Cucumber grass: useful properties and contraindications

In the Russian expanses and in the CIS countries, cucumber grass is perceived as a weed. For this reason, we do not have such a welcoming attitude to this unsightly-looking plant, as in Europe, where it is specially grown for culinary needs. Europeans make salads, drinks and add it to dishes as a seasoning with borage, as this herb is also called. In our country borage is mainly used in folk medicine as a supplement to the main treatment. Due to its unique composition and useful properties, the healing herb is in demand in cosmetology.

Chemical Composition

The interest of cooks and folk healers to the cucumber herb is caused by its rich composition, which contains a lot of useful substances for the body. The humble annual contains several dozen valuable components, among which are:

• ascorbic acid, which is present in the entire ground part of the plant;
• carotenes;
• fatty acids in the seeds;
• Mineral elements: potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium;
• mucilaginous components necessary to soften the affected tissues and mucous membranes;
• organic acids;
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• esters in the flowers.

The composition of the plant is stable in both fresh and dried form. Therefore, people who practice methods of traditional medicine are always engaged in harvesting this valuable plant raw material.

Borago has a very low caloric value - only 21 units in a 100-gram portion of greens. For this property, the plant is highly valued by nutritionists.

What it looks like and where it grows

Cucumber is an unpretentious plant, but it loves heat. The main botanical characteristics of the annual herb:

1. Habitat. Grass for its residence chooses open places along roads, in vacant lots, in ravines. Homeland annual is considered Syria, from where it quickly spread to all regions of Europe and North Africa. Occurs unsightly grass in the Caucasus and Ukraine. It is mostly a wild species of the plant.
2. Belonging. Cucumber belongs to the family Buranaceae, hence another name for this wild crop - buranchik. Sometimes it is called the heart flower.
3. External signs. Outwardly, the annual looks unattractive, although during the flowering period it is difficult not to notice the pretty blue or purple shade of inflorescences, resembling small panicles.
4. Height. In height, the cucumber reaches 60-80 cm, but sometimes you can find bushes taller than 1 m.
5. Stem. The thick stem of the plant, covered with whitish villi, deserves special attention. It is straight at the bottom and strongly branched at the top. The stem contains juices that are very valuable in cooking and folk medicine.
6. Flowering period. Borago has a long flowering period - from June to August. At this time each flower accumulates 5-12 mg of sweet nectar, which attracts bees. Therefore, the borage is among the best honeybee plants.
7. Leaves. In the root zone, the leaves of the bournago are large, they are oval in shape. On the stem, the leaves are smaller, but each leaf, like the stem, is covered with villi.
8. Fruits. In place of each flower, a fruit in the form of a lumpy, dark brown nut forms near the fall.
9. Fragrance. The aroma of the borage herb resembles that of a cucumber, which gave rise to the name cucumber. True, this is where the similarities of the two crops end, that is, cucumbers and borage grass are not related plants.
10. Propagation. Cucumber grass is very resistant to living conditions, and its habitat is constantly expanding due to its high fecundity. The grass reproduces by self-seeding: the capsules, which mature in late summer, open and the seeds disperse, expanding their living space every year. Therefore, it is very common to see thickets.

Note: wild borago thickets are very difficult to grow, making life difficult for European farmers. But in North Africa, the annual is grown specifically for culinary use.

Types

Mostly gardeners cultivate the medicinal borage, from which they then obtain valuable raw materials for the preparation of home remedies. Cultivated vegetable varieties of cucumber have found widespread use in cooking:

1. Dwarf. A very low-temperature-resistant variety. It has a powerful cucumber flavor and a branched stem.
2. Vladyka Semko. This artificially derived variety is characterized by large leaves with macerated pubescence.

Also popular with gardeners varieties: Okroshka, April and Rucheek.

Two varieties of cucumber are used for decorative decoration of homestead plots:

1. Alba. A variety with white large inflorescences.
2. Variegata. A mottled variety of decorative borage.

Harvesting and storage

In cooking, fresh young shoots of cucumber are most valuable because they have tender, juicy flesh. Old specimens quickly turn into a tough and inedible green mass. For the preparation of medicinal compositions, it is also desirable to use the young ground part of the plant. Therefore, herbalists advise collecting the leaves in the first few weeks of the plant's life.

Collection rules

It is best to collect the green leaves in the spring. To collect the seeds and inflorescences, the time is not limited to 2-3 weeks. Since the cucumber blooms all summer, during this time you can collect useful plant raw materials. Only you need to take into account that the ripe seeds spontaneously fall out into the ground. Therefore they should be collected with extreme caution, starting in July and ending in September. Experienced gardeners to prevent self-sowing every day gently shake off the seeds in paper caps, and cover the ground near the holes with polyethylene film.

Drying

Inflorescences and leaves can be dried as a whole, but it is better to slice and then spread on a paper sheet under a canopy. In a draught the blank will dry well, which eliminates the risk of the beginning of the rotting process. The herb dried by this method can be used in winter for almost any purpose. But especially useful is a healing tea with the addition of borago.

How to harvest flowers

With flowers, the case is a little more complicated. Experts recommend candying them. This method of canning allows you to save all the useful qualities, and in addition to the winter vitamin-poor diet you can always have on hand a tasty treat. The process of preparation step by step:

1. Prepare fresh flowers. First boil a thick syrup according to the formula: take 2 parts of sugar per part of water.
2. When the syrup is ready, cool it, and then coat each flower with it, and then dip it in powdered sugar.
3. To make it easier to perform such a delicate procedure, it is better to fill an ordinary salt shaker with powdered sugar, and then from it carefully sprinkle the petals of the flowers.

