Often mistaken as a type of mint, the Indian Borage plant is succulent and densely covered with short, fine hairs.
Is Indian borage the same as borage?
Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus Benth), also known as country borage, is a medicinal plant used widely in Indian medicine. It is a succulent, aromatic, perennial herb belonging to the family Lamiaceae (1), and decoction of its leaves is used for several medicinal purposes (2).
How do you make Indian borage Bushy?
Pinch tips of young plants to keep borage compact and bushy and snip the leaves as needed for use in the kitchen. You can also trim the plant if it looks overgrown in mid-summer. Be sure to deadhead blooms as soon as they wilt. Otherwise, the plant will go to seed and blooming will end early.
Is Indian borage an indoor plant?
Indian borage also known as Mexican Mint or Cuban oregano is a perennial succulent with aromatic foliage. It is often grown as a houseplant but can thrive outdoors in warm season. The easiest way to propagate the Indian Borage is to use stem cuttings.
Can Indian borage leaves be eaten raw?
Ask anyone which herb has great medicinal value, and the Indian borage is a sure winner. If you are suffering from a cold, sore throat, stuffy nose, or painful sinuses, simply wash the leaves and chew on them for that sought-after relief.
Does Indian borage repel mosquitoes?
Indian Borage (Plectranthus amboinicus). The juice released by bruising the leaves when applied on the skin acts as a natural mosquito repellent and the leaves can also can be carried if you are going camping to ward of mosquitoes .
What can I do with Indian borage leaves?
As medicine – The leaves are uses to treat sore throats, cough, asthma, insomnia, viral conditions, indigestion, stomach cramps, convulsions, burns, headache, sores and insect bites. It is also taken as a liver tonic. Other uses – They are sometimes rubbed on hair and clothes for the fragrance.
Should I cut back borage?
Cut back borage plants by half their size in midsummer to encourage reblooming. Blossom clusters make beautiful but short-lived cut flowers or edible garnishes.
Can you grow borage in containers?
How to grow borage in containers: Borage has a long taproot and does best in containers at least 8 inches deep. Borage plants grow large; grows best in its own container.
What should not be planted with borage?
Borage is deer-proof. Brassicas (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, turnip) – All benefit from chamomile, dill, mint, rosemary, and sage. Avoid planting near eggplants, peppers, potatoes, or tomatoes.
Does Indian borage repel insects?
Borage is a terrific companion plant as it tends to repel many insects and is very disease resistant.
Does Indian borage need a lot of water?
Indian Borage needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0″ pot. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Can Indian borage grow in water?
It can be propagated from stem cuttings and rooted either in water or in soil. The stem and leaves have a high water content making it easy to extract a juice out of it.
Is Indian borage good for hair growth?
Borage oil is known to restore strength, shine and radiance to dry, brittle, dull and tired hair. Its composition also makes it very effective to boost hair growth and fight against hair loss.
Why do farmers grow borage?
Traditionally, Borage is also used in herbal medicine, while commercially it is harvested as an oil seed. The large seeds, which grow in a hard pod, are a great source of linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid also found in linseed and walnut oil.
Is borage toxic to dogs?
Unfortunately, these plants are not good for your dog or other small animals, causing intestinal upset, respiratory distress, and can be fatal if not treated right away. If you think your dog has eaten borage, it is essential to take your furry friend to the veterinarian or animal hospital right away.
What plant do aphids hate?
Plants that Naturally Repel Aphids
Planting garlic, chives, leeks, catnip, fennel, dill and cilantro will help repel aphids. Marigolds are also known to drive away a number of unwanted pests. Research good companion plants for these garden additions and place them wisely.
Is Indian borage a mint?
Amongst them, Indian borage (also known as Mexican mint) has a plethora of health benefits that may include its ability to improve skin, detoxify the body, defend against cough and cold, ease arthritis pain, relieve stress, and optimize digestion.
What plant do bugs hate?
Chrysanthemums. This might be the best plant to deter bugs. Ants, Japanese beetles, roaches, bed bugs, spider mites, silverfish, and ticks will stay away if you have some of these around. Some bug repellents use an ingredient in this flower because of how effective it is.
What to do with borage after flowering?
Once flowering has finished, simply dig up and compost borage plants – the mineral-rich leaves will help fertilise soils the following year. Do take off the seed heads before composting plants or you’ll end up with lots of borage seedlings all over the garden.
What does Indian borage taste like?
Also known as starflower or bee bush, borage is an herb that flowers with delicate, pretty blue flowers. The stems, leaves, and flowers are all edible, and they add an unusual note to your food. They taste a little bit crisp and briney, somewhere between a cucumber and an oyster.