Borage is a popular herb and medicinal plant in many parts of the world. Borage tea made from it is also becoming increasingly popular. In addition to the tasty aroma, this is due to the health-promoting properties of the tea. FITBOOK knows what these are.
Borage tea is one of the oldest types of tea in European culture and was enjoyed as a hot and medicinal drink as early as the Middle Ages. It is obtained from borage (Borago officinalis), a plant that belongs to the borage family and flowers from May to September. Both the health and the psyche should benefit from the healthy effects of borage tea.
What ailments should borage tea help with?
In alternative medicine, borage is a popular remedy for all sorts of health problems and is added to numerous phytotherapeutic and homeopathic medicines. For external use, borage tea is used in the form of poultices and baths and is intended to wound healing minor injuries and accelerate the healing of unpleasant abscesses. Consumed as a tea, borage is said to help light fever and the to lower blood pressure and regulate cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, regular consumption of borage tea is said to help with problems falling asleep and staying asleep and to have a mood-enhancing effect.
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What active ingredients are in the tea?
Borage tea contains tannins and essential oils, which provide the tart aroma and anti-inflammatory effect. The high salary Vitamin C, strengthens the immune system and the mucilage contained helps to regulate blood sugar and absorb toxins. In addition, borage contains a lot of gamma-linolenic acid, a triple unsaturated one Omega 6 fatty acidwhich is essential for brain function, and palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid involved in energy metabolism and Vitamin-D-Production contributes. The tea is also rich in pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These are natural substances that are harmful to health in large quantities and especially those burden the liver.1
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Is the effect of borage tea scientifically proven?
The ingredients and biochemical modes of action of the borage herb have been extensively researched, but to what extent they affect the human organism and are actually health-promoting is unclear to date. In order to be able to assume a beneficial effect with certainty, further research is required. A few study results already provide indications of the potentially beneficial effect of borage tea. For example, US researchers were able to demonstrate an anti-inflammatory effect of borage extracts and oil in rheumatoid Arthritis determine.2,3
In traditional Chinese medicine, borage tea is also recommended for liver problems. A Chinese research team has investigated to what extent enjoying the hot drink promotes detoxification and came to the conclusion that the antioxidant Components have a catalyzing effect on the metabolic processes within the liver.4
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Are there possible risks and side effects?
Since borage has a high concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids – secondary plant substances, which have a toxic effect on the body in large quantities – one should not consume more than two cups of tea a day. Pregnant, breastfeeding and people with previous illnesses should first talk to their doctor about the extent to which consumption is safe.
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Where do you get borage tea and how is it prepared?
Borage tea can be purchased in most pharmacies, organic markets, drugstores and health food stores. To prepare a cup, pour 250 milliliters of boiling water over a heaped teaspoon with about four grams of the tea mixture, let it steep for 15 minutes and then strain the infusion. The drink can be served hot and cold.
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How does borage tea taste?
Borage tea is considered a classic herbal tea and has a bitter basic taste paired with an intense mint-tart aroma. This gives the borage tea its characteristic sour note, which also makes the tea taste good when served cold as a refreshing iced tea.