What is borage used for?
Borage is a plant. Its flowers and leaves, as well as the oil from its seeds are used as medicine. Borage seed oil is used for skin disorders including eczema (atopic dermatitis), red, itchy rash on the scalp (seborrheic dermatitis), and a type of skin condition called neurodermatitis. Liver issues: Borage leaves and flowers contain hepatotoxic compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can worsen liver disease and cause potential liver damage. Bleeding disorders: Borage oil contains 25% gamma linoleic acid (GLA), which may prolong bleeding time and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.Borage oil is prized for its high concentration of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). In one study, there was a significant decrease in waist to hip ratio in menopausal participants who took a borage oil supplement versus placebo.Benefits of Borage Seed Oil for Hair Moisturizing dry hair: GLA helps retain moisture in the hair shaft, making it softer and more manageable. Promoting hair growth: Some studies suggest that GLA may stimulate hair follicle activity, potentially leading to thicker, fuller hair.Borage seed oil is also a rich source of other nutrients, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin, reducing inflammation, and preventing premature aging.Although it has been suggested as an alternative source of GLA to evening primrose oil, borage seed oil can have toxic effects on the liver. Its chronic use should be avoided, especially by patients with liver disease or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is borage oil used for?
Borage seed oil is a nutritional supplement which is rich in essential fatty acids that can regulate the body’s immune system and fight joint inflammation. The available evidence suggests that borage seed oil may improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Borage seed oil is made from the seeds of the borage plants. A small, double-blind clinical trial from 1993 found that 24 weeks of borage seed oil supplementation significantly reduced RA symptoms in 37 people. Participants reported a 36% reduction in the number of tender joints and a 45% reduction in tenderness scores.Borage seed oil is LIKELY UNSAFE when products containing a dangerous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are taken by mouth. Borage plant parts including the leaf, flower, and seed can contain PAs. PAs can damage the liver or cause cancer, especially when used in high doses or for a long time.In traditional medicine, borage is used as a sedative and a diuretic, and as a treatment for seizures and kidney disease. The leaves are often used as dried herbs or tea. Today, fresh borage is eaten and used as a garnish or in drinks. The seeds are also pressed to make borage seed oil, which is used as a supplement.According to Penn State University Extention, the Roman scholar Pliny described borage as an antidepressant. To this day it’s considered a tonic for anxiety, stress and hyperactivity disorders. Borage seed oil contains anti-inflammatory gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and is used topically for rheumatoid arthritis.
What is the magical use of borage?
Borage is mainly in used in magic to inspire courage and bravery. It can enhance psychic powers and strengthen protection spells. Yes, borage oil is a wonderful carrier oil for skin as it is known for its potential to soothe and nourish skin. Borage oil is also known for its potential benefits to improve the appearance of hair and scalps.Packed with nutrients and antioxidants that rejuvenate the skin, Organic Borage Oil has strong anti-aging properties that help improve the appearance of wrinkles and make the skin look smooth. This oil naturally fights free radical damage – effectively giving you a beautiful youthful look.It has been found to help reduce skin inflammation and redness, making it a valuable ingredient for sensitive or acne-prone skin. In addition, borage oil has been found to have anti-aging properties. It can help stimulate the production of collagen, essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness.The flower of borage is used as a medicinal herb in various countries as an antifebrile and antidepressant, for treatment of stress, circulatory heart diseases and pulmonary complaints, as a poultice for inflammatory swellings, as a diuretic, laxative, emollient and demulcent, and recently as a possible cancer .
What are the interesting facts about borage?
Historically Used to Treat: Depression and mental illness, fever, heart disease, lactation difficulties, fainting, red eyes, poisonings and venoms. Borage was thought to bring courage, and was often given to soldiers. Other Uses: Leaves & flowers are edible and used in salads and drinks. In traditional medicine, borage is used as a sedative and a diuretic, and as a treatment for seizures and kidney disease. The leaves are often used as dried herbs or tea. Today, fresh borage is eaten and used as a garnish or in drinks. The seeds are also pressed to make borage seed oil, which is used as a supplement.Borage tastes just like cucumber. The flowers and young leaves are best as the mature leaves have rather a rough hairy nature. These can be used for cooking though, or for brewing a tea. The flowers are a great addition to salads and summer drinks.Indian borage is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It has a very strong fragrance of oregano when crushed, hence its other common name Cuban oregano. The majority of the plants growth takes place in the spring and summer It prefers a hot and dry location for the best performance.Borage contains naturally occurring compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to the liver in large amounts or with prolonged use. These compounds are mainly found in the leaves and flowers of the plant.The little blue flowers are a high-yielding source of nectar for bees and guarantee ample honey production. Borage contains essential oils and mucilage. Tea made from borage leaves and flowers soothes cough symptoms. The herb also has beneficial effects on the digestive system and the overall metabolism.
What is another name for borage?
Borage is also known as burrage, common bugloss, bee-bread, bee fodder, star flower, ox’s tongue, and cool tankard. In search of excuses to grow more borage, I began looking into its usefulness as a companion plant. There is much talk of growing borage as a companion plant for tomatoes, cabbage, strawberries and squash, associated with a reduction in leaf-eating caterpillars such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.In the garden, the claimed uses of borage include repelling pests such as hornworms, attracting pollinators, and aiding any plants it is interplanted with by increasing resistance to pests and disease.Borage leaves have been traditionally consumed fresh either as a potherb or as a salad with other leafy greens. In Italy, they are used cooked as spinach in soups, or as a filling for fresh homemade pasta like ravioli. They must be harvested before flowering, in the morning, after the sun has dried the night dew.
What are the disadvantages of borage?
Borage supplements may be associated with mild side effects, including digestive issues like gas, bloating, and indigestion ( 14 ). In rare cases, taking high doses of borage oil has been shown to cause more serious side effects, including seizures ( 15 ). Though the flowers are the main attraction, borage leaves and stalks are safe to eat, too. The flavor is herbal and cooling, similar to cucumber or very mild arugula. Though you can eat these raw, the stems and leaves have a slightly hairy texture, and mature plants can be spiny.Borage leaves are edible raw when very young, but most preparations call for cooking the leaves and stems to remove the irritating hairs.In traditional medicine, borage is used as a sedative and a diuretic, and as a treatment for seizures and kidney disease. The leaves are often used as dried herbs or tea. Today, fresh borage is eaten and used as a garnish or in drinks.Borage leaves are good in salads, yoghurt or cream cheese mixtures, or served with shellfish.