense layer of “edge”, and will not be as fragrant.
• Harvesting borage is similar to harvesting spinach.
• If the collected borage leaves are placed in wooden boxes, their taste can be preserved for several days. Such boxes should be stored in a cool place.
• Borago seeds are collected when the fruits have turned brown. They are laid out on cloth or paper, where they ripen and dry. Then these fruits will need to be threshed.

Why is borage grown in a greenhouse?

Very often, experienced gardeners plant borage in greenhouses. Why are they doing that? The thing is that borage is an excellent honey plant that attracts bees. The grass is planted in a greenhouse with cucumbers and tomatoes for better pollination. Borage is sown in a greenhouse quite chaotically. The plant also has the ability to crowd out weeds, which is also very useful.

Borago is a borage herb. Growing at home

If you dream of a mini-garden on the windowsill, then the borage plant will be an excellent helper in enriching your diet with aromatic herbs all year round. Follow the following recommendations when growing borage in an apartment:

• The undoubted advantage of growing borage at home is that the plant is not at all capricious in terms of lighting and temperature. It can be grown either in a bright window or in a shady one. But keep in mind that in direct sunlight the leaves quickly become hard;
• select suitable containers for sowing seeds. These can be long containers, boxes or flower pots;
• An excellent filling for containers would be ready-made soil for growing roses, which you can buy in the store. If you prepare a nutritious soil mixture yourself, then mix turf soil and humus. It's also worth adding a little sand;
• to plant seeds on the surface of the ground, make furrows at a distance of about 5 cm from each other;
• There is no need to bury borage seeds. The depth of the furrow is 1.5-2 cm.

The first shoots will delight you in 5-7 days. The plant responds positively to regular feeding.

Borage is one of the most unpretentious plants on the site, but many people do not even know about its beneficial properties, mistaking borage for a weed. Once I tried summer vegetable salad from the succulent leaves of this plant, you will not be able to deny yourself the pleasure of growing borage on your site.

01.12.2017

Today you will learn everything about this amazing borage plant: what it is, why it is valued and how it is used in cooking, and also that it has not only beneficial properties, but also some contraindications for use. Borage, also known as borage, grows both in the wild and is cultivated and widely used for its medicinal properties and pleasant aroma.

What is borage?

Borago is a fast-growing annual plant with edible, colorful blue flowers and leaves with the aroma of cucumbers. It is considered a weed, but is often grown in gardens as a flower and as a green vegetable or herb.

The leaves are used for food while they are young, because when mature they are covered with prickly down.

What does borage look like - photo

general description

Borago is an annual plant with bristly hairs all over its surface. It reaches a height of 75-90 cm and grows in abundance in all wild highlands of Eastern Europe and Asia Minor.

Botanically, borage belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae), genus Borago and is scientifically called: Borago officinalis.

The herb is also known as star flower as it has five-petalled, bluish, beautiful star-shaped flowers. There is a variety of borage that has white flowers. The fruit is an oblong black nut.

Some of the other common names include: borage, borage, borage.

Borago has oval, dark green leaves. They are collected as early as possible, immediately after the flower buds appear, but before the flowers bloom. Young, tender leaves are added to salads, while older leaves can be used as a herb.

As the plant gets older, its leaves become hard, large and bitter in taste.

Smell and taste

The fresh borage plant has a slightly salty cucumber taste with notes of sweet onion and a cucumber aroma.

How to choose borage

Look only for fresh borage leaves, which have a thick stem and a subtle cucumber scent that can be smelled from a short distance. Avoid wilted, yellow or dried greens as they have lost their flavor and aroma.

How to store borage

Borago can only stay fresh for a few hours and quickly loses its flavor.

Unlike other herbs such as oregano, which has dried leaves added to dishes; borage leaves are not dried, as they become tasteless.

Chemical composition

Borago contains many important phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimal health and wellness.

Nutritional value of fresh borago leaves (Borago officinalis) per 100 g.

Physiological role

Fresh borage has the following effects on the body:

• diaphoretic;
• diuretic;
• soothing;
• emollient;
• anti-inflammatory.

Useful properties of borage

Borago contains the essential gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), usually in concentrations of 17-20%. Linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that plays vital important role in restoring health, immunity, healthy skin and joints. Recommended for the treatment of arthritis, dermatitis, premenstrual pain conditions.

Fresh borage herb has high levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It is one of the powerful natural antioxidants that helps remove harmful free radicals from the body.

This aromatic herb– one of the richest sources of vitamin A (140% of daily norm) and carotene. Both of these compounds are strong flavonoid antioxidants. Together they act against free radicals and active forms oxygen (ROS), which cause the aging process and the emergence of various disease processes.

