This herb has thick, soft stems and big leaves, both of which are enclosed in fine coarse hairs. The leaves when fully grown are approximately 9 inches (23 cm) long, and 6 inches (15 cm) wide. The flowers are star-shaped and a vivid sky blue, with an occasional pale pink bloom appearing amongst the blue. There is also a rare species with white flowers. The blooms are filled with nectar, making them an excellent source of food for bees.
History and mythology
Borage first came from the Middle East. Old chronicles say that Aleppo was its original home. Throughout the ages, wherever it was taken, this plant spread abundantly, adapting well to almost any soil and climate. The flowers, with their prominent black anthers and five-pointed petals of brilliant blue, were also favorite subjects in the needlework of past centuries, partly for their simple beauty and for their association with bravery.
Cultivation
Borage seed germinates so easily that it can be sown in all seasons in mild climates. In very cold areas, the best time for cultivating is in spring, when the oblong, black seeds can be sown into the open ground into shallow drills, 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Make sure that the ground has been well turned over first, so that the soil is reasonably fine. The position for growing the plants should be moist, with not too much sun. There should also be shelter from winds as the main stems, being soft, are easily broken. Borage is in bloom nearly all through the year, and is continually seeding itself, so that once planted, you should never be without it. It seems to do best when allowed to grow in thick clumps; the plants help to support each other and the massed effect of the misty buds and blue flowers is pleasing. If, on the other hand, borage begins to take over the garden, it is easily thinned out and the shallow roots dislodged even when fully grown by pulling out the stems by hand, remembering that the stalks are prickly.
Harvesting and processing
Borage leaves and flowers may be used fresh at any time of the year. Drying the leaves and flowers is possible, but the method must be quick to prevent spoilage. Take the flowers and leaves off the succulent stalks and place them on wire racks in a shady, airy place. When dry, store them in airtight containers. The flowers may be preserved by crystallizing and used for decorating cakes and trifles. Another method is to freeze them whole by carefully putting them one by one in an ice cube tray and gently covering them with water. When needed, a flowery ice block can be dropped into a glass of fruit juice or any other beverage.
Various uses
Culinary
The young leaves can be very finely chopped, almost minced, and mixed into green salads, or used as fillings, with a little salt and pepper, for sandwiches. Whole young leaves go into punches and wine cups, or they can be dipped in batter, fried, and eaten as a vegetable. Older leaves can be used for soup; these should be finely chopped too. Fresh or dried leaves make a health-giving tea. The blue flowers can be floated on top of all kinds of drinks and scattered over a green salad just before serving. When crystallized, they decorate cream-swirled sweets and iced cakes. The fresh or dried flowers make a tea.
Medicinal
The branching, leafy plants of borage are rich in potassium, calcium, mineral acids, and a very beneficial saline mucilage. It is often mixed with basil to make a delicious herb tea blend. Borage was recommended by Sir Francis Bacon as a heart tonic and by other authorities as a tonic for the adrenal glands and urinary tract. It was looked upon at one time as a herb to engender courage. Borage on its own is also beneficial to the circulation of the blood. Compresses made from the leaves help to relieve congested veins, especially in the legs when a person has been standing for a long time. Borage is related to another healing herb, comfrey.
Cosmetic
A facial steam for dry, sensitive skin may be made with borage leaves and flowers. Borage is also recommended as a tea to help cleanse the skin from the inside by helping to purify the system.
Companion planting
Borage and strawberries are helpful to one another. Because of the sprawling habit of the borage plants, it is advisable to put only a few among the strawberries and the rest outside the beds. Borage will bring bees to the garden.
