Borago borage (photo) cultivation, benefits and use. Recipes for dishes made from borage cucumber herb. Cucumber herb infusion

01.12.2017

Today you will learn all about it amazing plant Borago: what it is, why it is valued and how it is used in cooking, as well as what it has not only beneficial features, but also some contraindications for use. Borago, also known as borage, is growing in wildlife, and is cultivated and widely used due to its medicinal properties and a pleasant aroma.

What is borage?

Borago is a fast-growing annual plant with edible, colorful blue flowers and leaves with the aroma of cucumbers. It is considered a weed, but is often grown in gardens as a flower and green vegetable or spicy herbs.

The leaves are used for food while they are young, because when mature they are covered with prickly down.

What does borage look like - photo

general description

Borago is an annual plant with bristly hairs all over its surface. It reaches a height of 75-90 cm and grows in abundance in all the wild highlands of Eastern Europe and Asia Minor.

Botanically, borage belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae), genus Borago and is scientifically called: Borago officinalis.

The herb is also known as star flower as it has five-petalled, bluish, beautiful star-shaped flowers. There is a variety of borage that has white flowers. The fruit is an oblong black nut.

Some of the other common names include: borage, borage, borage.

Borago has oval, dark green leaves. They are collected as early as possible, immediately after the flower buds appear, but before the flowers bloom. Young, tender leaves are added to salads, while older leaves can be used as a herb.

As the plant gets older, its leaves become hard, large and bitter in taste.

Smell and taste

The fresh borage plant has a slightly salty cucumber taste with notes of sweet onion and a cucumber aroma.

How to choose borage

Search only fresh leaves borage with a thick stem and a subtle cucumber scent that can be smelled from a short distance. Avoid wilted, yellow or dried greens as they have lost their flavor and aroma.

How to store borage

Borago can only stay fresh for a few hours and quickly loses its flavor.

Unlike other herbs such as oregano, which has dried leaves added to dishes; borage leaves are not dried, as they become tasteless.

Chemical composition

Borago contains many important phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimal health and wellness.

Nutritional value of fresh borago leaves (Borago officinalis) per 100 g.

Physiological role

Fresh borage has the following effects on the body:

• diaphoretic;
• diuretic;
• soothing;
• emollient;
• anti-inflammatory.

Useful properties of borage

Borago contains the essential gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), usually in concentrations of 17-20%. Linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that plays vital important role in restoring health, immunity, healthy skin and joints. Recommended for the treatment of arthritis, dermatitis, premenstrual pain conditions.

Fresh borage herb has high levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It is one of the powerful natural antioxidants that helps remove harmful free radicals from the body.

This aromatic herb is one of the richest sources of vitamin A (140% of daily norm) and carotene. Both of these compounds are strong flavonoid antioxidants. Together they act against free radicals and active forms oxygen (ROS), which cause the aging process and the emergence of various disease processes.

Vitamin A also has beneficial antioxidant properties. It is necessary for good vision and maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin. It is known that consumption natural products, rich in vitamins A and carotenes, helps the human body protect against lung and oral cancer.

Borage contains large amounts of minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc and magnesium. Potassium – important component cell fluids, which helps control heartbeat and blood pressure. In the body, manganese is used as a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is an important cofactor for cytochrome oxidase, which is a key enzyme in cellular metabolism. As a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, iron determines the oxygen capacity of the blood.

Borage also contains B vitamins, and is especially rich in niacin (vitamin B-3). Niacin helps reduce the level of "bad" LDL cholesterol in organism. Moreover, in this spicy herb Riboflavin, thiamine, pyridoxine and folate are present. These vitamins act as associated factors in the enzymatic metabolism of the body.

Borage is very beneficial for women because it contains high levels calcium and iron are elements that many women are deficient in.

A decoction of leaves and seeds is used in folk medicines to increase secretion breast milk in nursing mothers.

Borago is available as food supplement(both in capsules and in the form of extract or oil). The maximum dosage is usually one to two grams per day.

Contraindications (harm) of borage

Although side effects and harm to borage has not been identified; its leaves, flowers and seeds contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be hepatotoxic (damaging the liver), especially when high doses during long periods time.

Borage also contains compounds that, when large quantities may affect kidney function (possible diuretic effect).

