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Borage
Borage refers to the annual plant that is indigenous to Europe and North America
that is also known by its botanical name, Borago officinalis. Borage can grow
up to 18 inches in height and can spread up to 12 inches in length. It contains
bright blue, star-shaped flowers, which bloom in the summer, and dark green
leaves. Borage also grows fruit that consists of four brownish-black nutlets.
Its medicinal properties lie in its leaves, flowers, and seeds which are used
to extract borage oil.
The medical properties of Borage lie in its constituent parts. Containing a
high concentration of important minerals, such as potassium and calcium, Borage
has been used for centuries as a remedy for malaise, jaundice, consumption,
sore throat, and rheumatism. Additionally, the stems and leaves of Borage supply
saline mucilage which when properly prepared contain nitre and common salt which
aids an individual’s health. Borage oil which is extracted from the seeds of
the Borage plant contains a high concentration of gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
which is converted by the body into prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 contains anti-inflammatory
properties and can be used as a blood thinner. Borage oil contains 20-26% GLA
and its medical properties are attributed directly to its presence.
Borage has been used in a variety of herbal medical treatments to a variety
of medical ailments. As it is a tonic plant, Borage acts as restorative agent
for the adrenal glands which is an important relief for individuals that are
undergoing medical treatments that use cortisone or steroids. Additionally,
Borage has been made into a tea that aids in the reduction of fevers and as
a method of easing chest colds. An infusion made up of the leaves and seeds
of Borage act as a galactogogue which promotes the production of milk. This
is important for breastfeeding mothers. Borage also contains anti-inflammatory
properties that make it an option in the treatment of conditions like pleurisy.
Borage oil has been used to treat a variety of conditions that include: eczema,
skin inflammations, skin dryness, itching, and scaliness.
The recommended dosage of Borage if used as an infusion is two teaspoonfuls
combined with a cup of boiling water. The infusion should be drunk three times
per day. Used as a tincture, the recommended dosage is 1 to 4 ml taken three
times per day. Borage oil is an available for individuals that show symptoms
of GLA-deficiency. Individuals that may have GLA-deficiency include those that
are afflicted with: premenstrual syndrome, diabetes, scleroderma, Sjorgen’s
syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, eczema, and other skin conditions. However, Borage
seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), which are liver toxins. Therefore,
Borage oil can cause bloating, nausea, indigestion, and headaches. Consequently,
individuals with GLA deficiency are recommended to use primrose oil as a supplement
as opposed to Borage oil.
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