Cucumber grass is a one-year-old flowering plant that comes from Syria, whose leaves look like fresh cucumbers. Other names of cucumber grass: borage, borage, borage, heart flower, etc. In most cases, this plant is perceived as a weed, because we can not eat it. grows almost everywhere - along roadsides, on wastelands, dumps, kitchen gardens, etc. However, in Western Europe, cucumber grass is grown as a vegetable plant, and since ancient times it has been used as a folk medicine. We learn how useful cucumber grass, and whether it can cause health harm.
Description and chemical composition of berry grass
Cucumber grass is a stiff-haired plant with a stem length reaching 1 meter, which blooms quite large five-petalled flowers of dark blue color. The flowering time is June-August. After this, a fruit is formed - an oblong tubercle nutlet.
In the chemical composition of the leaves are such substances:
- ascorbic acid;
- lemon acid;
- Apple acid;
- microelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.);
- mucous substances;
- tannins;
- saponins;
- tannins.
Borage flowers contain essential oil and mucus.
Useful properties and application of cucumber grass (borago)
It is known that cucumber grass is used in homeopathy for the preparation of various medicines, and is also part of some dietary supplements. Leaves of cucumber grass is recommended to add 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 of inflammatory processes in the intestines and kidneys;
- elimination of toxins ;
- calming the nervous system;
- normalization of work and strengthening of blood vessels.
The benefits of cucumber grass is not only this. Also, the plant has a mild, relaxing effect, has a diuretic, diaphoretic and enveloping effect, helps with various types of pain - rheumatic, muscular, gouty, etc.
Young cucumber grass can be used as an additive to vinaigrettes, sauces, garnishes, okroshke, vegetable cold soups, dishes from meat and fish. Mature leaves can be used as spinach - in stewed, boiled and fried form, as well as in pickles and marinades. Flowers can be used fresh and candied as a treat, and from the roots of cucumber grass to prepare butter, which is added to cheeses, syrups, essences, cold drinks, wines.
Dishes with cucumber grass will be useful for women who want to lose weight. Thanks to low caloric content and the ability to improve metabolic processes in the body, this plant will help to get rid of excess pounds faster.
Also, the plant can be used as an external agent for the preparation of rejuvenating folk remedies for face - masks, lotions. For this, both fresh and dried young leaves are suitable. From the decoction prepared on the basis of leaves, it is possible
Harm and contra-indication of cucumber grass
Any plant can not only benefit, but also harm, and cucumber grass is no exception. Use it in food should be moderated, tk. long-term administration in large quantities may adversely affect the functioning of the liver. Therefore, it is not recommended to use this plant for more than a month - you should make small breaks.