Use of borage in cooking

As you remember, borage tastes and smells like cucumber, so it can be used as a substitute for the taste of this vegetable.
Borago can be used in large quantities, like other green vegetables.

How to prepare:

1. Wash fresh herbs in cold running water or place them in water for a few minutes to remove any dirt or pesticide residue.
2. Trim off tough parts of leaves and stem and discard.
3. Finely chop the greens so that you don't feel any lint.

Here are some tips on where to put borage:

• Young tender leaves of borage add a delicate cucumber aroma to salads and okroshka. They are placed not only in the absence of cucumbers, but also with them.
• The mature but still tender leaves can be used as a green vegetable in the same way as spinach. They go well with other greens, beans, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.
• Young leaves are used to make fresh juice with lemon added.
• Greens are used to flavor sauces and drinks (yogurt, mineral water and wine).
• The leaves are used when pickling cucumbers and other vegetables.
• Borago flowers are mixed into pancake batter and fried in oil.
• Fresh herbs can also be added to sausages, pizza and stuffed poultry.
• Borage tea is a popular refreshing drink in European countries.
• Borago flowers are used as edible decorations various dishes. They can also be candied: mix with lightly beaten egg white and granulated sugar, spread in a thin layer and dry.

Borage goes well with many fresh herbs: thyme, mint, parsley, garlic and fennel.

There are many health benefits that can be obtained from borage, but there are also contraindications. The main thing is to know how to use it and what dosage to take for safe and effective use.

borage is a flowering annual plant native to Syria, the leaves of which smell like fresh cucumbers. Other names for borage: borage, borage, borage, heart flower, etc. In most cases, we perceive this plant as a weed, because grows almost everywhere - along roadsides, in vacant lots, landfills, vegetable gardens, etc. However, in Western Europe borage is grown as a vegetable plant, and has also been used since ancient times as a folk medical product. Let's find out how borage is useful and whether it can cause harm to health.

Borage is a stiff-haired plant with a stem length reaching 1 meter, which blooms with fairly large five-petaled dark blue flowers. Flowering time – June – August. After this, a fruit is formed - an oblong tuberculate nut.

IN chemical composition leaves contain the following substances:

• ascorbic acid;
• lemon acid;
• Apple acid;
• microelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.);
• mucous substances;
• tannins;
• saponins;
• tannins.

Borago flowers contain essential oil and mucilage.

Useful properties and uses of borage (borage)

It is known that borage is used in homeopathy to prepare various medications, and is also included in some dietary supplements. It is recommended to add borage leaves to food, which not only improves the taste of dishes, but also contributes to the following:

• improvement of digestion processes;
• normalization of metabolic processes in the body;
• prevention inflammatory processes in the intestines and kidneys;
• excretion;
• calm nervous system;
• normalization of work and strengthening of blood vessels.

The benefits of borage are not limited to this. The plant also has a mild laxative effect, has a diuretic, diaphoretic and enveloping effect, helps with various types pain – rheumatic, muscular, gouty, etc.

Young borage can be used as an additive to vinaigrettes, sauces, side dishes, okroshka, cold vegetable soups, meat and fish dishes. Ripe leaves can be used like spinach - stewed, boiled and fried, as well as in pickles and marinades. Flowers can be used fresh or candied as a delicacy, and oil can be prepared from borage roots, which is added to cheeses, syrups, essences, cold drinks, and wines.

Dishes with cucumber herb will be useful for women who want to lose weight. Due to its low calorie content and ability to improve metabolic processes In the body, this plant will help you quickly get rid of extra pounds.

The plant can also be used as an external remedy for preparing anti-aging folk remedies for the face - masks, lotions. Both fresh and dried young leaves are suitable for this. From a decoction prepared from the leaves, you can apply compresses to help relieve painful sensations and promoting speedy healing in case of injuries and. In cosmetology, borage seed oil is used, which has a beneficial effect on the skin.

Harm and contraindications of borage

Any plant can have not only benefits, but also harm, and borage is no exception. It should be consumed in moderation, because... long-term use in large quantities can negatively affect the functioning of the liver. Therefore, it is not recommended to use this plant for more than a month - you should take short breaks.

The plant called "borage" is also called "borage" or "borage grass" because its leaves smell like a fresh cucumber.

