Page 53 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Pneumonia: Borage Leaf and Flower Tea or Tinc-
ture reduces the symptoms of pneumonia, relieves
congestion, and helps the body get rid of excess mucus.
However, there are better herbs for these symptoms.
Mouth Ulcers and Sore Throats: Use borage as
a mouthwash or gargle to kill bacteria in the mouth and
throat. It prevents and treats sore throats and mouth
sores.

Urinary Tract and Kidney Infections, Diu-
retic Properties: Borage acts as a diuretic, remov-
ing excess water and toxins from the body. It also
works to improve bladder function. Borage flushes the Photo By David Wright, Geograph project, CC BY 2.0
bladder, removing bacteria and relieving bladder in- bites. It clears up skin inflammations and the unpleas-
fections. Borage also relieves kidney inflammations ant symptoms of skin rashes.
and restores health of the kidneys. However, I prefer
other herbs to treat these, such as Usnea, Oregon Treating Bleeding Gums: Borage fights the in-
Grape and Uva Ursi. fections that cause bleeding gums. Borage helps kill the
mouth pathogens and restores health to the gums and
Protects the Brain: The GLA in borage seed oil mouth.
improves the brains protection against neuro-degener-
ation. It protects the brain against synaptic failure in Macular Degeneration: One cause of macular
Alzheimer’s disease and improves resistance to the dis- degeneration is a lack of fatty acids. Borage seeds con-
ease. tain up to 30% GLA, a beneficial fatty acid for treating
and preventing macular degeneration.
Lowers Blood Pressure: Eat borage or drink the
juice daily to treat high blood pressure. The GLA con- Improves Milk Production for Nursing
tent helps to significantly lower blood pressure. Recent Mothers: Borage tea is used to improve milk produc-
studies have confirmed the benefits of Borage for treat- tion in nursing mothers.
ing hypertension. Treat Hangovers: Borage Tea made from a combi-

Allergies: The anti-oxidants in borage help subdue nation of dried leaves and flowers is an effective treat-
allergies, reduce inflammation, and suppress the aller- ment for hangover.
gic response. Harvesting: Harvest borage leaves in the late spring

Reduces Fevers: Borage stimulates the sweat and early summer before the plant flowers. Use the
glands to produce sweat and cool the body. This prop- leaves fresh or dry them for use throughout the year.
erty is beneficial for treating fevers in colds, and res- Dried leaves lose their medicinal properties over time,
piratory illnesses. so dry a new batch each year. Harvest flowers in the
morning in the summer.
Arthritis and Gout: Borage is useful for treating
inflammation, reducing swelling, and thereby reduc- Warning: Borage leaves contain a small amount of
ing pain. It is effective for reducing inflammation pyrrolizidine alkaloids and other compounds that are
caused by arthritis and gout. toxic to the liver.

Skin Infections, Wounds, and Rashes: The The levels are low and are not a problem for healthy
anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of people, but people with liver disease should not use
borage help keep your skin clear. It is useful in treating borage in any form. Pregnant women should avoid us-
wounds and fighting infections or rashes. Use borage ing borage. In some people, borage causes skin derma-
tea as a skin wash or use borage as a poultice to treat titis. Persons with schizophrenia or epilepsy should
wounds. A poultice of borage leaves also reduces itch- avoid using borage.
ing and inflammation from rashes or stings and insect

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