Vitamin A also has beneficial antioxidant properties. It is necessary for good vision and maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin. It is known that consumption natural products, rich in vitamins A and carotenes, helps the human body protect against lung and oral cancer.

Borage contains large amounts of minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc and magnesium. Potassium – important component cell fluids, which helps control heartbeat And blood pressure. In the body, manganese is used as a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is an important cofactor for cytochrome oxidase, which is a key enzyme in cellular metabolism. As a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, iron determines the oxygen capacity of the blood.

Borage also contains B vitamins, and is especially rich in niacin (vitamin B-3). Niacin helps lower the levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol in the body. Moreover, in this spicy herb Riboflavin, thiamine, pyridoxine and folate are present. These vitamins act as co-factors in the enzymatic metabolism of the body.

Borage is very beneficial for women because it contains high levels calcium and iron are elements that many women are deficient in.

A decoction of leaves and seeds is used in folk medicines to increase secretion breast milk in nursing mothers.

Borago is available as food supplement(both in capsules and in the form of extract or oil). The maximum dosage is usually one to two grams per day.

Contraindications (harm) of borage

Although side effects and harm to borage has not been identified; its leaves, flowers and seeds contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be hepatotoxic (damaging the liver), especially when high doses for long periods of time.

Borago also contains compounds that, in large quantities, can affect kidney function (a diuretic effect is possible).

Use of borage in cooking

As you remember, borage tastes and smells like cucumber, so it can be used as a substitute for the taste of this vegetable.
Borago can be used in large quantities like other green vegetables.

How to prepare:

1. Wash fresh herbs in cold running water or place them in water for a few minutes to remove any dirt or pesticide residue.
2. Trim off tough parts of leaves and stem and discard.
3. Finely chop the greens so that you don't feel any lint.

Here are some tips on where to put borage:

• Young tender leaves of borage add a delicate cucumber aroma to salads and okroshka. They are placed not only in the absence of cucumbers, but also with them.
• The mature but still tender leaves can be used as a green vegetable in the same way as spinach. They go well with other greens, beans, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.
• Young leaves are used for cooking fresh juice with the addition of lemon.
• Greens are used to flavor sauces and drinks (yogurt, mineral water and wine).
• The leaves are used when pickling cucumbers and other vegetables.
• Borago flowers are mixed into pancake batter and fried in oil.
• Fresh herbs can also be added to sausages, pizza and stuffed poultry.
• Borage tea is a popular refreshing drink in European countries.
• Borago flowers are used as edible decorations for various dishes. They can also be candied: mix with lightly beaten egg white and granulated sugar, spread thin layer and dry.

Borage goes well with many fresh herbs: thyme, mint, parsley, garlic and fennel.

There are many health benefits that can be obtained from borage, but there are also contraindications. The main thing is to know how to use it and what dosage to take for safe and effective use.

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, metabolic regulating, antirheumatic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, expectorant, mild laxative, diuretic, enveloping.

Indications for use

Even in Ancient Rome, flowers and leaves of the herb were added to the wine of soldiers to raise morale before battle, and in the Middle Ages, borage, or as it was also called “the joy of the heart,” 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 lung catarrh, cough, rheumatism, gout, heart neuroses, neurasthenia, skin diseases caused by metabolic disorders.

Vitamin salads from cucumber herb are recommended to prevent the development of inflammatory processes in the kidneys and intestines, reducing irritability in overly excitable people, normalizing 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 the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to its rich content of mineral salts and its 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, diseases Bladder and kidneys;
• 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.

Borage (Borage)- an ornamental and salad plant, a representative of the Borachnikov family. Borage is distributed throughout Europe and is most often mistaken for a common weed. The grass has a straight stem, the leaves are blunt, green, covered with whitish, hard hairs (see photo). Borago has blue flowers, the grass blooms in June-July and is an excellent honey plant.

The homeland of the plant is considered to be Southwestern Europe. Countries that have developed beekeeping grow borage as a honey plant, primarily England and France.

Planting and care

Growing borage is not difficult, as it is an unpretentious plant. All care for it comes down to regular watering, although even this is not necessary.

Borage reproduces using seeds. Borago should be planted in April-May in an open area in sunny place, because borage grows especially well there. The plant tolerates drought well.

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of cucumber herb are known in folk medicine. The plant is rich minerals, which have a positive effect on blood composition, strengthen cardiovascular system. Borago leaves are rich in calcium and potassium, which are needed for the nervous system. The plant contains resinous substances, carotene, vitamin C, apple and citric acid, up to 32% oil.

Borage oil when taken orally
holds immune system, normalizes metabolic processes, improves emotional condition, because they increase the production of joy hormones. Borago contains plant hormones, normalizes the functions of the adrenal glands, this property is especially valuable after taking steroid hormones. The oil helps heal wounds, it effective remedy for gastritis, peptic ulcer stomach, improves blood circulation. Thanks to its gamma-linolenic acid content, the herb helps balance estrogen and progesterone.

