Borage tonic for adrenal glands
By Kahlee Keane
Source: Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Date Published: March 21, 1999
Many fields throughout Saskatchewan catch the motorists'
eye with their purple-blue blossoms. These are the fields
of commercially grown borage (Borago officinalis).
Borage seeds contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a
compound that, according to studies at the University
of California at Davis, can help improve inflammatory
skin conditions, like eczema, when taken internally
and applied topically. The GLA-rich oil is extracted
from borage seeds, then made into capsules that are
available commercially.
Borage acts as a restorative agent on the adrenal cortex,
which means that it will revive and renew the adrenal
glands after a medical treatment with cortisone or steroids.
There is a growing need for remedies that will aid this
gland with the stress its exposed to, both externally
and internally. Borage may be used as a tonic for the
adrenals over a period of time. It may be used during
fevers and especially during convalescence. It has a
reputation as an anti-inflammatory herb used in conditions
such as pleurisy. The leaves and seeds stimulate the
flow of milk in nursing mothers. Borage also contains
both potassium and calcium.
Borage is a native to the Mediterranean, where it is
planted in gardens to attract honeybees. Although it
will be difficult for you to grow enough to make seed
oil you could start a patch in your garden. Borage likes
the standard soil of two parts garden soil or potting
soil, two parts peat, one part sand, and one part compost
or composted cow manure. In the spring, after all danger
of frost, find a place that gets at least six hours
of sun a day and plant your seedlings. Borage can get
to be two feet high and spread to three feet across,
so if you don't plan on giving it a weekly snipping,
allow it lots of space and plant it behind smaller herbs.
Borage dies off in the first cold snap, but it's what
herbalists call a "self-seeder," meaning that in the
fall it drops seeds that are sure to sprout into new
plants the next spring. Young borage leaves taste like
cucumber and can be added to spring salads along with
dandelion greens. Borage can also be used instead of
lettuce in sandwiches. The older leaves are too fuzzy
to eat raw, but when added to soup stocks, they impart
a cool cucumber flavor.
Borage stems taste like cucumber too. Peel, chop, and
add half a cup to an apple and pear salad to serve four.
Borage flowers make charming edible garnishes. Float
the cucumber-scented pink and blue blossoms in lemonade,
iced tea, or pale chilled soups such as summer squash.
Bring a flash of color to a green salad or add to greens
after tossing with a dilled vinaigrette.
Keane is an educator and eco-herbalist
with a deep interest in the protection of the wild medicinal
plants. You can e-mail her @ rootwoman@sk.sympatico.ca
or visit her on the web: www.connect.to/rootwoman
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