Borage has claimed itself as an ingredient among many culinary dishes. The flower’s cucumber zest is great for flavor, and the herb is very rich in nutrients. Borage is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, copper, iron, and some other vitamins in the B family. The herbal remedy also contains potassium salts.
Borage hides another rich nutrient in its flesh; gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This omega-6 fatty acid plays a key role in vitalizing skin, joints, and muscles. No wonder so many chefs are incorporating Borage into their dishes!
When exploring the powers and attributes of Borage, one can swiftly find themselves in a botanic adventure. However, before we further explore this magical plant, let us take a moment to discuss some of the top health benefits that the start flower bestows.
Cucumber Ginger Tea with Borage Flowers
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Top 10 Benefits and Uses of Borage
Great for Losing Weight
Borage’s high GLA content aids in metabolic functioning, making this plant a healthy dietary supplement. The best way to use the plant for weight loss is to incorporate it into your meals.
Fight Arthritis
Borage is great for treating arthritis. Again, the GLA promotes a hefty sword against joint inflammation. To treat arthritis, ingest the plant in pill form.
Kidney Cleanser
Borage contains high levels of potassium salts, which promotes detoxification to the kidneys. Digesting Borage is necessary to clean your kidneys.
Good for the Heart
The star flower’s oil is known to efficiently reduce plaque build-up, and inflammation in the cardiovascular system, thus, promoting a healthy heart.
Treat Skin Disorders
In recent studies, researchers have been turning to Borage to treat skin diseases such as dermatitis and eczema. The anti-inflammatory qualities that the plant hold proves to treat these ailments effectively.
Prevent Depression
The omega-6 fatty acid, GLA, runs prominently through Borage’s veins, and this is something that is essential to our health. A deficiency in this fatty acid can result in depression, and other mood swings.
Lighter PMS
The calming qualities that euphorically tickle our brain receptors will allow for the unavoidable symptoms for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) to be weakened in severity.
Keeps the Flu Away
Vitamin C, another prevalent nutrient in Borage, is a great weapon to wield against the ruthless flu season.
Reduce Sore Muscle
The high content of potassium salts and GLA in Borage promotes healthy muscles and stifles fervid inflammation.
Relieve Back Pain
Borage oil, as we have established as a powerful anti-inflammatory, is great to rub on a sore back, transforming that pain in the back to no more!
The Star Flower’s History
Borage, or Borago Officinalis, historically was first recorded to sprout in Syria. Since then, the resilient nature of the plant to survive has spread its petals across the globe. The plant annually blooms star-like petals of a brilliant blue. Ancient herbs and other organic materials have been used by men/women and shamans to spiritually heal and physically aid people for centuries.
One of the earliest mentions of Borage was by the Greek naturalist, Pliny, as he stated that Borage was a plant that “maketh a man merry and joyful.” In the seventeenth century, Borage found its way into the medicine world and was used to treat ailments such as sore throats and muscle pains. People also used it often in adding flavor to soups and meats. Early aromatic therapy practices with Borage were played out to embark on spiritual cleanses.
Essentially, as time has grown older, Borage has been used to treat the same ailments or disturbed spiritual and mental states. The plant has always been popular for culinary displays, anti-inflammatories, and spiritual elevating mood shifters. This plant has been healing the mind, body, and spirit since the days of early man.
Things to be Aware of When Using Borage
No matter how good something is for your health, it always comes with side effects if you consume too much of it. Borage does not exceed this natural law and is known, although very rarely, to pose side effects.
Borage seed oil can contain a hazardous element called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). One should avoid using raw Borage seed oil unless it has been certified by the FDA that the PA has been removed. Aspiring mothers who are pregnant, or new mothers who are breastfeeding, should avoid using Borage seed oil. Also, if there is a prominent bleeding disorder that you have, then it is medically advised to avoid the use of Borage seed oil. Too much seed oil is not good for the liver and Borage should be avoided after surgeries; as it may prolong the healing process.
