🌿 BORAGE (Borago officinalis)
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
- 💧 Diuretic: Helps eliminate excess fluids.
- 🌼 Anti-inflammatory: Due to its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content; useful for arthritis, eczema, and PMS.
- 🌡️ Sudorific: Promotes sweating to reduce fever.
- ❤️ Mild cardiotonic: Supports heart function.
- 🤱 Galactagogue: Stimulates breast milk production.
- 🍃 Expectorant: Eases cough and respiratory issues.
THERAPEUTIC USES:
- Rheumatism and arthritis
- Skin problems (eczema, acne)
- Premenstrual and menopausal symptoms
- Colds, flu, fever
- Fluid retention
DOSAGE (adults):
- 🌿 Infusion: 1 tablespoon of dried leaves or flowers per cup of boiling water. Take 2–3 times daily.
- 🧴 Borage oil (internal use): 500–1000 mg daily (check label).
- 🌼 Topical use: Apply compresses or poultices with a strong infusion for skin problems.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
⚠️
- Pregnancy and lactation (internal use without supervision)
- Liver disease (due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids)
- Children
- People with epilepsy (may increase risk of seizures)
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS (rare, with high or prolonged doses):
- Liver toxicity (from alkaloids)
- Nausea, mild diarrhea
- May interact with blood thinners
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE:
Studies support the use of borage oil (GLA-rich) for atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hormonal issues, though it must be used cautiously.
