Borage: Bees Love It, You Should Too

Borage is a fantastic plant for a home garden, especially if you’re looking to attract pollinators. Bees absolutely adore borage, and the honey they produce from its nectar is super tasty. It’s an annual that’s generally easy to grow, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 11. It’s not particularly picky about soil, as long as it’s well-draining, and it prefers full sun to partial shade. You can sow seeds directly in the spring after the last frost, and it often self-seeds, so you might find it popping up year after year.

Now, let’s talk about borage’s impressive range of uses. The beauty of borage is that its flowers, leaves, stems, and even seeds are edible! The leaves have a slightly salty taste, which can add a unique touch to salads or sandwiches. I use the leaves and flowers in salads.

From a wellness perspective, borage offers quite a bit. It’s often looked to for women’s health concerns, particularly for PMS and menstrual issues, and it can help regulate the menstrual cycle. It’s also a calming herb, known to relieve stress and ease stomach muscles, which can be helpful for those dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Plus, it has a mild laxative effect.

Borage can also be a friend when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s known for relieving congestion and excess mucus, and it can even help reduce fevers. If you’ve got mouth ulcers, a mouthwash made from the leaves can offer some relief. There’s also anecdotal evidence suggesting it can help ease symptoms from UTIs.

Historically, borage has been used for various ailments, including gout and even hangovers! It’s also noted for its potential to lower blood pressure and improve milk production in nursing mothers. And, like many beneficial herbs, it boasts antioxidant properties.

However, and this is an important “but,” there are some considerations to keep in mind. The leaves of borage contain small amounts of compounds that, in excessive use, can potentially harm the liver. So, moderation is key. Additionally, pregnant women, and individuals with schizophrenia or epilepsy should avoid using borage.

Overall, borage is a wonderful herb to have in your natural health toolkit, offering a surprising array of benefits for various everyday discomforts. Just remember to use it thoughtfully and be aware of its contraindications.