Diamon Naturals
Alaena Charlotte Diamon
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Diamon Naturals Alaena Charlotte Diamon
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 Borage (Borago
officinalis)
Name: Borage comes from the Latin borra, meaning ‘hair of the beast’ referring to its bristly leaves. Boraginaceae family. Common Names: Commonly known as the "herb of gladness". Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, roots and seeds. The herb is best used fresh, and loses much of its effectiveness when dried. The leaves should be gathered when the plant is coming into flower in the early summer. Strip each leaf off singly and reject any that are marked in any way. Do not collect when wet with rain or dew. Description: Borage is a hardy, self-seeding annual that can grow to over 2 feet in height. The stems have prickly hairs, with oval leaves and brilliant blue 5-petaled flowers with black centers. Flowers early to midsummer. It has a delicate cucumber-like flavor and cool energy. Habitat: Borage was once widely planted in gardens throughout Europe. It was brought to the United States, and now grows wild in much of the eastern half of the nation. Cultivation: Grows in most soils, tolerates dry spells, and prefers full sun. Propagation and Reproduction: Self seeding. Constituents: Alkaloids, Gamma linolenic acid. Borage contains potassium and calcium. Uses: Diaphoretic, expectorant,
tonic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, Miscellaneous: Carrying the fresh blossoms brings courage. The tea is said to induce your psychic powers. Culpeper assigned the astrological rulership of Borage to Jupiter, the planet of expansiveness and generosity, and put it under Leo, the sign that rules the heart. Caution: The same alkaloids that are considered to be dangerous in Comfrey and Coltsfoot are present in fresh Borage leaves. Some people have an allergic reaction or rash after handling the prickly leaves. Not recommended for long-term use. Not for use by pregnant women. Flower Essence: Borage brings a deep sense of safety, the gift of courage and optimism. Lifts depression, especially when carried in the physical body. Its bright purple stars lift above ground hugging stem and leaves suggesting a grounded joyfulness. Feeling safe and loved in the world. Knowing that life supports you in the unfolding of your Soul energy and its expression. Promotes feelings of optimism and that challenges can easily be resolved. Return to Plant Portfolio Main Page
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galactogogue, nervine. Borage acts as a restorative agent on the adrenal cortex,
which means that it will revive and renew the adrenal glands after a medical
treatment with cortisone or steroids. There is a growing need for remedies that
will aid this gland with the stress it is exposed to, both externally and
internally, and Borage may be used as a tonic for the adrenals over a period of
time. It may be used during fevers and especially during convalescence. It has a
reputation as an anti-inflammatory herb used in conditions such as pleurisy or
bronchitis. The leaves and seeds stimulate the flow of milk in nursing mothers.
Borage leaves have been proven to be an effective cure for hangover. Borage also
promotes sweating and has expectorant properties. In Latin America, Borage tea
is drunk for lung problems. The tea may be used as an eyewash. Borage may be
used to treat rashes. It is classified as a diuretic with demulcent and
emollient properties. A poultice made from the leaves may reduce inflammatory
swellings. The diuretic property of the infusion makes Borage useful in
rheumatism. Recently, the oil from the seeds has been found to be a rich source
of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), the same substance as in evening primrose oil,
which is popularly used for a number of conditions including skin diseases such
as eczema, and also for pre-menstrual tension and painful breasts, and migraine.
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and
leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take l-4ml of the tincture three times a day.