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Borage is one of my favourite garden plants. Known as the herb of courage, it’s been linked with boosting mood, positivity and calm for centuries. It’s also rich in antioxidants and is a brilliant companion plant for attracting bees and improving pollination. I grow mine around the edge of my allotment or in pots, and it’s really easy. just sow directly in spring or summer and let it do its thing. The star-shaped blue flowers are edible too. I love adding them to salads or tea for a fresh cucumbery taste . #borage #gardening #allotmentlife #growyourown #pollinators
Borage is one of my favourite garden plants. Known as the herb of courage, it’s been linked with boosting mood, positivity and calm for centuries. It’s also rich in antioxidants and is a brilliant companion plant for attracting bees and improving pollination. I grow mine around the edge of my allotment or in pots, and it’s really easy. just sow directly in spring or summer and let it do its thing. The star-shaped blue flowers are edible too. I love adding them to salads or tea for a fresh cucumbery taste . #borage #gardening #allotmentlife #growyourown #pollinators
Comment ‘borage’ and I’ll send you where to get them for your garden BORAGE BENEFITS - Borage is one of those plants that’s just fun to grow. Its bright blue, star-shaped flowers are edible and perfect for tossing into salads, floating in drinks, or adding to your cooking. They’re good for you, attract tons of helpful pollinators, and the plant even works to improve your soil as it grows. That said, borage can be a little wild. One plant can make hundreds of seeds, and before you know it, you could have dozens or even hundreds of new plants popping up everywhere. It spreads fast if you’re not careful, so the easiest way to avoid this is to pinch off flowers before they go to seed or keep it planted in a spot where it’s easy to control. A good trick is to plant it along the edge of your garden. That way it brings in the good insects, keeps pests away, and it’s easy to see when it’s getting a little too big. With a little attention, borage can be a gorgeous and useful part of your garden. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy those bright blue edible flowers all season long.
Comment ‘borage’ and I’ll send you where to get them for your garden BORAGE BENEFITS - Borage is one of those plants that’s just fun to grow. Its bright blue, star-shaped flowers are edible and perfect for tossing into salads, floating in drinks, or adding to your cooking. They’re good for you, attract tons of helpful pollinators, and the plant even works to improve your soil as it grows. That said, borage can be a little wild. One plant can make hundreds of seeds, and before you know it, you could have dozens or even hundreds of new plants popping up everywhere. It spreads fast if you’re not careful, so the easiest way to avoid this is to pinch off flowers before they go to seed or keep it planted in a spot where it’s easy to control. A good trick is to plant it along the edge of your garden. That way it brings in the good insects, keeps pests away, and it’s easy to see when it’s getting a little too big. With a little attention, borage can be a gorgeous and useful part of your garden. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy those bright blue edible flowers all season long.
Part 2 of borage is here! And this is where the history gets fun! Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder both claimed this plant was Homer’s legendary nepenthe, the potion in the Odyssey that made soldiers forget their grief. Ancient theory, not modern consensus, but one of the oldest claims in herbal literature and absolutely worth knowing about. Medieval knights drank it before battle. John Gerard wrote that the flowers made people “exhilarate and make the mind glad.” Francis Bacon called it an “excellent spirit to repress the fuliginous vapour of dusky melancholy” and I will be putting that on my tombstone. Victorian flower language said borage meant bluntness and directness, rough on the outside, wholesome within. Honestly the most accurate plant symbolism I’ve ever encountered. We also cover culinary uses (flowers in ice cubes, crystallized on cakes, scattered over salads, centuries of it), borage seed oil and GLA for skin barrier support, and the full honest breakdown on pyrrolizidine alkaloids, where the concern actually lives and where it doesn’t. What didn’t make the cut due to time: borage is also one of the best companion plants you can grow. Said to deter tomato hornworm, support strawberry growth, and bring in beneficial predatory insects. It’s shockingly easy. Direct sow, mostly ignore, let it self-seed. Technically annual. Practically perennial. And its nectar replenishes within minutes of a bee visit, making it one of the most productive pollinator plants in the garden. Ego Borago, Gaudia semper ago. I, Borage, bring always joy. ⚠️ Educational only. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or herbalist before using any plant medicinally. Do not use this content as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Please do your own research 💙 #borage #starflower #herbalfolklore #botanicaleducation #herbalism
