Page 52 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

when the heads are dry, split, and the fluffy seed begins Ingredients: 1-ounce dried boneset leaf, 1-quart (1
to float away. If seeds are collected earlier, dry the seed Liter) boiling water, 1-quart (1 Liter) jar with a tight-
heads for 1 to 2 weeks in open paper bags. fitting lid.
Warning: Do not use boneset for pregnant or nurs- Instructions: Put the dried boneset leaves into the
ing mothers or for young children. Not for long-term jar and pour the boiling water over it to fill the jar.
use. Tightly cap the jar and shake it gently to distribute the
herb.
Recipes: Boneset Infusion. Take Boneset Infu-
sion hot to relieve fevers and treat colds, flu, and simi- Let the infusion steep for 4 hours. Strain through a cof-
lar diseases. Use it cold as a tonic or tincture. fee filter or a fine sieve. Warm it before drinking. It is
very bitter, but warming it helps.

a pot-herb. The leaves have a salty flavor similar to a
Borage, cucumber. It is best to use the leaves while young. The

Borago officinalis more mature raw leaves are very hairy, which some
people find unpleasant.

Common Borage is an annual frequently found in gar- The flowers are nice used raw as a decorative garnish
dens. Bees are attracted to the flowers and make an ex- for salads and drinks. They make a refreshing drink
cellent honey from the nectar. when the leaves are brewed as a tea.

Identification: The entire borage plant is covered Dried stems are often used as a flavoring. The seeds are
with stiff white hairs. The stems are round, branched, a healthy source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a ben-
hollow, and succulent. The plant grows to about 1 1/2 eficial Omega-6 fatty acid, but it is difficult to collect
feet tall. Its deep green leaves are alternate, wrinkled, enough for regular use.
oval and pointed. Each is about 3 inches long and Medicinal Use. Regulates Hormones, PMS
about 1 1/2 inches across. The lower leaves have tiny and Menstrual Issues: Borage treats hormonal
hairs on the upper surface and on the veins on the imbalances and regulates metabolism. Eating borage
lower side. Leaf margins are wavy, but entire.
with meals regularly helps keep your metabolism run-
ning smoothly.
Borage reduces symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
(PMS), menopause, and regulates the menstrual cycle.
Stress and HPA-Dysfunction (“Adrenal Fa-
tigue”): Borage is a calming herb and is taken to re-
lieve stress. It also helps balance cortisol levels in the
body, this aiding the stress response and HPA-Dys-
function (often called Adrenal Fatigue).
Anti-Oxidant Properties: Anti-oxidants in bor-
age helps destroy free radicals in the body, protecting
Photo By Hans Bernhard (Schnobby), CC BY 3.0
it against aging and cancers caused by free radicals.
The flowers are a vivid blue and star-shaped, with
prominent black anthers. The anthers form a cone in Digestive Problems and Irritable Bowel
the center that is referred to as a beauty spot. The flow- Syndrome: Borage has a soothing effect on the
ers start pink and turn blue, hanging in clusters. stomach muscles and is a good treatment for irritable
bowel syndrome.
The flowers produce four brown-black nutlets.
It reduces inflammation in the intestinal tract and
Edible Use: The leaves, flowers, dried stems, and treats gastritis and other digestive problems. It pro-
seeds are all edible and nutritious. You can eat the motes digestion and stabilizes the stomach. Borage
leaves raw or cooked. I use them in salads or cooked as also has a mild laxative effect.

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