In cosmetology, borage oil is used to care for problematic, sensitive skin. Oil increases the skin's ability to retain water and makes it elastic. In body cosmetics, the oil is used in anti-cellulite creams and creams to eliminate stretch marks. This oil holds the record for gamma-linolenic acid content – ​​25%. This acid is an effective component of anti-aging products; it helps fight premature aging, removes dryness and sagging skin.

The leaves of this herb have diaphoretic and diuretic effects. The flowers of the plant contain a small amount of essential oil. Almost all parts of borage are used in folk medicine; they are used to treat internal inflammation.

The calorie content of borage is 20 kilocalories per 100 grams. The leaves of the plant cover 88% daily requirement the body in vitamin A, the leaves are also rich in vitamin C (about 55% of the daily value), contain calcium and iron, 10 and 20 percent of the norm, respectively.

Borage is used to prepare tonic drinks. For this purpose, freshly cut plants or dried borage flowers can be used. Fresh borage leaves are crushed using a meat grinder and then filtered. The resulting juice is taken half a glass 2-3 times a day. Tonic tea is prepared from hawthorn fruits, borage herbs, oregano, and tartar. All ingredients are taken in 1 teaspoon, the herbal mixture is poured with boiling water and allowed to brew for one night. It is recommended that people prone to depression take 0.1 liter of tonic tea twice a day.

Use in cooking

The plant was found in cooking wide application in American cuisine. For gastronomic purposes, borage leaves and sometimes dried flowers are used. Borage is used as a herb. Herb leaves are added to a variety of salads, most often combined with cucumbers, spinach, onions, and lettuce varieties.

The flowers are used as a natural flavoring for fruit soft drinks and punch. Drinks with the addition of borage taste very fresh and have a slight cucumber flavor. Dried blue borage flowers are used to make an independent dish; candied flowers are consumed as a dessert. Freshly cut flowers are mixed with whipped egg white and powdered sugar, then lightly dried. Borage flowers are added to bakery products, and also used in confectionery. In addition to using sugaring technology, flowers are also aged in wine. Cocktails are decorated with borage flowers before serving. Borage flowers thanks to their taste qualities widely used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages.

The aroma of fresh borage leaves vaguely resembles the smell fresh cucumber, as evidenced by one of its names. Borage is added to various dishes Fried fish and minced meat go well with borage. Borage tastes very pleasant, its leaves are salty, slightly reminiscent of the taste of sweet onions. The ground plant is added as a seasoning to meat dishes, sauces, fish and vegetable dishes.

In Italy, borage is used as a filling for ravioli. Leaves are added to butter, thus obtaining a delicious sandwich mixture. Borago goes well with such spicy aromatic herbs as mint and thyme. The herb is included in natural seasoning mixtures, to which garlic and parsley are also added.

To eat, young borage leaves must be thoroughly washed and cut into small pieces so that the fibers are not felt. Cooks do not recommend scalding fresh borage leaves: this will cause them to lose their color and taste. Drying also has a bad effect on this plant. Borage should be added at the end of cooking; for example, it is better to add borage to stewed meat or fish before serving.

Borage leaves can successfully replace cucumber in some culinary recipes. For this purpose, borage can be added, for example, to okroshka or vinaigrette. Borage flowers are added when preparing homemade kvass and tea.

Benefits of borage and treatment

The benefits of borage allow you to use this herb against various ailments. Fresh borage leaves are used for skin problems and rheumatism. Dried leaves can be used as a mild laxative. Borage is used for heart neuroses; it is taken to increase the tone of the body. Borage is used for diseases of the kidneys, gall bladder, and liver.

The flowers, leaves and seeds of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. The grass should be harvested during its flowering period; the plant is cut off almost to the very root, and the lower wilted leaves are thrown away. Borage should be dried in a ventilated place. Grass seeds are more difficult to collect because they quickly fall off and often become food for rodents if left to dry indoors.

Due to its mucilage content, borage has an enveloping property. Taking borage internally has a beneficial effect on the immune system, helps with urolithiasis, gout, and cough. Borage is used in folk medicinal recipes to support the nervous system, with anxiety, fears, insomnia.

An infusion for oral administration is prepared on the basis of borage. Tablespoon dried herb pour a glass of boiling water and then infuse. The infusion is not stored for a long time; it should be drunk in small portions throughout the day. The infusion has a positive effect on nervous system, has calming properties. To treat gastritis, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, use an infusion of borage flowers. For infusion you need to pour 5 grams of borage flowers into 200 ml hot water and insist. The infusion can be taken after 6 hours; it is also effective for heart diseases.

