Borage Against Bronchitis and Colds

Borage is a perennial herbaceous plant, which blooms during the summer. Its flowers are blue and exceptionally beautiful. Its leaves taste like a cucumber. It is found near rivers, grassy, rocky areas and in shrubs. The flowers, seeds and leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. Remedies and oils are made from them.

The borage plant has been used in folk medicine for millennia. Few people actually know how though. Its flowers contain the non-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid thesinine. The plant is rich in palmitic and oleic acid, which have a hypocholesterolemic effect. Gamma-linolenic acid is contained in the oil found in Borage seeds.

Borage has many health benefits. Among them are its ability to treat bronchitis and colds. It is also used for all kinds of infections of the respiratory airways.

Borage is also used for direct treatment of inflammation and diseases of the gums, the lining of the mouth, throat, colic, gastritis, enteritis, stomach and intestinal ulcers. The herb is used to lower high cholesterol. It has an anodyne and anti-inflammatory effect. Borage oil is applied for skin problems.

How is the concoction made?

A borage concoction is made from its flowers. Pour 1 1/5 cups of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of them. Let it sit for about an hour. Drink from it once a day - like a medicine.

Oil from borage can be obtained from its seeds. This is exceptionally difficult to do at home. It can be bought from any pharmacy or specialized store. It restores moisture and smoothness to dry and damaged skin. It is also beneficial for people suffering from chronic skin conditions, such as eczema and atopic dermatitis.

Borage can also be taken as a supplement to any salad. It goes well with cabbage or fresh lettuce. Surprisingly, its flowers are also used in pastry making. They provide a unique look to prepared creams and cakes. It should be noted that borage has a slight laxative effect.

Besides its healing uses, the borage plant has one more application. It can be planted near tomatoes to improve their taste.