Discover the benefits of borage, a wild aromatic herb with a thousand properties and uses in the kitchen, but also as a herbal remedy
Among edible wild herbs and rich in properties undoubtedly stands out borage. This plant with characteristic blue-violet flowers, which can also be used in the form of herbal tea, oil or pearls, offers many benefits to our body even if it is not free from some contraindications. So let's get to know borage and its family better usi.
Borrago officinalis is excellent in the kitchen and versatile in many recipes, it is always important, however, to boil it first in order to reduce the presence of some potentially hepatotoxic substances that this plant contains: pyrrolozidine alkaloids. Beyond the presence of these active ingredients to be kept under control, the to the healing properties borage which are evident not so much in food consumption, but in the use of herbal teas, oil or pearls, products that preserve and concentrate all the beneficial active ingredients of the plant. (Also Read: 10 Wild Herbs and Edible Plants You Can Harvest in Winter
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Properties and benefits of Borage
La borago officinalis boasts numerous properties: first of all, being rich in mucilage, it is an excellent natural remedy against constipation but is also able to soothe the inflammation of other mucous membranes such as those of the respiratory system in cases where cough or cold appears.
La borage tea, therefore, it can be useful both to regain one's intestinal regularity and to relieve the symptoms of sore throat.
Another interesting benefit that this plant offers is to help women in case of premenstrual disorders, the hot drink (but even more the oil) can in fact reduce cramps, swelling, feeling of malaise and other discomfort they accuse. many people during that time. This is due to the presence in this plant of phytoestrogens, substances that rebalance the hormonal system and therefore can be useful in many problems of women of childbearing age but also in menopause.
Borage, and in particular the oil extracted from it, it is rich in some beneficial fatty acids for the heart and arteries capable of promoting vasodilation, reducing cholesterol deposits and lowering inflammation.
This plant is also a real beauty ally. His beneficial action on the skin it is highlighted not only in the case of real pathologies, but also simply if you have dry or oily skin (borage rule in fact the production of sebum in both cases) or at the appearance of the first wrinkles. On the skin, of course, the precious is used borage oil, which is cold extracted from the seeds of this plant and has a great antioxidant power.
In ancient times, borage was also widely used for his relaxing qualities on the nervous system, it was in fact appreciated as a plant that chased away sadness and bad thoughts.
Uses of borage
Borage exists in many forms and for this reason it is possible to use it in very different ways. Excellent in the kitchen to add to minestrone and soups, to fill savory pies or ravioli but also perfect for a spring risotto or to make original and tasty pancakes with the addition of thyme.
If you intend to act on a curative level, undoubtedly this plant must be taken in other forms, one of these is the borage tea with slimming and diuretic qualities. This drink is excellent in case of blood or lymphatic circulation problems that can cause swelling of the feet and legs. It can be prepared easily like this: take 10 grams of borage and boil them in 1 liter of water for 5 minutes, filter and consume a cup a day, better if in the evening before going to bed. (Read also: 10 slimming and diuretic herbal teas)
Borage can also be purchased in the form of oil or pearls. Both of these products have soothing, anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties and for this reason they can be used in case of dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin problems but also for treat intimate areas in case of burning or discomfort.
Pearls (which contain borage oil) often come prescribed in menopause, to women who need to regulate their hormonal system or to reduce cardiovascular risk in more predisposed subjects. If you want to use it for this purpose, however, it is always good to hear the opinion of an expert who will evaluate your situation as a whole.
To have flawless skin, instead, go ahead with the external use of borage oil, perfect for every type of situation and, given its antioxidant action, also excellent as natural anti-wrinkle (for this purpose a few drops on the eye contour are enough to be applied gently with a massage in the evening and in the morning). Then there are those who use it to fight the stretch marks in the bud or the skin spots.
Contraindications of borage
The use of borage is to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding but also if you suffer from liver problems or a specific sensitivity to the plant.
Furthermore, the use of the oil internally is not recommended if you take it anticoagulant drugs.
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