Part 2 of borage is here! And this is where the history gets fun! Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder both claimed this plant was Homer’s legendary nepenthe, the potion in the Odyssey that made soldiers forget their grief. Ancient theory, not modern consensus, but one of the oldest claims in herbal literature and absolutely worth knowing about. Medieval knights drank it before battle. John Gerard wrote that the flowers made people “exhilarate and make the mind glad.” Francis Bacon called it an “excellent spirit to repress the fuliginous vapour of dusky melancholy” and I will be putting that on my tombstone. Victorian flower language said borage meant bluntness and directness, rough on the outside, wholesome within. Honestly the most accurate plant symbolism I’ve ever encountered. We also cover culinary uses (flowers in ice cubes, crystallized on cakes, scattered over salads, centuries of it), borage seed oil and GLA for skin barrier support, and the full honest breakdown on pyrrolizidine alkaloids, where the concern actually lives and where it doesn’t. What didn’t make the cut due to time: borage is also one of the best companion plants you can grow. Said to deter tomato hornworm, support strawberry growth, and bring in beneficial predatory insects. It’s shockingly easy. Direct sow, mostly ignore, let it self-seed. Technically annual. Practically perennial. And its nectar replenishes within minutes of a bee visit, making it one of the most productive pollinator plants in the garden. Ego Borago, Gaudia semper ago. I, Borage, bring always joy. ⚠️ Educational only. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or herbalist before using any plant medicinally. Do not use this content as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Please do your own research 💙 #borage #starflower #herbalfolklore #botanicaleducation #herbalism
Borage has been loved for centuries, not only for its beautiful blue flowers but for its reputation as a plant of courage, joy, and a lightened heart. Its name is thought to come from an old phrase meaning “I bring courage,” and in both herbal and folk traditions it was often associated with bravery, cheerfulness, and strengthening the spirit during difficult times. In medieval times, borage flowers were sometimes added to drinks before celebrations, journeys, and even battles. People believed it could help ease sorrow, encourage confidence, and bring a little more gladness into life. Today, many gardeners grow it simply because it is beautiful and adored by pollinators, but its old reputation as a plant of courage still lingers in the folklore surrounding it. Perhaps that’s why those little blue stars always seem to bring a smile when they appear. Do you grow borage in your garden? 💙 #borage #folklore #plantmagic #courage #herbalist
Borage has been loved for centuries, not only for its beautiful blue flowers but for its reputation as a plant of courage, joy, and a lightened heart. Its name is thought to come from an old phrase meaning “I bring courage,” and in both herbal and folk traditions it was often associated with bravery, cheerfulness, and strengthening the spirit during difficult times. In medieval times, borage flowers were sometimes added to drinks before celebrations, journeys, and even battles. People believed it could help ease sorrow, encourage confidence, and bring a little more gladness into life. Today, many gardeners grow it simply because it is beautiful and adored by pollinators, but its old reputation as a plant of courage still lingers in the folklore surrounding it. Perhaps that’s why those little blue stars always seem to bring a smile when they appear. Do you grow borage in your garden? 💙 #borage #folklore #plantmagic #courage #herbalist
Borage being grown at Ragley Home Farm in Warwickshire. Did you know borage is one of the most beneficial flowers for bees providing nectar and pollen over a long flowering period. Borage yields on farm are significantly improved by the presence of pollinators as they transfer ripe pollen from the anthers of one flower to a mature stigma elsewhere. . . . #borage #agronomy #agronomist #nichecrops #bees #beekeepers
Borage being grown at Ragley Home Farm in Warwickshire. Did you know borage is one of the most beneficial flowers for bees providing nectar and pollen over a long flowering period. Borage yields on farm are significantly improved by the presence of pollinators as they transfer ripe pollen from the anthers of one flower to a mature stigma elsewhere. . . . #borage #agronomy #agronomist #nichecrops #bees #beekeepers
ANTIDEPRESSANT FLOWER 🌸 Did you know that borage is a natural antidepressant? This little blue flower has been used to treat the blues for hundreds of years, as well as being given to soldiers before battle to give them courage. An old English adage was “Sow borage. Sow courage.” And modern research indicates that borage can stimulate adrenaline production, which can help to uplift you and alleviate sadness and melancholy. I always have borage in my garden as pollinators love it and it makes a great companion plant for my veg. Go careful though, as with any medicinal herbs it’s best to consume them in moderation, particularly if you haven’t tried them before. Always do your research before trying new foods especially if you have medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding. p.s. I’m by no means suggesting you should give up your meds/therapy to drink borage tea instead, I just thought it was interesting 🙃