Titles in other languages:

• German Gurkenkraut;
• English Borage;
• fr. Bourrache.

This plant is very popular in European countries and is grown as a vegetable. In addition to its fresh smell, borage also produces pretty cornflower blue flowers.

Appearance

• Borago is a herbaceous plant. Its height is up to one meter.
• The stem is straight, the flowers are blue, and the leaves are oblong.
• The leaves have stiff hairs.
• Stems are ribbed.
• Flowers are 5-petalled.

Borage flowers are blue, with 5 petals

The leaves of borage are rough and covered with fine hairs.

Leaves with a rough surface, covered with fine hairs

Where does it grow?

By origin, this plant comes from Syria.

The wild form of borage is found in South America, North Africa, Asia Minor, and also in southern Europe.

As a weed, this plant can be seen in vegetable gardens and fields in southwestern Russia.

Peculiarities

• The leaves have pleasant smell and a taste reminiscent of cucumber.
• High nutritional value.
• The scope of borage is very wide, including medicine and cooking.

Borage is easily recognized by its flowers and stiff hairs.

In many countries, borage is often used in the preparation and decoration of dishes.

Nutritional value and calorie content

• Calorie content per 100 grams: 21 Kcal.

The nutritional value per 100 gr.:

• Protein – 1.8 g,
• Fat – 0 g,
• Carbohydrates – 3.06 g.

Protein 34%, carbohydrates 58%, fat 0%.

The main value of flowers lies in their essential oils.

Borago contains ( daily norm in 100 g):

• vitamin A (88%),
• vitamin C (54%),
• iron (20%),
• calcium (10%).

Chemical composition

In flowers contains essential oils as well as mucous substances.

In the leaves There is mineral salts(the plant is rich in potassium), tannins, ascorbic acid, saponins, malic acid, carotene, citric acid and mucilage, so they are often used in cooking.

Borago is a great addition for vegetable salad

Flowers are not only beautiful, but also valuable to obtain. essential oil

Flowers will be an excellent decoration for any drink.

Benefit

• Borage leaves contain a significant amount of carotene, tannin and organic acids. They also contain mucilaginous substances, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.
• The seeds contain quite a lot of fatty oils.
• Borago is included in the pharmacopoeia of many European countries, so this plant is included in some dietary supplements.
• Nutritionists advise adding borage to dishes for people with digestive problems, vascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.
• The flowers contain a significant amount of mucous substances, as well as essential oils.

Harm

• Long-term use borage may impair liver function.
• Experts warn that borage should be used continuously for no longer than one month.
• Also, you should not take borage as an independent medicine– it is better to include this plant in the composition of the medicinal collection.

Oil

Borage seeds contain fatty vegetable oils. Thanks to a significant number fatty acids, including essential linoleic and linolenic acid, as well as the content of vitamins E, A and F, the oil of this plant has beneficial influence on the skin. It enhances its protective function, promotes moisture retention, and increases elasticity.

Borage oil is valued all over the world for its healing properties

You can buy this oil in capsules at a pharmacy.

At home, you can grind the seeds and take a quarter teaspoon three times a day.

Using borage oil is effective for acne, different types rashes, eczema, and various inflammatory processes.

Fresh Juice

• Borage juice is recommended for fever, infectious diseases(scarlet fever, smallpox, rubella), urolithiasis, cystitis, kidney inflammation, stones gallbladder, swelling.
• Taking fresh juice helps reduce the excitability of the nervous system, eliminate insomnia, fears, and depression.

Cucumber juice will help you calm down and get rid of many diseases.

To obtain fresh juice:

1. The lower leaves of borage need to be washed first. cold water and then boiling water.
2. Pass them through a meat grinder,
3. Squeeze and dilute 1 to 1 with whey or water.
4. Boil the resulting liquid over low heat for three minutes.

Accept Fresh Juice Borage is needed before meals 3-4 times a day, 3 tablespoons.

