BORAGE ==========================

     CULTIVATION:  ============ Borage is a  annual or sometimes biennial herb,
     with  erect  hairy stem and up to 2-3  feet in height. It has bright blue,
     drooping stare-shaped flowers.

     Borage  needs  an open and sunny location.  The soil should be light, dry,
     and  well  drained. Seed on site, or  singly  in pots in spring for summer
     flowers,  and in autumn for spring flowers. Will self seed freely on light
     soil.  Gemination  time  is about 14 days,  and  plant matures in 80 days.
     Grows  in  zone  3-10. Set 12 inches  apart,  and plant among roses. It is
     possible to grow small plants indoors.

     Pinch off young leaves as needed. To extend the harvest pinch off flowers.
     Borage is only good when fresh. Dry flowers, or freeze in ice cubes.

     CULINARY  USES:  ============== Add young leaves  to  cold drinks, or chop
     finely  and  add  to salads, soft  cheese,  and sandwiches. Flowers can be
     sprinkled into salads, or used as a garnish.

     Fresh  borage  leaves when crushed  will release a cucumber-scented juice.
     Old leaves are unpleasant and fuzzy.

     Do  not  tear or cut the leaves until  you are actually ready to use them.
     When  you  cut into a food rich in  vitamin C, its cells release an enzyme
     called Ascorbic acid oxidase. This chemical destroys vitamin C and reduces
     the nutritional value of the food.

     The  flowers  make  an attractive  crystallized  decoration  for cakes and
     desserts.  Select  newly  opened flowers and pick  as  soon as the dew has
     dried  from  them. Place them on grease  proof paper and brush each flower
     carefully  with  a  strong  sugar syrup  using  a  small  paintbrush. Dust
     completely  with  sieved sugar and allow  to dry at room temperature until
     hard. Store with the grease proof paper in airtight jar.

     MEDICAL  USES:  =============  Borage  may be  of  some  help in relieving
     catarrh and colds and the headaches associated with them.

     Make a hot infusion by adding 1 tablespoon of finely chopped borage leaves
     to  a  cup of boiling water. Let  stand for 5-10 minutes before straining,
     and  then drink. Borage tea stimulates the kidney, and this is most useful
     in feverish conditions.

     A  standard  infusion of borage leaves is  a  tonic to the adrenal glands,
     which  react  to  stress. This may be  the  results of its high content of
     calcium,  potassium, and mineral salts. Borage  flowers and leaves in wine
     have a traditional reputation of relieving nervous tension during times of
     stress.

     Borage  can  be  used in a salt free  diet,  as  borage is rich in mineral
     salts. Borage is also a refrigerator, it cools the body.

     WARNING:  ======== Because borage is high in calcium, it may be prohibited
     for people who form calcium oxalate kidney stones.

     OTHER  USES:  =========== Plant near  strawberries  as they stimulate each
     other's growth. Add flowers to a summer arrangement.









     COSMETIC  USES: ============== BORAGE FACE PACK : This is useful for those
     with  dry skin. Make it by adding 1  egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of almond oil
     to  a borage infusion. Add this to a  past made with 1/4 ounce fresh yeast
     and  a  little water, and apply the  mixture  evenly to clean, dried skin.
     Leave  for at least 10 minutes before  rinsing it off with cold water. Pat
     carefully with a soft towel.