Benefits of Borage Tea

The benefits of borage tea were first known in Europe, and since then this herbal tea has earned good reviews around the world. It is a common plant that grows in most European and Mediterranean countries. The plant is known for its ability to grow as a weed in junkyards and wastelands. Before we move on to the benefits, let us first know a bit more in detail about the herb.

There are many white, stiff and prickly hair covering the leaves and stems of the whole plant. Therefore, before handling the herb, you need to wear gloves. The plant is about two feet tall and has star-shaped flowers that are bluish and purplish in color during the summer months.

There are many common names for this:

• Star Flower
• Langue de Boeuf
• Burage
• Bee Plant
• Bee Bread
• Borage
• Cool Tankard
• Ox-tongue
• Tailwort

It is often grown in gardens and eaten as a vegetable or used as a garnish or in salads. It has active constituents that make it a very useful medicinal herb. It contains beta-carotene, mucilage, fiber and some trace minerals. The leaves are known for their high vitamin C content and are rich in calcium, potassium, and certain minerals. The plant tastes like cucumber and is used to treat many health problems.

Borage is used to treat many health problems like depression, digestive problems and even helps in strengthening metabolism. The plant contains mucilage that acts as a demulcent and is useful for treating many kinds of respiratory problems. The leaves are known to have diuretic properties and its flowers are known to encourage perspiration. The seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats and is used to treat premenstrual symptoms, eczema, and rheumatic problems. It is also used to relieve stress.

The benefits include:

• Healing wounds
• Calming nerves
• Soothing cough
• Detoxifying properties
• Reducing fever
• Getting rid of furuncle
• Managing heart trouble
• Reducing inflammation
• Helping with menstrual problems
• Dissolving mucus
• Soothing rashes
• Help with Rheumatism
• Treating insomnia

Borage tea can be made from chopped leaves and flowers. You need to add ¼ cup of chopped dried leaves and flowers in a mug. Then pour boiling water over the leaves and fill the entire mug. Let the leaves and water infuse for 10 minutes. Strain the concoction and add honey if desired. Your tea is ready to be served.

• The tea is known for its use in alleviating fatigue.
• It is good for reducing throat irritation, dry cough, bronchitis, asthma, and cold symptoms.
• Irritable bowel syndrome and gastritis can also be treated with this tea.

• Many urinary tract disorders can be treated by drinking this tea.
• It can also provide considerable relief from arthritis and rheumatism symptoms.
• It can be applied topically to treat body rashes and boils.
• The tea serves as a good body cleansing and detoxifying agent.

When the tea or herb is taken in improper dosages, it may lead to mild to serious side effects. These side effects may include nausea, upset stomach, and dark urine. When taken with other herbs, vitamins or medications, borage may interact with these supplements and cause side effects.

People with epilepsy should use it with caution. Its seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage, that may cause yellowing of skin and eyes. In some people, it may induce allergies like tightness of chest, itchy skin, hives, skin rash, and difficulty in breathing.

Allergic reactions may also cause swelling of the face, tongue and lips. Pregnant and nursing women need to totally avoid it to prevent risk to the fetus and inducing preterm labor.

Borage tea is great to relieve stress and to help you sleep better. However, if you experience restlessness and are unable to sleep, stop taking it.