Application

Borago is often recommended by nutritionists for consumption

In cooking

• In Europe, borage is grown as a vegetable plant because young borage leaves have a refreshing taste, reminiscent of cucumber, which has an onion flavor. That is why this plant is often replaced with cucumbers in cold soups, salads, sauces and other dishes.
• Young borage leaves, picked before the plant blooms, are added to salads. Seven-lobed leaves are preferable, as they are particularly tender. Later, the leaves become coarser and become covered with hairs, but they can also be consumed.
• Borago roots collected in the fall are added to cheeses, sour cream, cottage cheese, and butter. They are also used to create the aroma of syrups, essences, punches, wines, vinegars, tinctures and other drinks.
• Borage is added to the minced meat, fried fish or minced meat to add a piquant taste.
• Borago combines well with other green vegetables, such as cabbage or celery.
• The shoots of this plant, after sautéing or blanching, can be served as a side dish.

Borage flowers are also eaten - dried, fresh or candied. They make nice decorations confectionery, drinks or salads.

Candied borage flowers are perfect for decorating your cake.

Borage is also a good honey plant. The honey turns out light and tasty.

Borage makes delicious honey

To ensure that cucumber leaves served with hot dishes or salads do not lose their aroma, season the dishes before serving.

Cut the borage leaves before serving to help them retain their flavor better.

Borage can be used to make a refreshing lemonade. To do this, take one handful of fresh leaves of the plant, as well as a handful of lemon balm/mint/parsley leaves. Grind the plants (you can use a blender), adding chopped lemon without peel. Fill everything with several glasses cold water, add a spoonful of agave syrup, stevia or maple syrup, and ice cubes.

Healthy and unusual lemonade will not leave anyone indifferent

For a delicious spring salad chop 100 g of borage leaves, boiled potatoes and 40 g of green onions. Season with sour cream.

In the USA, borage is often used to make pureed soups and, of course, decorate cooked dishes with flowers.

IN fresh flowers can be a decoration for absolutely any dish

In medicine

With the aim of medicinal use Borago is harvested during flowering. The plant is finely chopped and dried under a canopy. Borage can also be frozen.

Properties of borage that are used in medicine:

• Diuretic, laxative, diaphoretic - in young shoots.
• The decoction has a calming and tonic effect.
• The fresh plant has a positive effect on blood vessels, joints, liver, heart, intestines, and metabolism.
• Decrease in temperature, decrease blood pressure, increase lactation - with tea (pour 1 tsp of flowers or 1 tbsp of dried stems with 250 ml of boiling water).
• Reduce sweating - with infusion (borage and strawberry leaves 1:1, drink instead of tea).
• Healing of burns, abrasions, ulcers, wounds on the skin - with infusion (pour a handful of dried leaves into 500 ml of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes).

Borago heals wounds well and soothes

For weight loss

Fresh borage juice has also been shown to have an effect on excess weight. To lose weight, drink this juice 2 times a day. It can be consumed on its own or combined with celery juice.

• Landing: sowing seeds in the ground - before winter or in early spring.
• Bloom: in June-July.
• Lighting: bright sunlight.
• The soil: fertile, loose, moist, neutral reaction.
• Watering: only during dry periods.
• Feeding: When growing on poor soils, it is advisable to add complex mineral fertilizer in liquid form to the soil 2-3 times per season.
• Reproduction: seed.
• Diseases: leaf spotting.
• Pests: whiteflies.
• Properties: the plant has healing properties.

Read more about growing borage below.

Borage - description

The herb borage is an annual stiff-haired plant from 60 to 100 cm high with a tap root, a thick straight or ascending ribbed rod, hollow inside and branching at the top. The lower stem and basal leaves of the plant with a rounded top have an oval or elliptical shape, and the upper stem leaves are oblong-ovate, broadly linear and stem-encompassing. The leaves of borage, like the stems, are covered with whitish subulate hairs. The dark blue flowers of borage are located on long stalks, densely covered with protruding bristles, and are collected in curls that form a corymbose panicle. The fruits of borage are oblong-ovoid, tuberous and wrinkled nuts up to 5 mm long. Seeds ripening in nuts remain viable for up to three years and are easily spilled onto the ground when ripe.

Growing borage in the garden

Planting borage

Growing borage is not difficult: it grows quickly, has enviable frost resistance and reproduces so easily by self-sowing that it can be very difficult to remove it from the site. Planting borage and caring for this unpretentious plant does not contain any subtleties.

In the photo: Growing borage or borage

Borago seeds are sown before winter or early spring, but if you need not medicinal raw materials, but only tender greens, you can sow borage all summer every two weeks.

