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BORAGE
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(Borago officinalis)
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Other Names
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Bugloss, Burrage, Common Bugloss.
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Description
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Borage is a hardy annual plant that is widely cultivated and native to Southern
Europe. It
grows to 2 feet, producing large wrinkled, fuzzy leaves and droopy bluish or purplish star shaped
flowers that bloom from June through August.
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Classification
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Moist
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Taste
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Slightly sweet
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Cold
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Use Borage for feverish colds, depression, grief, anxiety, dry skin, and
menstrual irregularity. The leaves are also used to stimulate milk in nursing mothers and for dry
raspy coughs.
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Leaves
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Infusion
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Take in the early stages of lung disorders or feverish
colds. Lactating mothers may combine it with Fennel to stimulate
milk.
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Tincture
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Take as a tonic following steroid therapy and for
stress.
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Juice
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Drink for depression, grief, or anxiety.
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Lotion
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Use for irritated dry skin or nervous rash
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Seeds
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Capsules
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Take for eczema or rheumatoid arthritis. It is also sometimes helpful in
some cases of menstrual irregularity, IBS, or for hangovers.
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Flowers
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Syrup
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Take a syrup made from the infusion as an expectorant for
coughs. It
can be combined with Mullein or Marshmallow.
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Combinations
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For coughs combine with Mullein or Marshmallow.
To stimulate milk flow combine with Fennel.
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Constituents
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Saponins, Mucilage, Tannins.
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Action
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Adrenal, Stimulant, Diuretic, Anti-Rheumatic,
Expectorant.
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Food Values
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None.
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Part Used
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Leave, Flowers, Seeds.
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Collection
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The leaves can be picked as early as 2 months after the seeds are
planted. The
flowers can be picked as soon as they bloom.
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Preparation
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Capsules
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Take 500 ml. oil in capsule form as a daily supplement.
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Infusion
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Add 4 Tsp. dried leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes, then
strain. Take
three times per day.
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Juice
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Make pulp from fresh leaves.
Take 10 ml. three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Borage will do well in just about any garden soil, but optimum conditions are
rich, moist soil, and full sun.
Borage can easily be grown indoors. Remember, Borage does not
always flower the first year but it will the second year. It is self
propagating.
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History
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The great herbalist, John Gerward quotes “Ego borago guaudia semper ago,” meaning
Borage always brings courage. Modern research has proven this to be true. The plant is known to stimulate
the adrenal glands, encouraging the production of adrenaline, the “fight or flight” hormone, which
gears the body for action in stressful situations. Since Elizabethan times the
pretty blue flowers have been added to salads to lighten ones mood, a practice chefs still carry
on. Since
Roman times Borage has been famed as a cheerful plant report to stimulate the mind and bring
courage. During the Middle Ages ladies would embroider it on the hankies they gave
to the knights.
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Additional Information
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1. The fleshy, course leaves can be used as an adrenal tonic for stress or to
counter the lingering effects of steroid therapy.
2. Traditionally the flowers were added to wine to “make men
merry.”
3. The oil extract is used as an alternative to Evening Primrose and
commercial capsules are available.
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Cautions
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1. Do not use for extended periods.
2. Contact may cause dermatitis.
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Magick Information
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There is no magical value.
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