ANTIDEPRESSANT FLOWER 🌸 Did you know that borage is a natural antidepressant? This little blue flower has been used to treat the blues for hundreds of years, as well as being given to soldiers before battle to give them courage. An old English adage was “Sow borage. Sow courage.” And modern research indicates that borage can stimulate adrenaline production, which can help to uplift you and alleviate sadness and melancholy. I always have borage in my garden as pollinators love it and it makes a great companion plant for my veg. Go careful though, as with any medicinal herbs it’s best to consume them in moderation, particularly if you haven’t tried them before. Always do your research before trying new foods especially if you have medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding. p.s. I’m by no means suggesting you should give up your meds/therapy to drink borage tea instead, I just thought it was interesting 🙃
As the saying goes Borage is for Courage. • I mainly use Borage as tincture to support adrenal fatigue or as an infusion (tea) for my nervous system. Because I, too, struggle with self criticism and stress. • David Hoffman states that “Borage acts as a restorative agent on the adrenal cortex, which means that it will revive and renew the adrenal glands after a medical treatment with cortisone or steroids.” • The tea or standard infusion of this plant can be used over a period of time to aid adrenals. A tincture of the flower and fuzzy stems, can further help tonify the adrenal glands. • This herb’s ability to support and nourish the adrenals can help someone suffering emotionally or dealing with severe nervous exhaustion. • In a highly competitive society, we are constantly driving ourselves towards self-criticism and exhaustion. • And if you’re really struggling- pair Borage with Passionflower as a nervine tea. • Borage isn’t just for the nervous system however! • Borage flowers encourage sweating while also promoting coolness, whereas the leaves are a diuretic. • Together, this plant has the ability to lower a fever too! • Or- suck on a fresh flower in your mouth and observe what happens. Borage has a high mucilage content. This serves as a soothing remedy for respiratory issues and sore throats. • And some say that the leaves and seeds of this plant help stimulate the flow or milk in nursing mothers. • Have you heard of Borage Seed Oil? This oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats and is said to be inferior to evening primrose oil! • Both of these oils have Gamma Linoleum Acid (GLA) which is used to reduce inflammation, boost immunity and help maintain cell membranes in painful inflammatory disorders. • An infusion of fresh Borage leaves and flowers in jojoba or rose hip seed oil can help treat dry, patchy skin and rosacea. • When the weight of the world feels too heavy, God provides tender helpers in His garden. • Prayer for the weary heart: “Father, thank You for Your gifts of courage and strength. May this tincture remind me that You are the true source of rest and renewal. Amen.” • Read comments for tincture recipe and herbalist notes!
As the saying goes Borage is for Courage. • I mainly use Borage as tincture to support adrenal fatigue or as an infusion (tea) for my nervous system. Because I, too, struggle with self criticism and stress. • David Hoffman states that “Borage acts as a restorative agent on the adrenal cortex, which means that it will revive and renew the adrenal glands after a medical treatment with cortisone or steroids.” • The tea or standard infusion of this plant can be used over a period of time to aid adrenals. A tincture of the flower and fuzzy stems, can further help tonify the adrenal glands. • This herb’s ability to support and nourish the adrenals can help someone suffering emotionally or dealing with severe nervous exhaustion. • In a highly competitive society, we are constantly driving ourselves towards self-criticism and exhaustion. • And if you’re really struggling- pair Borage with Passionflower as a nervine tea. • Borage isn’t just for the nervous system however! • Borage flowers encourage sweating while also promoting coolness, whereas the leaves are a diuretic. • Together, this plant has the ability to lower a fever too! • Or- suck on a fresh flower in your mouth and observe what happens. Borage has a high mucilage content. This serves as a soothing remedy for respiratory issues and sore throats. • And some say that the leaves and seeds of this plant help stimulate the flow or milk in nursing mothers. • Have you heard of Borage Seed Oil? This oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats and is said to be inferior to evening primrose oil! • Both of these oils have Gamma Linoleum Acid (GLA) which is used to reduce inflammation, boost immunity and help maintain cell membranes in painful inflammatory disorders. • An infusion of fresh Borage leaves and flowers in jojoba or rose hip seed oil can help treat dry, patchy skin and rosacea. • When the weight of the world feels too heavy, God provides tender helpers in His garden. • Prayer for the weary heart: “Father, thank You for Your gifts of courage and strength. May this tincture remind me that You are the true source of rest and renewal. Amen.” • Read comments for tincture recipe and herbalist notes!
Beautiful borage is in flower and I can’t resist using them in drinks and as a garnish. 💙 And for this focaccia, I made an inky blue salamoia (an emulsion of water, olive oil, and salt) which I poured over the dough before dimpling. The salamoia consisted of borage flowers steeped in water (producing a honey-flavoured infusion with cucumber accents), a little butterfly blue pea powder and olive oil. Serve with pale green cucumber, fresh goat’s curd (or cream cheese) and a few more borage flowers to garnish. A new take on the cucumber sandwich - deliciously light and fresh. Marie 💙💚🤍 #focaccia #cucumbersandwich #afternoontea #samedayfocaccia #magicofsourdough
Beautiful borage is in flower and I can’t resist using them in drinks and as a garnish. 💙 And for this focaccia, I made an inky blue salamoia (an emulsion of water, olive oil, and salt) which I poured over the dough before dimpling. The salamoia consisted of borage flowers steeped in water (producing a honey-flavoured infusion with cucumber accents), a little butterfly blue pea powder and olive oil. Serve with pale green cucumber, fresh goat’s curd (or cream cheese) and a few more borage flowers to garnish. A new take on the cucumber sandwich - deliciously light and fresh. Marie 💙💚🤍 #focaccia #cucumbersandwich #afternoontea #samedayfocaccia #magicofsourdough
My beautiful Borage! The plant of a thousand uses!
My beautiful Borage! The plant of a thousand uses!
Borage (Borago officinalis) is an easy-to-grow annual herb and one of the best pollinator plants for bees. Its bright blue, star-shaped flowers are rich in nectar and continuously attract pollinators all season long. Direct sow borage seeds in early spring as soon as soil is workable, planting ¼–½ inch deep. Grow borage in full sun with well-draining soil—this low-maintenance plant tolerates poor soil and self-seeds easily, making it a reliable addition to any pollinator garden. I don’t find borage to be an overly aggressive self-sower. If that’s not what you want, the seedlings are easy to recognize and pull during spring cleanup. Borage flowers and leaves are edible with a fresh cucumber-like flavor, often used in herbal tea, salads, and garnishes. Use in moderation, as large amounts are not recommended for long-term consumption. Plant borage once and create a thriving bee-friendly garden filled with beneficial insects. New here? Come follow along to learn more about gardening, nature, and our pollinators. #pollinatorplants #beefriendlygarden #growfromseed #gardeningtips #herbgarden
Borage (Borago officinalis) is an easy-to-grow annual herb and one of the best pollinator plants for bees. Its bright blue, star-shaped flowers are rich in nectar and continuously attract pollinators all season long. Direct sow borage seeds in early spring as soon as soil is workable, planting ¼–½ inch deep. Grow borage in full sun with well-draining soil—this low-maintenance plant tolerates poor soil and self-seeds easily, making it a reliable addition to any pollinator garden. I don’t find borage to be an overly aggressive self-sower. If that’s not what you want, the seedlings are easy to recognize and pull during spring cleanup. Borage flowers and leaves are edible with a fresh cucumber-like flavor, often used in herbal tea, salads, and garnishes. Use in moderation, as large amounts are not recommended for long-term consumption. Plant borage once and create a thriving bee-friendly garden filled with beneficial insects. New here? Come follow along to learn more about gardening, nature, and our pollinators. #pollinatorplants #beefriendlygarden #growfromseed #gardeningtips #herbgarden
💙 BORAGE AS FERTILIZER 💙 Many of us know and love Borage (Borago officinalis) for its easy, fast-growing nature and stunning flowers that pollinators can't get enough of, however, did you know that it also makes an incredible plant to #chopanddrop around your annual vegetables to provide essential nutrients, like potassium + silicon as they grow?! Truly! It's like "living compost" in that way, and many other plants also share this superpower; concentrating particular nutrients in their vegetation as they grow, and just begging to be put to use around your garden. Once the plant begins to look a bit worse for wear and starts to flop over, I chop it down with my #horihori, cut it into smaller pieces, and sprinkle the vegetation around my heavy-feeding plants like tomatoes, melons, or anything else that would benefit from a nutrient boost. The vegetation then breaks down, delivering those much-needed nutrients to the plants that feed us! How generous, right?! Most of the time, once I've chopped down the vegetation, I notice that even more Borage seedlings are waiting to take the space of the mature borage recently harvested, so the process can begin again. 👩‍🌾 Would you like to grow more food using regenerative, organic practices, but feel overwhelmed? Reach out for a consult today and/or check out my full line of "ready-to-go" garden designs, with annual raised bed designs that include #companionplanting principles and utilizing several plants meant to "chop + drop" around neighboring plants. #foodforest #foodforestdesign #growfoodnotgrass #growfoodnotlawns #foodnotlawns #growyourownfood #foodforestdesigner #permaculturedesigner #permaculturedesign #ohiopermaculturedesign #ohiopermaculture #permacultureohio #womeninpermaculture #thefutureisfood #xeniaohio #yellowsprings #daytonohio #foodscaper #gardendesign #gardendesigner #ohiohomestead #homesteader #gardenplanner #borage #dynamicaccumulator
💙 BORAGE AS FERTILIZER 💙 Many of us know and love Borage (Borago officinalis) for its easy, fast-growing nature and stunning flowers that pollinators can't get enough of, however, did you know that it also makes an incredible plant to #chopanddrop around your annual vegetables to provide essential nutrients, like potassium + silicon as they grow?! Truly! It's like "living compost" in that way, and many other plants also share this superpower; concentrating particular nutrients in their vegetation as they grow, and just begging to be put to use around your garden. Once the plant begins to look a bit worse for wear and starts to flop over, I chop it down with my #horihori, cut it into smaller pieces, and sprinkle the vegetation around my heavy-feeding plants like tomatoes, melons, or anything else that would benefit from a nutrient boost. The vegetation then breaks down, delivering those much-needed nutrients to the plants that feed us! How generous, right?! Most of the time, once I've chopped down the vegetation, I notice that even more Borage seedlings are waiting to take the space of the mature borage recently harvested, so the process can begin again. 👩‍🌾 Would you like to grow more food using regenerative, organic practices, but feel overwhelmed? Reach out for a consult today and/or check out my full line of "ready-to-go" garden designs, with annual raised bed designs that include #companionplanting principles and utilizing several plants meant to "chop + drop" around neighboring plants. #foodforest #foodforestdesign #growfoodnotgrass #growfoodnotlawns #foodnotlawns #growyourownfood #foodforestdesigner #permaculturedesigner #permaculturedesign #ohiopermaculturedesign #ohiopermaculture #permacultureohio #womeninpermaculture #thefutureisfood #xeniaohio #yellowsprings #daytonohio #foodscaper #gardendesign #gardendesigner #ohiohomestead #homesteader #gardenplanner #borage #dynamicaccumulator
The first year I grew borage, I had no idea what to do with it. Luckily since then, I’ve found many uses for this amazing herb. ⁣ ⁣ Some of my favorite ways to use borage include: ⁣ ⁣ • Using the flowers in salads, drinks & sandwiches⁣ ⁣ •Chopping up borage and using it as a chop-and-drop mulch⁣ ⁣ • Adding borage to compost⁣ ⁣ • Using borage leaves to make liquid fertilizer (similar to comfrey)⁣ ⁣ • Feeding it to my chickens⁣ ⁣ I share all my best borage growing tips in my latest YouTube video and blog post - I’ll link to them in my stories. ⁣ ⁣ Are you growing borage? How do you use it? ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #howtogrowyourownfood #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #herbgarden #borage #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden
The first year I grew borage, I had no idea what to do with it. Luckily since then, I’ve found many uses for this amazing herb. ⁣ ⁣ Some of my favorite ways to use borage include: ⁣ ⁣ • Using the flowers in salads, drinks & sandwiches⁣ ⁣ •Chopping up borage and using it as a chop-and-drop mulch⁣ ⁣ • Adding borage to compost⁣ ⁣ • Using borage leaves to make liquid fertilizer (similar to comfrey)⁣ ⁣ • Feeding it to my chickens⁣ ⁣ I share all my best borage growing tips in my latest YouTube video and blog post - I’ll link to them in my stories. ⁣ ⁣ Are you growing borage? How do you use it? ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #howtogrowyourownfood #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #herbgarden #borage #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden
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