Besides the very rare symptoms of Borage stated above, the starflower contains much more positive attributes comparatively to negative ones. This plant overall is a great way to treat various ailments of the mind and the body.
Other Interesting Ways to Use Borage
As Borage is beautiful aesthetically, this fun flower can be used for various creative activities. You could use the flowers as headdress props for young girls, as the flower promotes euphoria, therefore, a prominent mental health for your young daughters. You can teach your sons the wonders of gardening by keeping their attention drawn to the vibrant blue beauty associated with the star flower; again, promoting a strong mind in your children’s developments.
The beauty attached to the Borage flower can be creatively incorporated into almost anything. Liven up arts & crafts with the flower’s mesmerizing color, or stun dinner guests with a Borage flower garnish on your dish. Hang Borage flower plants in your kitchen to brighten up the atmosphere. Use Borage as a template to create a timeless painting. Fill up your ice trays halfway, and place Borage flowers inside to not just add a cucumber tint to your glass of water, but to bring innovation to your next hosting event. The possibilities meet no limits when you creatively and imaginatively incorporate the Borage flower into activities. Not even the sky is the limit when using Borage!
Borage, A Culinary Delight!
This herbal delicacy has found its way into cocktails, light dishes, hefty entrees, and even delicious desserts! The herbal experts at Bouquet Garni have been experimenting with Borage for years, and they have found countless ways to make this herbal remedy shine throughout the different medians of the culinary spectrum.
Borage Infused Lemonade
Ingredients:
- Water: You will need 2 cups of water.
- Lemon Juice: ¼ cup of lemon juice will suffice.
- Borage Leaves: For this recipe, use 3-4 medium sized Borage leaves.
- Sugar: Use 2-3 tablespoons.
- Blender & Strainer: This will be key in creating this refreshing drink.
How to Make It:
Are you ready for this? Put everything into your blender, blend it for 30-45 seconds, and then strain into pitcher. Serve over ice, garnish with a beautiful Borage flower, and enjoy!
A Strawberry Star Flower Cocktail
Ingredients:
- A Cocktail Kit: Have a cocktail kit at hand, one that is equipped with a shaker, strainer, and a crushing mortar is recommended.
- Strawberries: 2-3 will suffice.
- Lime Juice: ¼ ounce.
- Basil: 1 large leaf will suffice.
- Borage Leaves: Use 2-3 medium sized leaves.
- Dry Vermouth: You will need a ½ ounce of this.
- Dry Gin: 2 ½ ounces will make a strong drink.
- Soda Water: This will be used to float the final drink.
How to Make It:
This is a truly refreshing drink, as the Borage renovation adds to a traditional Strawberry Basil Gin Cocktail that is great for the summertime. First, put your lime juice and dry vermouth into your shaker. Add Borage leaves, basil leaf, and strawberries. Now, with your crushing mortar, muddle thoroughly in the cocktail mixer. Next, add your dry gin and ice. Close the shaker, and shake strongly for 15-30 seconds. Strain into a glass of your choice, add some ice cubes and fill the rest of the drink with bubbly soda water. Garnish with a bright blue Borage flower, a lime green Basil Leaf, and a vibrant strawberry slice. Enjoy!
Blueberry Blue Pancakes
This next recipe is hardly a recipe at all, but it is delicious! All you will need is some Borage leaves, blueberries, and some pancake mix! We are going to make blue pancakes!
Finely chop your Borage flowers, you will need 3-5 medium sized leaves for this. Add the finely chopped leaves, along with the blueberries, to your pancake mix. Cook your pancakes, and serve with 100% pure maple syrup. Garnish with a Borage flower, and enjoy!
The Healthy Red, White, and Blue Salad
Ingredients:
- Cucumber: 1 medium cucumber will do.
- Vine Ripened Tomatoes: 3 medium sized tomatoes will act efficiently.
- Borage Flowers: 5-6 flowers
- Sour Cream: Use ¾ cups of this.
- Course Black Pepper: ¼ tablespoon.
- Salt: Sprinkle salt to taste.
