Borage

Beautiful Borage

Borago officinalis, also known as a starflower, is an annual herb, native to the Mediterranean region. Traditionally, herbalists use borage tea as a tonic that can speed healing, reduce stress, relieve fevers, promote lactation, soothe digestive issues, and ease throat and chest infections. Today, fresh borage leaves and blossoms are found in topical herbal medicines, because of the presence of high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is effective in treating common skin irritations, such as psoriasis, that result from a lack of essential fatty acids. The oil extracted from borage seeds is one of the richest natural sources of GLA, and ingesting it daily can significantly improve skin conditions. You can use chopped fresh leaves to make a poultice for skin irritations, or, for sore throats, create an infusion and gargle it. Borage attracts helpful pollinators, deter pests, and pulls nutrients into your top soil. The flowers are delicious eaten raw in salads, frozen into ice cubes, and candied as decorations for cakes. You can crush and steep the fresh leaves to make a refreshing summertime tea.
This photo makes me wish I was a fairy or a bee and I could get right in there.

Borage With A Bee

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Disclaimer

My blog is meant to inform and I strive to be totally accurate. It is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects.