BORAGE HERB HELPS

BORAGE HERB HELPS

This strapping plant, with bristly and fleshy stems and leaves, sports surprisingly exotic, luminous blue flowers. These are traditionally used in drinks to raise the spirits. They make an attractive garnish to many dishes, especially ice cream and other cold summer desserts. Traditionally associated with courage, borage improves the production of adrenaline and is therefore like licorice, useful during stressful times or after steroid, medication.

This plant is very nutritious, containing calcium potassium and traces of gamma linoleic acid. It also helps in the absorption of iron. Oil from the seeds is a good alternative to evening primrose oil in treating skin disease or rheumatism. It is commercially available in capsules and is sometimes called startflower oil.

In addition to bringing “ courage and good heart” borage increases milk production in nursing mothers and is a useful herb to take during fevers, infections and convalescence.

Parts to be used- leaves, flowers and seeds. The leaves being so fleshy, need to be dried quickly and are best heated very gently in a cool oven until crisp.

Dose – 1 teaspoon dried. 2 teaspoon fresh to a cup of boiling water.

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LICORICE HEALTH HELPS

LICORICE HEALTH HELPS

This is an extremely useful herb which has been cultivated since the Middle. Ages for its sweet, aromatic roots. Among its many actions is its beneficial effect on digestions, it reduces inflammation all along the gut and encourages bowel activity. LICORICE is the basis of most proprietary laxatives. It is often used as a flavoring and will not raise blood sugar levels. If you like it, add a little to sweeten any herb tea, just stand a stick in the cup until you achieve the desired sweetness. Under close supervision, the root can be given to babies to chew and will ease the pain of teething.

Licorice also supports the adrenal glands and is therefore useful in any inflammatory condition such as eczema or arthritis. It will help to restore natural steroid production after a course of steroid medication. Since stress requires the adrenal glands to keep producing adrenaline, it may be that people who love to eat licorice daily are instinctively seeking supports for stressful times or lifestyles..

Licorice heated in honey makes a soothing syrup that helps to relax the chest in conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.

Parts used is the root (licorice sticks) or solidified juice in the form of black bars.

1 Teaspoon to a cup of boiling bars.

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