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Borage (Starflower)

Borage is one of our new additions to the garden this year. The entire plant is edible and said to taste like cucumber. "Tastes like plant" said my brother Gavan after sampling the leaf. Cool plant, very hearty:

Medicinal uses

 

Naturopathic practitioners use borage for regulation of metabolism and the hormonal system, and consider it to be a good remedy for PMS and menopause symptoms, such as the hot flash.[citation needed] Borage is sometimes indicated to alleviate and heal colds, bronchitis, and respiratory infections, and in general for its anti-inflammatory and balsamic properties.[citation needed] The flowers can be prepared in infusion to take advantage of its medicinal properties. The oleic and palmitic acid of borage may also confer a hypocholesterolemic effect.[citation needed] Traditionallly Borago officinalis is used in hyperactive gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders.[9] A methanol extract has shown in vitro amoebicidal activity against Entamoeba histolytica[10]

Theoreticallly, omega-6 fatty acid γ-linoleic acid (GLA),may lower the epileptic seizure threshold[11], and one case of status epilepticus has been reported that was assciated with borage Oil ingestion and high blood GLA levels[12]

[edit]Companion plant

 

 

 

 

Borage is used in companion planting.[13] It is said to protect or nurse legumes, spinach, brassicas, and even strawberries.[14] It is also said to be a good companion plant to tomatoes because it confuses the search image of the mother moths of tomato hornworms or manduca looking for a place to lay their eggs.[15] Claims that it improves tomato growth [16] and makes them taste better [17] remain unsubstantiated.

From Wikipedia:

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Uploaded on June 25, 2012
Taken on June 15, 2012