General Information
Description:
Borage – a pharmacopeia plant of many European countries, is part of some biologically active additives.
Indications:
Dishes in combination with Borage are recommended by Western nutritionists for people with:
- metabolic disorders;
- vascular ailments;
- neurasthenia;
- digestive system problems;
- constipation;
- intestinal colic;
- neurotic disorders;
- dermatosis;
- headache;
- insomnia;
- heart neuroses;
- asthenia;
- anxiety and irritability;
- depressive conditions.
Chemical Composition:
Leaves and shoots of borage contain:
- fatty acids;
- resins;
- saponins;
- mucous and tannins;
- essential oil.
In addition, Borago is rich in:
- retinol;
- ascorbic acid;
- silicic acid;
- malic acid;
- citric acid;
- potassium;
- phosphorus;
- lithium;
- calcium nitrates.
Pharmacological Properties:
In the oil of Borage, gamma-linolenic and cislinoleic fatty acids, necessary for the synthesis of prostaglandin with anti-inflammatory action, were detected. Gamma-linolenic acid reduces production of metabolites of arachidonic acid oxidation, which activate inflammatory reaction.
Borage is an excellent source of Omega-6 acids. Mucous substances in composition of Borago operate covering stomach and intestines mucous membranes. Due to the unique chemical composition, Borage has a mild laxative, sedative, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic and diuretic effect. Tannins in Borage contribute to normalization of digestion, increase body working capacity. Saponins regulate fluid-and-electrolyte balance in body, have a sedative, diuretic and expectorant effect.
Scientists at the University of Texas have experimentally proven that Borage oil has no contraindications for use by diabetics. Patients with diabetic neuropathy regularly received Borage, as a result, there was a decrease in pain symptoms, swelling, and inflammation alleviation. Also in the course of American clinical studies it was proved that this oil plant:
- improves functioning of heart muscle;
- normalizes increased pressure;
- has a beneficial effect on vessels walls.
Contraindications and Side Effects:
Despite useful properties of Borage, prolonged intake of this plant can lead to violations of certain organs functions. Borage can do harm to liver, first of all. Therefore, experts do not recommend using it for more than one month. Borage is better to take in combination of various medicinal teas, and not as an independent healing agent.
Application in Traditional Medicine:
The plant is a weed, but is often cultivated as a salad plant, as well as for medicinal purposes. As a seasoning, the plant increases its efficiency, relieves depressive state, hypochondria and melancholy. Salad of fresh leaves of Borage – an excellent blood cleanser, which is shown in cardioneurosis, pleurisy, dermatosis.
Borage infusion is applied in the case of lungs catarrh, heart neuroses, neurasthenia, headache. Infusion of flowers of Borage has an effective diuretic, diaphoretic and emollient effect. Vitamin salads normalize metabolism, prevent inflammatory processes in kidneys, intestines, relieve anxiety and irritability, normalize sleep.
Broth of Borage in combination with flaxseed and medicinal Althea is used as an anti-inflammatory and emollient remedy for colds, urinary tract diseases, fever, rheumatic pain. Broth from Borage helps in treatment of gastritis with a low stomach acidity. The juice of plant is effective in neurodermatitis, as well as with skin irritations.
Borage can be included in diet in case of cholelithiasis, diseases of vascular system, kidneys and urinary tracts, with cardiac neuroses, infarction, because active substances of Borago regulate metabolic processes in body, reduce excitability of nervous system. Borago seeds help maintain lactation in nursing women, contribute to its increase.
Spread:
Homeland of Borage is Syria. Wild Borage relatives are found in the countries of Southern Europe, Asia Minor, South America and North Africa. Borago is a weed plant, often growing in fields and wastelands.
Posted by RxMed