The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies when the heads are dry, split, and the fluffy seed begins to float away. If seeds are collected earlier, dry the seed heads for 1 to 2 weeks in open paper bags.
Ingredients: 1-ounce dried boneset leaf, 1-quart (1 Liter) boiling water, 1-quart (1 Liter) jar with a tightfitting lid.
Warning: Do not use boneset for pregnant or nurs-
Instructions: Put the dried boneset leaves into the
ing mothers or for young children. Not for long-term use.
jar and pour the boiling water over it to fill the jar. Tightly cap the jar and shake it gently to distribute the herb.
Recipes: Boneset Infusion. Take Boneset Infusion hot to relieve fevers and treat colds, flu, and similar diseases. Use it cold as a tonic or tincture.
Let the infusion steep for 4 hours. Strain through a coffee filter or a fine sieve. Warm it before drinking. It is very bitter, but warming it helps.
Borage, Borago officinalis
a pot-herb. The leaves have a salty flavor similar to a cucumber. It is best to use the leaves while young. The more mature raw leaves are very hairy, which some people find unpleasant.
Common Borage is an annual frequently found in gardens. Bees are attracted to the flowers and make an excellent honey from the nectar.
The flowers are nice used raw as a decorative garnish for salads and drinks. They make a refreshing drink when the leaves are brewed as a tea.
Identification: The entire borage plant is covered
Dried stems are often used as a flavoring. The seeds are a healthy source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a beneficial Omega-6 fatty acid, but it is difficult to collect enough for regular use.
with stiff white hairs. The stems are round, branched, hollow, and succulent. The plant grows to about 1 1/2 feet tall. Its deep green leaves are alternate, wrinkled, oval and pointed. Each is about 3 inches long and about 1 1/2 inches across. The lower leaves have tiny hairs on the upper surface and on the veins on the lower side. Leaf margins are wavy, but entire.
Medicinal Use. Regulates Hormones, PMS and Menstrual Issues: Borage treats hormonal imbalances and regulates metabolism. Eating borage with meals regularly helps keep your metabolism running smoothly. Borage reduces symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, and regulates the menstrual cycle.
Stress and HPA-Dysfunction (“Adrenal Fatigue”): Borage is a calming herb and is taken to relieve stress. It also helps balance cortisol levels in the body, this aiding the stress response and HPA-Dysfunction (often called Adrenal Fatigue).
Anti-Oxidant Properties: Anti-oxidants in borPhoto By Hans Bernhard (Schnobby), CC BY 3.0
The flowers are a vivid blue and star-shaped, with prominent black anthers. The anthers form a cone in the center that is referred to as a beauty spot. The flowers start pink and turn blue, hanging in clusters. The flowers produce four brown-black nutlets.
Edible Use: The leaves, flowers, dried stems, and seeds are all edible and nutritious. You can eat the leaves raw or cooked. I use them in salads or cooked as 51
age helps destroy free radicals in the body, protecting it against aging and cancers caused by free radicals.
Digestive Problems and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Borage has a soothing effect on the stomach muscles and is a good treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. It reduces inflammation in the intestinal tract and treats gastritis and other digestive problems. It promotes digestion and stabilizes the stomach. Borage also has a mild laxative effect.
