Borage or cucumber grass - a plant known for a long time, which has a lot of useful properties. First appeared in Syria, for its growth prefers a warm climate. Often cucumber grass can be found in southern Europe, in Africa, and also in Asia. Sow the seeds only once, and then they are updated self-sowing. Borago prefers to grow on wet soil and meets near places of waste accumulation or in the garden, so it is often taken for a weed. Known from ancient times, cucumber grass is used for medicinal purposes, and thanks to its smell of fresh cucumber is also in cooking. For example, for salads, young leaves of cucumber grass are used. Also, borago can be used not only as a side dish or stuffing, but also as an independent dish. In any case, it will sate the food with its unique cucumber aroma.
Chemical composition of borago
The chemical composition of cucumber grass consists of natural components, because it is useful and dietary. Leaves of borago include a lot of substances, among which are ascorbic acid , carotene, potassium, organic apple and citric acid, mucous compounds. Of the inflorescences of borago produce also essential oil, which is successfully used in pharmacology.
The composition of borago contains a considerable amount:
Useful and harmful properties of borago
Cucumber grass has established itself as an excellent neurological and cardiovascular tool. It helps to cope with various types of neuroses, depressions, and also improves the state of the cardiovascular system. Because of the enveloping action of mucous substances, borago is recommended for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the low content of calories and the ability to improve metabolism, eating cucumber grass helps to lose weight, so it is recommended by dietitians for inclusion in the diet . Borago has a wide range of beneficial effects - it is useful to add it to salads to people suffering from hypertension, kidney or heart problems. It must be remembered that for medicinal purposes the herb should only be taken after a doctor's consultation. Despite all the useful qualities, prolonged intake of borago can cause impaired liver function. Therefore, its use should not exceed 30 days. As for infusions of cucumber grass, it is not recommended to use it in its pure form, but it is better to include it in the composition of herbal preparations.