Borage grows best on fertile, loose, well-moistened neutral soils, which are freed from weeds before sowing and fertilized with organic matter for digging at the rate of 5-6 kg per m².

Borago seeds are sown when sown to a depth of 1-2 cm, and the rows are placed at a distance of 40-45 cm from each other. When seedlings appear, they are thinned out in increments of 15-20 cm.

Caring for borage

Caring for borage consists of watering the area during the dry season, weeding and loosening the soil between the rows. If you grow borage for decorative purposes, you need to remove it to extend the flowering period. wilted flowers and faded shoots. When growing borage on poor soils You can add universal mineral fertilizer to the soil in the form of a solution. The growing season of borage is from 70 to 80 days.

Collection and storage of borage

IN medicinal purposes use grass, flowers and borage seeds. The leaves can be harvested during flowering: they are cut into thin strips, laid out in one layer on cloth or paper and dried in the shade in the air or in a room with good ventilation. When using a dryer, set the temperature to no higher than 40˚C.

Collected borage flowers are poured with sugar syrup or honey and stored in the refrigerator, but you can dry and store them like leaves.

Borage seeds are collected when the fruits become Brown color. They are laid out in one layer on paper or cloth, ripened and dried under the same conditions as borage grass or flowers. Dry fruits are threshed.

Store borage raw materials in a dry and cool place no more than a year.

Types and varieties of borage

Most Popular vegetable varieties of borage are:

• Vladykinskoe Semko: This plant has large, oval, heavily pubescent leaves, large blue flowers and a strong cucumber smell;
• Dwarf– resistant to low temperatures variety with a branched stem and a strong cucumber aroma.

The varieties Aprelsky, Rucheek and Okroshka are also in demand among gardeners. Ornamental borage presented in two varieties:

• Alba– a plant with white flowers;
• Variegata– variegated form of borage.

Properties of borage (borage) - harm and benefit

Beneficial properties of borage

The medicinal properties of cucumber have been known for a long time. In the past, borage leaves were used to treat gout, joint arthritis and skin diseases caused by metabolic disorders. The plant contains resins, carotene, ascorbic acid, malic acid and citric acid, oil, potassium and calcium.

In the photo: How borage blooms in the garden

Borage is a diaphoretic, enveloping, sedative, mild laxative and diuretic. Borage oil, taken orally, normalizes metabolism in the body, stimulates immune system and improves emotional condition, enhancing the production of joy hormones. This drug is effective for stomach ulcers and gastritis. Borage contains hormones that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the adrenal glands, which is necessary after taking steroids. When used externally, the oil helps fast healing wound

In cosmetology, borage oil is used to care for problematic and sensitive skin face: the drug increases the ability of the epidermis to retain moisture. Borage oil is included in anti-cellulite creams to eliminate stretch marks on the skin; it is also used to produce anti-aging cosmetics designed to combat premature aging, dryness and sagging skin.

In addition to oil, there are such dosage forms borage as an infusion of flowers, an infusion of herbs and a cold infusion of leaves.

The nutritional qualities of borage are most widely used in American cuisine. Residents of the New World use not only the leaves, but also the flowers of the plant for food: the leaves are added to salads, combining them with spinach, lettuce, onions and cucumbers, and the flowers are a natural flavoring agent for punch and soft drinks. Borage flowers are also eaten in candied form, like candied fruits, and dried flowers are added to bakery products and confectionery products.

Borage - contraindications

Borage preparations are not recommended for use longer than one month, as this can lead to liver problems. Those who suffer from diseases of this organ or have an individual intolerance to borage should not eat borage.

Moreover, this plant is universal - suitable for preparing soups and desserts.

This is an annual herbaceous plant up to 30-50 cm high. The stem is branched. The lower leaves are oblong-ovate, petiolate, wrinkled, the upper leaves are oblong-lanceolate, sessile.

As you can see in the photo, the borage plant has small, blue, drooping flowers on long stalks with a bell-shaped corolla:

Blooms in June-July. Ripen in July-September.

The plant's homeland is the African coast Mediterranean Sea And Asia Minor. The leaves and flowers of the plant have been used since ancient times to lift spirits and increase the courage of Roman soldiers. In the 15th century, borage flowers began to be used to lift spirits.

