Borage (Borago officinalis) in early morning light.
In medieval times borage had a reputation to raise the spirits. So said John Gerard in "The Generall History of Plantes" (1597): “The leaves of borage, taken in wine make men and women happy and joyful, lessens sadness and boredom. Syrup of borage flowers is good for the heart, makes forget all the melancholy and soothes the madman.”
Nowadays these positive characteristics (but a lot of others) are not comprehensible from a pharmacological point of view; the potential toxicity of the plant and its careless use could be a concern.
For me the light and the natural bokeh of more hairy borage plants, make me forget all melancholy and having a good start in the day.
Simply brilliant, Mona! In Nova Scotia, our neighbours introduced us to Borage when they gave a little bunch to a friend who was leaving on a plane but is afraid to fly. They said, "Borage for Courage"! (I suppose that would be like, "Soothes the madmen"!) Better still, when making deviled eggs for a party, they top some of them with borage blossoms, and against the yellow, they make a beautiful presentation, and we're told they're an edible blossom!
@Weezilou Dear Louise & Ken. Thanks for your comment and this interesting information. There are lots of such quotes for borego, and in some regions the name of the plant allready tells a story. And by the way: Borage contains small amounts of alkaloids which are considered to be toxic to the liver. Therefore, regular consumption of borage is not recommended. An occasional consumption is considered safe, as well as a consumption of flowers and seeds and the pressed borage oil from the seeds, because they do not contain the mentioned alkaloids or if yes only in traces. In many countries there are dishes that are typically enriched with borage. So no worries to occasional consumption.
Lovely shot! Borage when it dies down is supposed to be really good fertiliser! I have also known people who freeze a single borage flower in ice cubs to put in drinks :)
