A Drug Against Melancholy
The borage plant has been known to mankind for several millennia. Even in ancient Rome, borage was actively used as a medicinal plant, as it was believed that it raised the strength of spirits and drove away fear and melancholy.
Borage is a herbaceous medicinal plant with wide, oval shaggy gray-green leaves. At the end of each branch in its calyx, you’ll find the formation of small, pale blue, five-petaled, star-shaped flowers. The middle part of these flowers is decorated with dark stamens.
The Secret of Fearlessness
The Mediterranean is considered the homeland of borage (it was known to the ancient Greeks). Nowadays, it grows in many areas of Europe and Asia. It is even cultivated as a vegetable in Western Europe and North America.
History has recorded that in ancient Rome, borage was added to soldiers’ food given to them during campaigns. The Romans were certain borage added courage to the warriors and drove away their sadness. In addition, in Rome, borage was used as a diaphoretic and diuretic and was used to relieve joint and muscle pain. In Medieval Europe, the leaves and flowers of this plant were used as a remedy to get rid of boredom and melancholy.
Maximum of Fatty Acids
Thanks to its composition, borage oil is a unique remedy. It is famous for its high concentration of fatty acids. Research has shown that the therapeutic effect of borage oil is caused by the rich presence of gamma-linolenic acid (about 15–24% of the oil).
It also contains other acids: gamma-linoleic acid - normalizes hormonal levels, alleviates PMS and menopause, improves blood circulation, removes toxins from the body; linoleic - regulates adrenal function; oleic - reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and obesity, normalizes blood pressure; palmitic - activates the synthesis of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid, which are the building blocks of epidermal cells, thereby slowing down the aging process.
stearic acid - supports the proper functioning of the central nervous system; ascorbic acid - promotes the restoration of tissues, gums, and blood vessels, plus an antiviral effect; tannins - have bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic properties.
Borago seed oil is transparent yellow in color, with a slight sweetish cucumber aroma, obtained from the seeds and flowers of the plant by cold pressing them. It oxidizes very quickly, so it must be stored in a tightly closed container in the cold.