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Uses of Borage Plants

Borago officinalis, or borage, is a hardy annual that has adapted to climates all over Europe and North America. It's recognized by its violet, star-shaped flowers and thick coat of spiny white hairs that encompass its body. Although it is an annual, it can be enjoyed in the garden season after season because it is a proficient self-sower. Borage has many uses in the culinary and medicinal fields, and also makes a great companion plant for the garden.

  1. Borage in the Kitchen

    • Borage has a cucumber-like scent and flavor, which is why the leaves and succulent stalks are chopped up and tossed into salads. Its flowers can also be added to salads or used as garnishes. The flowers can also be candied and eaten as a sweet treat or used as decoration on cakes. Borage fritters are made by battering the leaves and frying until crispy. Borage leaves can also be sauteed and eaten as well. The plant also finds its way into numerous beverage recipes, including wine.

    Borage in the Garden

    • Borage has many uses in the garden, especially as a companion plant. When grown next to tomatoes, it deters hornworms, cabbage worms and improves growth and pest resistance. Farmers plant borage to aid in deterring the numerous pests that plague strawberry plants. Borage also attracts pollinating insects like bees and wasps, as well as predatory insects such as praying mantis and wasps, which help thwart strawberry-damaging pests. Additionally, growing borage returns trace minerals back to the soil.

    Borage as Medicine

    • Borage is used by herbalists to treat a wide range of ailments. Borage seed oil is notable for alleviating inflammatory chronic conditions, mainly arthritis, but also asthma, eczema, psoriasis and chronic bronchitis. The aerial parts of the plant contain diuretic properties that alleviate urinary tract infections, as well as detoxify the body and increase circulation. Borage has also made a name for itself among holistic health practitioners as an aid for stress and anxiety. It's used to treat long-term depression and is said to boost confidence and courage. The adrenal glands are also stimulated by borage.

    Borage Honey

    • Two of borage's nicknames are "bee bread" and "bee plant" due to bees' love of the plant. Bees hover around the flowers that are copious in nectar and pollen. Borage also has a relatively long flowering season, which accommodates the bees' working cycle. The plant's honey is pale and runny with a delicate flavor that doesn't overpower.

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Herb Basics
  1. The Uses of Sage Plants
  2. Patio Cover Projects
  3. Sweet Alyssum Uses in Landscape
  4. Peanut Plant Uses
  5. Uses of Wetland Plants
  6. Purslane Plants
  7. Uses for Cleavers Galium
  8. Common Wild Edible Plants
  9. Uses of Neem Plants
  10. Uses for Lemon Balm Plants
  11. Uses of Borage
  12. Medical Uses of Rosemary

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