Borage
Borago
officinalis
Did you know that Borage was used by the Romans to relieve hangovers?
Borage is one of nature’s best tonics for stress and depression. So if
something is looming large or your work's revelries have put you into
reverse mode, reach for the big B.
Pour a cup of boiling water over a
quarter cup of freshly picked leaves, steep for five minutes, drain and sip.
Drink once or twice a day for a few days.
For a non-stop supply of leaves
plant your own Borage. It’s water-wise, grows
easily in poor soil and likes full sun.
The bright blue flowers are a
bonus and yummy in salads.
The leaves are seriously
nutritious – full of calcium, potassium and minerals. Shred fresh
leaves into salads, cream cheese or cook like spinach and eat it
with everything.
Borage is a short-lived
hardy annual, sprawling habit, grows 60 – 90 cm high, hairy
grey-green leaves and star-shaped blue flowers. Attracts bees.
Grows in any soil, full sun,
water regularly.
Parts used: flowers,
leaves.
Medicinal uses:
antidepressant, anti-inflammatory
Culinary uses: add to cold
drinks (claret cup, etc.), salads, yoghurt, soft cheeses and
pickles.
If you would
like to learn more about borage read my article "Borage
- Nature's Best Stress Tonic."
Here's 20
great recipes and ideas to get you started with your borage. |
