Borage – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, August 09, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Borage is a popular Mediterranean herb characterized by its cucumber-like aroma. According to an article on the Herbal Supplement Resource website, the herb is an annual plant that grows abundantly across Europe and North America. It belongs to the same plant family as forget-me-not, and can easily be distinguished by the coarse hair that covers its parts. The plant comes in many names including bee plant, bee bread, and star flower.

List of known nutrients

Most parts of the borage plant — from its leaves to its flowers — are valued for their medicinal properties. This is largely due to the plant’s high nutrient content. An entry posted on the Nutrition-And-You website lists the important vitamins and minerals found in borage.

Calcium
Copper
Essential Fatty Acids
Folates
Gamma-linoleic acid
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Pantothenic Acid
Potassium
Pyridoxine
Riboflavin
Saponins
Sodium
Tannins
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Zinc

Medicinal uses for borage

Borage is touted for its potential in cancer prevention. Previous studies have shown that the herb’s high antioxidant and omega-6 and gamma-linoleic acid content helped slow down breast cancer proliferation. Studies are also looking at the herb’s potential in addressing prostitis, an early precursor to prostate cancer. On the other hand, the powerful natural compounds in borage contain expectorant properties that help rid the body of excess mucus and phlegm and clear the respiratory system.

Likewise, borage is known to fortify the immune system and prevent harmful bacteria from lodging into the respiratory passages. Aside from this, the herb is also shown to contain sudorific effects that promote sweating and alleviate fever.

The high omega-6 content in borage is touted to improve the body’s bone profile. According to an article on the Organic Facts website, the important fatty acid is associated with better joint regeneration and reduced arthritis. This makes borage a potent superfood against osteoporosis.

The superfood is also known to contain diuretic properties that help flush out toxins, excess water, salt, and fats from the body. This, in turn, maintains the proper function of the kidneys and the lymphatic system. In addition, borage contains mild sedative properties that help alleviate stress. Likewise, the herb is shown to improve mental focus and concentration, especially in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Moreover, the plant is found to relieve mood swings in menopausal women.

Furthermore, borage is touted to improve a wide range of digestive issues such as upset stomach and irritable bowel syndrome. The herb is also known to help regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. This makes borage an ideal food fare for patients with diabetes.

Body systems supported by borage

Borage is well known for its positive effects on the body’s respiratory system. Likewise, the herb is shown to be beneficial to the immune, skeletal, and nervous systems. The superfood also benefits the urinary, lymphatic, digestive, and female reproductive systems.

Ways to use borage

Borage is among the most versatile herbs available to date. The herb can be used to flavor a variety of beverages such as wines, coolers, and juices. Likewise, borage can be added to various salad recipes. Aside from this, the herb can be incorporated in various sauces and soups, as well as a wide range of vegetable dishes. Borage can also be used in making candies, preserves, and other sweets. An article posted on the Eco Herb website features some interesting borage recipes.