Often found as a weed in fields and wastelands in the Crimea, the Caucasus and Central Asia. It is cultivated as a vegetable crop, as the leaves have a pleasant cucumber smell and are widely used in salads; they are sprinkled on top of boiled vegetables.

Growing and caring for borage

Cucumber is grown on light, non-acidic, well-moistened, fertile soils. Sow borage before winter or early spring to a depth of 1.5-2 cm. Row spacing is 40-45 cm. The sowing rate for borage seeds is 3-4 g/m2. The seedlings are thinned out twice, leaving 15-20 cm between plants. The growing season is 70-80 days.

Caring for cucumber grass involves keeping the soil loose and free of weeds. During the growing season, at least three inter-row treatments are carried out: starting from the phase of 3-4 true leaves until the plants in the row close. The depth of treatment is increased from 5-6 cm to 10-12 cm. If it is necessary to control weeds in the row, one or two hand weedings are carried out.

Harvest by hand in the phase of a well-developed rosette until the flowering stem appears. Plants are cut at soil level or pulled out by the roots; before placing them in containers, the soil must be removed from the roots.

Usually, diseases and pests are not observed on the grass and you can do without the use of pesticides.

When cutting raw materials, do not forget that the plant is an annual plant and seeds will be needed for sowing next year. Therefore, leave 3-4 plants. There is no need to wait until all the seeds are ripe. If you wait for the last ones, then the first largest ones will simply crumble. Therefore, when the last flowers begin to bloom, cut off the flower stalks and place them on paper in a dry place. As they dry, the unripe borage seeds will ripen, and the ripened ones will spill out onto the paper. After that, you can collect them and wait for the next season.

Borage grows wild very easily and can become a malicious weed, so when growing in fields and gardens, its growth must be carefully monitored so that it does not spread to areas occupied by other plants.

Look at what borage borage looks like in the photo when grown in the garden:

Beneficial properties of borage seeds and flowers

The medicinal raw materials are grass, flowers and seeds of the plant. The grass is cut off during flowering close to the ground and cleared of poor-quality lower leaves. Dry in the sun, laying out a thin layer, or in a ventilated area.

Seeds can be collected in unlimited quantities, however, one must take into account the fact that the seeds quickly fall off, and when brought to ripeness indoors, the seeds can be eaten.

The beneficial properties of borage borage are due to the fact that it contains up to 30% mucous substances, saponins, tannins, traces of essential oil, organic acids, resins, flavonoids, allantoin, carotenes, vitamins, silicic acid. Also, the benefits of borage are due to the content of magnesium salts, manganese, potassium nitrate and others.

The flowers are also edible. They decorate different dishes, especially salads. In drinks, borage leaves enhance the existing aroma; they do not transfer their smell to drinks. The flowers are also eaten candied.

Medicines from borage herb

Medications made from borage can have a sedative, diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, metabolic regulating, enveloping, and antirheumatic effect.

To treat kidney diseases, drink fresh juice. To do this, collect the lower leaves, wash them with water, scald them with boiling water, turn them through a meat grinder and squeeze them through a cloth. Before use, the juice is diluted with whey or boiled water in equal parts, boil for three minutes. You need to drink juice 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals, 3 tablespoons.

To treat heart diseases, make an infusion from the leaves and flowers of the herb: two tablespoons of crushed dry raw materials are poured into 250 ml of boiling water, cover the container, leave for five hours, and filter. It is recommended to drink the infusion 5-6 times a day, two tablespoons, 30 minutes before meals. Treatment lasts 1-2 weeks.

Borage is also widely used in the treatment of depression. In this case, freshly squeezed juice helps - drink a tablespoon three times a day.

To treat gout, lotions are made from herbs on sore joints. To do this, fresh leaves are kneaded and dry leaves are steamed with boiling water. By imposing on sore spot grass, polyethylene is placed on top, and wrapped in a warm cloth. It is better to do such compresses at night. You should also take into account that the grass can stain bedding and compress fabric.

For neurodermatitis and skin irritations juice helps. It is diluted 1:1 with water and then the affected areas are treated.

