BORAGE or Starflower

This borage is growing my Chichester garden. Borage grows well in pots or windowsills. It is essentially a wild flower and tends to spread rapidly in the garden.

Borage is often considered a rather boring herb as the leaves have little fragrance or taste (they have a cucumber flavour). However, on further investigation I found there to be lots of interest about this herb.

Borage is also known as Starflower in reference to its five petalled star-like flowers which are attractive to bees as they are rich in nectar. It is said that the blue colour of the flower was the inspiration for Madonna's robes in Renaissance paintings. Borage grows well near tomatoes and acts as a natural pest control. Perhaps the most interesting point of all is the link between borage and cancer management.

Borage leaves

Borage leaves are rather rough and hairy. They have a cucumber flavour when chopped and put into salads. But do pick the leaves when young and tender, and do not use too much as the texture is not always pleasant. If you have an abundance of borage, the leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach. They lose their hairness when cooked.

Borage leaves do not dry well as they tend to lose their flavour.

Borage for courage

The Greeks and Romans considered borage to be a source of courage and comfort. Blooms are said to have floated in the drinks enjoyed by Crusaders before battle. Today borage flowers made an attractive additions to Pimms, Claret Cups and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Elizabeth Peplow remarks that maybe it is the wine that brings the courage rather than the borage - but adds that recent research indicates that borage brings cheer to the heart and pushes melancholy out of the window.

Borage leaves can be candied before adding to drinks, but as you can see from this photo they can simply be allowed to float on the drink (a glass of chilled rose in this instance) and make a good talking point.

Borage and GLA

In recent years, borage seed (extracted from the flower) has been shown to contain gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, which is active against various cancers, including breast, brain and prostate. It is thought to help prevent the spread of malignant tumours by restricting blood vessel growth.

In fact, borage seed has the most potent concentration of gamma linoleic acid found in nature, containing twice as much as is found in the evening primrose which is commonly used to help with pre-menstrual syndrome.

It is now possible to buy capsules of borage seed oil from health food shops for supplementing your diet. Borage seed oil is also used for massage.

SAGE varieties

Purple, variaged and tangerine sage at Stansted Garden Centre, Sussex

Sage in my Chichester garden

Above are some varieties of Sage. It is interesting that there is tangerine sage, pineapple sage and blackcurrant sage. Why is there this link with fruit? And how are the different varieties created?

Sage and rosemary hair rinse

Use sage (purple sage is best) as a hair rinse for brunettes and those with dark hair turning grey. This hair rinse is on page 132 of The Herb Book by Elizabeth Peplow but I have adapted it using fresh sage and rosemary. Place a handful (around 30 sage leaves) with a handful (30 fresh sprigs) of rosemary and three teabags in an earthenware jug (I used a plastic one, I'm afraid). Add 1 litre of boiling water. Strain into an earthenware jug through muslin. Cover and allow to cool. Use as a final rinse after shampooing your hair. (Pour it over your hair into a basin, so you can repeat the process several times).

Liver with Sage and Lemon

Guest cook, Richard Atkinson, uses sage and lemon to add flavour to his favourite liver dish. The recipe is on page 49 of The Aga Book by Mary Berry.

Sage Tea

To be enjoyed daily to help reduce excessive perspiration, night sweats and menstrual cramps. Sage has a reputation for promoting good health and long life, so use it as often as you can. Sage tea can also be used as a refreshing mouth rinse or gargle help relieve sore and diseased gums. This tea was made to a recipe on page 131 of The Herb Book by Elizabeth Peplow.

Leek, potato and sage soup

Delicious soup made from a recipe on page 12 of Stay Slim with Herbs and Spices by Elizabeth Peplow.

Introducing the Archivist

We are proud to announce that Mr Reg Peplow has agreed to share his extensive knowledge and also his library of herbal books to help further our research.