- White Sugar: 1 teaspoon will suffice.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon.
- Dill Leaves: Finely chop 1 teaspoon of dill leaves.
- Freshly Grated Lemon Peel: Use a mere 1/8 teaspoon of this ingredient.
- Red Onion: ¼ teaspoon of finely grated onion will be perfect.
How to Make It:
Like many great recipes, all the work in this great afternoon side dish is done during the preparation stage; chopping mincing, seasoning. Toss all the ingredients in a large bowl, except for the tomatoes and the Borage flowers. Thinly slice tomatoes, and cover the salad with them. When you serve, heavily garnish the salad with the enchanting Borage flowers, and you will have an aesthetically pleasing, as well as stomach pleasing, red, white, and blue salad!
Acquacotta di Verdure
Ingredients:
- A Big Pot: This will be crucial for your soup.
- A loaf of Bread: This recipe calls for a 1-day old loaf of Italian bread.
- Potatoes: 1 cup of peeled and cubed potatoes.
- Tomatoes: 500 grams of peeled and chopped tomatoes will do.
- Spinach: Thoroughly rinse and diligently chop your spinach and use 500 grams.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Any vegetables in season are great for this seasonal soup.
- Minced Herbs: A finely minced herb bouquet of Borage, Marjoram, Thyme, & Parsley.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Olive Oil: Extra Virgin olive oil is recommended.
How to Make It:
This delicious, seasonal soup can be made in three easy steps after you have all your ingredients prepped.
- Put water into a large pot (fill it up to about ¾ full), and add your vegetables and herbs. Also, add salt and pepper to taste.
- Once your vegetables have cooked thoroughly, cut slices of your bread, and submerge the slices in the soup, being careful to not burn yourself. Let the soup water drain from the bread, and place the wet bread into a bowl.
- Fill your bowl, with bread inside, with your soup. Drizzle olive oil and black pepper on top, and then you are ready to enjoy!
Candied Borage
This recipe is extremely easy to make, and these Borage delectable are great to put on top of any Sorbet. All you will need is dried Borage flowers, 1 egg, and some castor sugar. Also, you will need parchment paper and a traditional baking sheet, as well as a traditional braising brush. Here is how you make candied Borage.
First, crack and beat your egg. Then, place the parchment paper on the baking sheet, which you will then line with dried Borage flowers. With a braising brush, paint each flower with the egg, and do this until each flower is covered with egg. Sprinkle the caster sugar onto your flowers, and place in a cooling cabinet, or an oven set on warm. Once your flowers have a glossy, candied look, they are ready to garnish any dessert. This garnish will really add an earthy, sweet flavor to your desserts!
Landscapes Riddled with Blue Stars
During Spring time in the Mediterranean regions, one does not have to look up at the sky to see stars. In lush forests, or even in neighborhood gardens, the season brings alongside her a bloom abundant with sparkling blue stars, ones that carry with them a pleasant and soothing fragrance.
Borage, which is commonly called the star flower, natively flourishes in the Mediterranean regions, but it has wildly spread to Europe and The Americas, painting landscapes upon landscapes with glistening, blue stars. The star flower does not just heal eyes, however, as it is notorious for healing various other ailments as well. Just as Borage opens its dazzling star petals in the blooming season, the extracted oil from this plant has been known to open tattered joints when applied to sore muscles, and areas of the body that are riddled with arthritis. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, for the use of Borage spans from the culinary world, to the medical regions.
Summary
The Borage flower is not just an aesthetically pleasing plant, as it has, over hundreds and thousands of years, found its way into the medical world as a prominent healer. Not only that, but this delectable plant has been used to liven up culinary dishes with nutrients and flavor for centuries. Furthermore, just like with any flower, Borage can be used for numerous artistic activities; ones that promote good mental health for developing minds. This crisp blue flower is not just brilliant in its blue, but it really has claimed the stardom of its name throughout history as one of the most gorgeous, delicious, and most effective-for-healing plants known to man.
Borage Supplement
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