Borage - Starflower

Borage - Starflower

Borago officinalis
Boraginaceae
Borage, also known as starflower, is an annual herb. It grows to a height of 2-3 feet and is bristly or hairy all over the stems and leaves.  The leaves are oval and 4 to 5 inches long and are a grey-green color. Only the young leaves are palatable. The flowers are blue in color and have five narrow, triangular-pointed petals. Borage is used as either a fresh vegetable or a dried herb. As a fresh vegetable, borage has a cucumber- like taste and is used in salads, as a garnish or cooked like spinach. The flower has a sweet honey-like taste and is used for flavoring in drinks.   Borage is high in gamma-linoleic acid (GLA)  which can help reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.  It is also said to have beneficial effects on acne, allergies, fatigue and mood swings.

The Borage plant yields brilliant blue flowers. The leaves are used for medicinal teas while the flowers produce seed pods containing oil. Borage Oil provides the richest source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 class of essential fatty acids (EFAs).

1. Alleviates symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and BPH

2. Beneficial for inflammation-related ailments

3. Nourishes skin, hair and nails and promotes proper nerve functioning

4. Helps to regulate proper cholesterol levels

5. Helps eliminate eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and hair loss

6. Strengthens adrenal glands, improves

7. circulation and hormone balance

8. Helps to maintain joint flexibility