🌿 Borage

{"conditions_treated": ["Adrenal fatigue and stress (adrenal tonic \u2014 one of the best herbs for adrenal support)", "Depression and melancholy ('gladdening the heart' \u2014 traditional mood elevator)", "Dry, inflamed skin conditions (eczema, dermatitis \u2014 high GLA/mucilage content)", "Fevers and inflammation (cooling; promotes sweating)", "Respiratory congestion and dry cough (moistening expectorant; soothes irritated membranes)", "Rheumatoid arthritis (GLA is anti-inflammatory)", "PMS and menopausal symptoms (GLA helps regulate prostaglandins)", "Urinary tract irritation (demulcent \u2014 soothes urinary tract)", "Hangover (traditional 'morning after' remedy \u2014 source of 'borage for courage')"], "preparation_methods": ["Borage tea: 1-2 tsp fresh/dried leaves and flowers steeped 10 min; for adrenal support, melancholy, and fevers (drink cool for fevers)", "Borage lemonade: Fresh flowers and leaves infused in lemonade as 'cooling' summer drink", "Borage tincture: 1:5 in 40% alcohol; 2-4ml 3x daily for adrenal support", "Infused oil: Borage flowers in carrier oil for skin conditions (or use commercial borage seed oil \u2014 much higher GLA)", "Poultice: Crushed fresh leaves applied to inflamed skin", "Borage seed oil capsules: 500-1000mg daily for eczema, arthritis, PMS (commercial preparation \u2014 highest GLA source in nature at 20-26%)", "Fresh flowers: Eaten as garnish \u2014 lifts mood (said to 'make a man merry')"], "active_compounds": ["Gamma-linolenic acid - GLA (seed oil \u2014 20-26%)", "Mucilage", "Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (trace in leaves \u2014 see warnings)", "Saponins", "Tannins", "Potassium nitrate"], "toxicity_warnings": "IMPORTANT: Borage leaves and flowers contain trace amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) \u2014 these are hepatotoxic and potentially carcinogenic with long-term internal use. The levels are very low, but regulatory agencies advise against long-term regular internal use of borage leaf/flower preparations. Borage SEED OIL is PA-free and safe for long-term use. Avoid internal use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not use borage leaf for more than 2-3 weeks consecutively. Those with liver disease should avoid entirely."}