Medicinal Recipe: Borage Infused Tea for Stress

A standard infusion of borage leaves is a restorative tonic for the adrenal glands, which help the body to cope with stress.

In addition, borage flowers and leaves in wine have a reputation for bolstering courage because it causes a significant rise in blood adrenaline levels and relieves one of nervous tension and stress.

A standard infusion:
*1-3 tablespoons of fresh herb or 1-3 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water
*Boil the water, pour over the herbs. Let it steep for up to 20 minutes. Strain, sweeten with stevia and/or honey, and sip slowly until finished. Drink 1-3 cups per day.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Medicinal Recipe: Borage Infused Tea for Colds, Flus, and Fevers

This tea is good for colds, flus, and fevers:
1) It lowers the fever by inducing sweat
2) It helps with colds and flus, especially if they have affected the lungs and produced a cough
3) It is rich in potassium and calcium and therefore good for the blood and body

Borage Tea:
Ingredients:
*a small handful of fresh borage leaves
*2 cups of boiling water

Directions:
1) Pour boiling water of the borage leaves. Simmer for at least 5 minutes.
2) Strain out the leaves. Add natural sweetener (stevia leaves or honey) as preferred
3) Inhale the steam and sip until finished

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Borage

Name: Borage (Borago officinalis)

Description:
*hardy annual
*pretty blue flowers and fuzzy stems

Parts Used:
*leaves and flowers

Position:
*sunny, well-drained position
*composted soil OR sandy, poor soil (2 different sources with 2 different opinions...I must experiment!)

Propagation:
*sow seed directly into ground in spring and fall.
*you can sow in pots indoors to begin, but you must transplant early due to its' long taproot system

Maintenance:
*Invasive-type: it self sows freely and easily so you must control it carefully so that it does not take over your garden
*keep the soil moist and fertilize in the spring

Harvesting:
*Harvest the leaves year round as required.
*Dry leaves in an oven or the traditional way (out of direct sunlight and hanging upside down)
*Pick flowers fresh as required or dry them just as they fully open
*One source said that the leaves do not dry or freeze well (must experiment!)
*You can collect the seeds as the plant dies back if you want to grow more in a specified location

Medicinal:
*The leaves are used as a poultice for sprains, bruises, and inflammation
*The plant is good for colds, flus, lung problems, and coughs
*The plant relieves stress, anxiety, and depression
*A tea made from the plant (both leaves and flowers) is said to be good for reducing high temperatures because it induces sweat
*This plant is rich in potassium and calcium

Misc:
*This is a great companion plant because it attracts bees and deters tomato hornworm and Japanese beetles
*This plant is also a great companion plant because it attracts black flies to itself, thus allowing other plants to be at peace
*Companion plant: Plant near tomatoes, runner beans, and strawberries (stimulates growth of these berries)

For additional information, see references and warnings