32 Borage
Borage /ˈbɒr.ɪdʒ/ (Borago officinalis), also known as a starflower, is an annual herb. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalized in many other locales. It grows satisfactorily in gardens in the UK climate, remaining in the garden from year to year by self-seeding. The leaves are edible and the plant is grown in gardens for that purpose in some parts of Europe. The plant is also commercially cultivated for borage seed oil extracted from its seeds.
English - Borrage, Common Borage, Bee Plant, Bee Bread, Ox's Tongue, Talewort, Starflower, Cool tankard, Common bugloss (once attributed in ancient times simply as 'bugloss', despite not being true bugloss)
Latin - Borago officinalis, Borrago, Buglossum, Nepenthe (esoteric), Euphrosinium (esoteric)
German - Burretsch
French - Borrache / bourrache commune / feuille de bourrache / fleur de bourrache / launge de boeuf / pain-des-Abeilles
Spanish - Borraja, Borrajenes, Borrajes
Dutch - Bernaasje
Portuguese - Burage, Burrage
Italian - Borragine - See more at: http://www.herbs-info.com/borage.html#sthash.LQSOWSdv.dpuf
Traditionally Borago officinalis is used in hyperactive gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders,[12] such as gastrointestinal (colic, cramps, diarrhea), airways (asthma, bronchitis), cardiovascular, (cardiotonic, antihypertensive and blood purifier), urinary (diuretic and kidney/bladder disorders).[13]
In Iran people make a tea for relieve colds, flu, bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney inflammation. It is said to be warm in nature and alleviates symptoms that are caused by using food that is cold in nature such as cucumber and fish. People with heart problems can benefit using the borage tea,[medical ^citation ^needed] since it promotes reaching more oxygen to the heart, that’s why one should use this herb in moderate amounts.[14
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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.[15] The flowers can be prepared in infusion. One case of status epilepticus has been reported that was associated with borage oil ingestion.[16]
Companion planting
Borage is used in companion planting.[17] It is said to protect or nurse legumes, spinach, brassicas, and even strawberries.[18] 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.[19] Claims that it improves tomato growth[20] and makes them taste better[21] remain unsubstantiated.