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What’s this
Borage (Borago officinalis) is an annual plant of the Boraginaceae family. Originally from the East, it is widespread in uncultivated fields throughout Italy and cultivated for the production of seeds. It is a herb that has a branched stem and oval leaves, both covered with hair and rich in mucilage. THE borage flowers they are composed of five petals of a beautiful blue-violet color, have dark, almost black stamens, and are gathered in terminal tips. The fruit that develops from the flower is a tetrachenium.
The stem and the borage leaves they contain, in addition to mucilage, pyrrolozidine alkaloids (lycopsamine, amabiline, supinine), while in the flowers and seeds there is an alkaloid deriving from the previous ones, thesinin. Traditionally, the leaves and flowers are consumed for food, while the flowers are used to infuse the sweat and diuretic properties. Due to the presence of alkaloids, the therapeutic use of the plant is however strongly discouraged and its use is not allowed in the production of food supplements. THE seeds instead they are used to extract borage oil used in cosmetics for its emollient and antioxidant properties that allow the skin to regain softness, hydration and elasticity and to counteract the formation of wrinkles and signs of aging.
Properties and benefits
Borage has property diaphoretic, diuretic and emollient and is traditionally used to relieve cough, promote sweating and stimulate diuresis. In the past, the leaves and especially the borage flowers were used in infusion and mother tincture in therapies to purify the body and to purify the skin. Due to the presence of pyrrolozidine alkaloids with presumed hepatotoxic and carcinogenic action, today the use of borage is not recommended and the use of the aerial parts of the plant in the formulations of food supplements and herbal preparations is not allowed.
On the other hand, theuse of seeds of borage, rich in oil. Borage oil is used internally and externally for its anti-inflammatory properties useful in the treatment of various skin problems including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. Oral administration of borage oil it is also indicated to reduce inflammation of the joints. The cosmetic use of borage oil is instead indicated in case of skin dehydration and to prevent the formation of wrinkles and the loss of skin tone and elasticity.
How to use it
As we have seen, the use of leaves, flowers and stems of borage for therapeutic purposes is not recommended due to the presence of alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver. For this reason, borage is included in the list of plants not allowed in food supplements. Despite this, the food consumption of borage is still widespread. The leaves of this plant collected from wild specimens are used cooked to prepare soups, meatballs and fillings, while the flowers are used fresh or candied to decorate desserts.
Properties and use of borage oil
Borage oil is obtained by squeezing the seeds, does not have toxicity problems and can be taken in pearls against joint pain and skin problems or used externally for its cosmetic properties. It is a pale yellow oil, very greasy, with a characteristic odor. Borage oil contains linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, oleic acid and other mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as small percentages of saturated acids, phytosterols and vitamin E. These natural substances are able to improve the barrier functions of the skin and microcirculation, counteract inflammation, aging and skin allergies. Applied to the skin, borage oil has action emollient and soothing and is a remedy for dry skin, wrinkles, irritation and inflammation of the skin. Pure borage oil, mixed with other vegetable oils or inserted in the formulation of creams is also indicated to prevent the formation of stretch marks, relieve sunburn, counteract skin dryness during the cold months and fight dermatitis. Inserted in shampoos, conditioners and hair masks, borage oil is instead indicated to improve the appearance of brittle hair and to prevent its fall. Since borage oil is very sensitive to oxidation, after purchase it should be stored away from light, in tightly closed bottles and at temperatures below 20 ° C.
Contraindications
The intake of infusions and mother tinctures prepared with the aerial parts of borage (leaves, flowers and stem) is to be avoided due to the presence of alkaloids toxic to the liver. Food consumption of leaves and flowers should be moderate and is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The leaves should always be consumed after cooking. The internal and external use of borage oil has no significant contraindications.
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