Harm from borage and contraindications

Borage can cause harm to the body when individual intolerance product, uncontrolled use or violation of specified dosages. In any case, you should consult your doctor.

Every European knows this annual plant with oval, heavily pubescent leaves and small blue inflorescences. People call borage borage or borage for its aroma. And in the scientific literature the name borage appears, since the crop is from the Borachnikov family. Some are happy to see a kind of furry decoration in theirs, others consider the plant nutritious and use it in salads. But there are also those who consider it. What exactly is borage, what is the value of borage and what are its benefits? beneficial properties has - let's try to figure it out.

Beneficial features

Official medicine Borago is not yet recognized, but in laboratory conditions The composition of the plant was studied. In him discovered carotene, saponin, silicon and ascorbic acid, as well as resinous and tannin substances.
The stems and foliage of the crop consist of 30 percent mucus and essential oil. These are the components traditional healers appreciated for its enveloping, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic and emollient properties. The herb is consumed together with flax seeds and marshmallow.

The peculiarity of borage is that it is used only in fresh, and they do not allow the collected raw materials to sit for a long time.
It will be beneficial if you eat freshly picked leaves and stems. Therefore, many share their experience of conveyor sowing of seeds every 15 days. Thus, borage will be in your diet throughout the summer season.

Care

To develop, borage does not need to create additional conditions. In prolonged heat, it is necessary to loosen it at least occasionally between the rows. At first, the grass will gratefully accept feeding from the infusion solution. As the bushes grow, the crops must be thinned out and the seeds collected in time. Otherwise, a thicket of shaggy borage will form on the site.

Collection of leaves and seeds

Used for medicinal and culinary purposes only young leaves with tender fleshy pulp. Old specimens are no longer suitable for this, since every day their surface becomes hard and bristly. Therefore, it is advisable to collect foliage in the first 2-3 weeks of the plant’s life.
The period for collecting flowers and grains is more extended. Borage blooms in early July and blooms until July. This is exactly how long the continuous ripening of a seed lasts, and ripe samples do not stay long in the seed pod and spill out into the ground. In this way, self-seeding is obtained, which will ensure the growth of the crop next year, but at the same time, getting out of control, it will turn the planting into thorny thickets up to 1 meter high.

Based on these characteristics of borage, the procurement of seed raw materials should be done carefully and in a timely manner throughout July, August and September. To do this, use paper caps into which ripe grains are shaken daily. And to avoid the seeds from accidentally falling into the ground, the tree trunk holes are covered with cellophane. Flowers are picked off as soon as they are fully opened.

Did you know? Ancient Roman warriors added borage to. This drink helped them get rid of the fear of battle, gain courage and courage. Soon such a drink was served at all feasts so that the guests would not feel sad or sad.

Use in cooking

Borage has found its use in the kitchen thanks to its fresh-like aroma and subtle taste of a mixture of young feathers and pulp.
For culinary preparations use fresh foliage that is no more than a week old. The pulp, peeled from the fleecy skin, is added to various salads, drinks, soups, sauces, side dishes, borscht, and okroshka.

Meat and fish dishes are sometimes seasoned with borage roots to add piquancy. Also, the roots of the plant are an excellent raw material for the production of green oil. It is added to cheese, sour-milk products and cold drinks.

Many people use borage as greens. For example, chopped leaves are generously sprinkled on boiled soup, which is seasoned with sour cream or other sauce.

Blue inflorescences in cooking play the role of not only a beautiful decoration for dishes, but also useful ingredient. They are used fresh, dried and candied.
Housewives often use flowers for liqueurs, etc. They make very aromatic tea.

Important! Borage salads are rich in vitamins, so they are recommended to prevent inflammation in the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, as well as to improve the functioning circulatory system, liver, gall bladder.

Recipes for use in folk medicine and cosmetology

In cosmetology, the annual plant also played an important role. Many beauties prefer cosmetics based on borage oil, which have rejuvenating and tonic properties.

Its advantages also include a beneficial effect on dry, dehydrated, aging and sensitive skin.
The drug is suitable for everyone, getting into the epidermis, it promotes cell regeneration, smoothes out fine wrinkles, gives skin healthy looking. This component is simply necessary for recovery after aggressive cosmetic procedures by type of dermabrasion, chemical peelings.

Borage oil in cosmetology used to treat hair, nails, dermatitis, and dandruff. The product can be found in any pharmacy; it is recommended both in pure form and in mixtures with other essential oils. By the way, Omega-3, Omega-6 and phytohormones were found in borage oil.

For example, to normalize work sebaceous glands head and face prepare a mask of 1 teaspoon borage oil, 4 drops of oil tea tree, 5 drops