If the menstrual cycle, dry collection helps rheumatism: take one tablespoon of raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water, leave until it cools, filter. Drink the infusion one tablespoon three times a day. It has also been noted that the use of the plant helps alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

The plant can be included in diet menu for diseases of blood vessels, gall bladder, kidneys, heart attack, cardiac neuroses: the plant tends to regulate metabolism and reduce the excitability of the nervous system. For the same reason, the herb helps with insomnia.

At nervous disorders, colitis, joint pain caused by colds, for gastritis with low acidity, prepare the following decoction: 20 g of leaves should be boiled for 10 minutes in 250 ml of water, over low heat. Drink a tablespoon of the decoction 3 times a day before meals. Since the leaves appear in early spring, they are recommended to be included regularly in your diet to reduce the severity of symptoms of vitamin deficiency.

Cucumber herb recipes: salads and okroshka

The leaves are used as a substitute for cucumbers in okroshka, vegetable, mushroom and meat salads, vinaigrettes, cold borscht, and as a seasoning for meat, fish and cereal dishes. Various drinks are prepared from the flowers with the addition of honey, wine, vegetable and berry juices, fruit drinks, and flowers are added to kvass and tea. The roots collected in the fall are used to flavor wines and add flavor to beer and liqueurs.

When preparing various dishes using cucumber herb recipes, you should use only fresh leaves, as dried or frozen ones lose their aroma. This also applies to hot dishes - it is recommended to season them before serving. A small amount of finely chopped greens will significantly improve the taste of a stew or fish dish.

Salad with pepper and sauerkraut

Ingredients: 300 g borage leaves, 300 g sweet pepper, 300 g sauerkraut, vegetable oil.

Combine washed, finely chopped cucumber grass with slices of sweet pepper, add cabbage. Dress salad with cucumber herb vegetable oil.

Salad with tomatoes and nuts

Compound: 100 g chopped borage leaves, 200 g, 5 chopped walnuts. Mix everything, season with vegetable oil.

Meshcherskaya okroshka

Finely chop and grind a few young borage leaves. 4-5 watercress leaves, 60 g green onions, 1 tbsp. finely chop. Add 80 g boiled potatoes, diced, 1 egg, 80 g boiled meat or sausages, sour cream, salt and sugar to taste. Before serving, pour kvass over the okroshka with cucumber herb.

Okroshka with kvass

Boiled potatoes, meat and eggs are finely chopped, green onions and the eggs are ground with salt with a pestle; everything is mixed with chopped cucumber grass, poured with kvass, finely chopped dill, sugar, and mustard are added.

At 0.5 l bread kvass- 60 g boiled beef or sausage, 50 g potatoes, 60 g cucumber, 40 g green onions, 15 g dill, 1 egg, 30 g sour cream, salt, sugar, mustard.

Recipes for dishes made from borage cucumber herb

Beetroot

Compound: 0.5 liters of beet broth, 2-3 boiled potatoes, 1 boiled beets, 200 g of chopped cucumber, other greens (to taste), sour cream, salt. Chop vegetables and herbs, pour beet broth (you can use kvass - then you get okroshka), season with sour cream. You can add to this dish boiled eggs and meat.

Cream soup with spicy herbs

For 165 ml of water - 1 bunch of borage, dill, tarragon and basil, 2 bunches of chives and herbs, 2 tsp. sugar, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. ground allspice, 2-3 tbsp. lemon juice, 5 tbsp. any vegetable oil, except sunflower, 1/2 tsp. mayonnaise and sour cream, 100 g fresh cottage cheese, 2 hard eggs. Rinse the greens, drain, remove the stems, chop finely, place in a porcelain bowl, sprinkle with lemon juice, mix with vegetable oil and let steep for 5 minutes. IN hot water add mayonnaise, cottage cheese, sour cream and beat with a mixer. Then chop the eggs, herbs and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Serve in small cups as a separate dish with croutons or as a sauce for fish.

Borago stew

Borage leaves are boiled in a small amount of salted water, wiped and served with butter.

Candied flowers

A layer of sugar is poured into a clay pot, a layer of fresh flowers is placed on it, another layer of sugar is placed on top, etc. A thick layer of sugar is placed on top. Store in a cool place.

Leaf tea

6-8 borage leaves are poured with two glasses of boiling water and left for 15-20 minutes. Drink for sore throats and to improve blood circulation, as well as a diuretic and sedative.

Here you can see photos of borage dishes prepared according to the above recipes: