The Artistic Farmer

Borago officinalis. Boraginaceae

Found in fields and woods, likes dry ground. Leaves are rough, flowers of wheel form and brilliant blue shade.

Use, internal:

To strengthen the heart and limbs. Mildly laxative, it is good for ailments of the digestive system. A jaundice remedy. Tonic and nervine. Borage is said to cleanse all poisons from the blood. It is used by Arabs as a salad herb; the women eat it to increase their milk when nursing babies. Borage is always linked with courage ( “cor” is Latin for “ heart “).

Use, external:

Borage is said to have powers against the stings and bites of poisonous creatures such as snakes, scorpions, and rabid dogs. Such claims must of course be seen in their true perspective as indicators of the herb’s prophylactic or curative virtues. Externally, the standard brew makes an excellent eye lotion. For ringworm, pulp the leaves and squeeze the juice onto effective areas.

Dose:

 Eat small handfuls of the leaves and flowers, divided into several salad meals, or make a standard brew and drink morning and night, a small cupful at a time.