Another option for preparing the flowers for winter storage:

1. Place the finished flower buds on a tray lined with a sheet of parchment, and then send them to dry in the oven for 2.5 hours.
2. At the end of drying, be sure to check the flower mass so that there are no wet spots left.
3. The dried flowers are most conveniently placed in jars. But you have to work with such a fragile product very carefully. Whole fruits in the form of nuts are not suitable for long-term storage.

It is useful to know: maximum flavor characteristics appear only in cultivated varieties of cucumber grass.

Useful properties of cucumber grass

Rich in vitamins and minerals, the composition of borage grass allows to judge its medicinal properties. And it is enough to add it to food in the form of a condiment or as an additional ingredient for the body to receive significant support. It is no coincidence that the cucumber herb is included in many dietary supplements, and in some European countries it is included in the pharmacopoeia. Let's list the useful properties of cucumber grass, and it has many of them:

• diaphoretic;
• mild laxative;
• expectorant;
• diuretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• sedative;
• analgesic;
• sedative.

The plant stimulates the production of adrenaline and increases lactation in lactating women. Folk healers recommend using this useful herb for the following pathological conditions:

• sleep disorders;
• depressive conditions;
• malfunctions in the kidneys;
• pain in the joints;
• gout;
• asthenic syndrome;
• constipation;
• colitis;
• colds;
• rheumatism;
• upper respiratory tract infections;
• skin lesions;
• edemas;
• cardiac neurosis.

Cucumber increases metabolism, so it is worth adding to dishes when losing weight.

Both for medicinal and culinary purposes, fresh plant material and dried parts of the annual herb are equally useful.

Cucumber herb in folk medicine

The ancient Romans attributed mythical powers to borago. During the conquest campaigns of the great empire, it was believed that the "blue-eyed" herb could strengthen the morale of warriors and heal severe wounds. From historical documents we know that the legendary Spartans before the decisive battles drank decoction of cucumber to overcome fear and defeat the enemy.

But even thousands of years later, cucumber has not ceased to be in demand in unconventional medicine. On the basis of the plant are prepared healing drinks and remedies for external treatment. It is included in dietary supplements for various diseases to strengthen the immune system and restore internal resources of the body.

Today, borago is widely used as part of various homeopathic remedies. And folk healers offer to apply in home practice centuries proven simple remedies based on this useful plant.

Here are a few simple recipes involving this unique herb, which can be used in the treatment of various diseases.

Remedies for joint and muscle pain

Recipe 1. To get rid of unpleasant symptoms will help infusion made from 1 tbsp. fresh flowers of borage grass, infused with a glass of boiling water. The medicine should insist for an hour, and then it can be taken 1 tbsp. up to 3 times a day.

Recipe 2. Increase the effectiveness of the treatment can be achieved by external application of a concentrated composition based on cucumber. Only in this case, the portion of the main component should be increased to 3 tbsp. dried herb. After boiling the base to give the solution to infuse under a lid for 15-20 minutes. Then apply a warm compress to the affected area. This method is used to treat burns, sores and bruises on the skin surface.

Recipe for insomnia and neurosis

The fresh juice of the plant has unique abilities: it heals, calms, reduces fever, helps to cope with insomnia. The preparation is simple:

1. A small amount of fresh cucumber leaves (it is better to take the lower leaves) first washed under running water, then put in boiling water, and then put through a meat grinder.
2. The resulting green mass to squeeze.
3. All the juice that was extracted after performing the previous manipulations, dilute with water in equal proportions, and then boil for 2-3 minutes.
4. Take the medicine after a meal. A single dose is 2 tbsp.

This composition can be used to treat problematic areas of the dermis.

Remedy for cystitis and kidney inflammation

This is a universal recipe, which can also be used for gastritis with reduced acidity. The principle of preparing the healing composition is the same as described in the previous recipes. Only as a base raw material, ground dried borage inflorescences are used (1 tbsp.). Infusion soak 6 hours, and then take it in 1/2 cup. The number of intakes is 3-4.

Tonic tea

Dry plant material and fresh herbs or flowers are suitable for making an invigorating drink. Tea is prepared from the fruits of hawthorn, borago, oregano herb and tartaricum. Vegetable raw materials are thoroughly crushed. All ingredients take exactly 1 tsp. each, mix. Boil the herbal mixture with boiling water. Insist tea for 6-8 hours. Prepared drink take twice a day for half a glass. Means recommended to persons prone to depression.

Cure for colds

Main ingredients:

• borage;
• mother-oil;
• plantain;
• thyme;
• oregano
• elderberry (inflorescences).

All of the above components mixed in proportions: 2:2:2:2:3:3:2. Then from the resulting herbal collection take 3 tbsp. raw materials, pour it 2 cups of boiling water. Insist the medication for about half an hour. Take 100 ml per meal for coughs and other manifestations of colds.

Juice for weight loss

For weight problems, it is recommended to drink freshly squeezed cucumber juice twice a day by 2 tbsp. It is recommended to mix the plant nectar with water by half. It is good to combine cucumber and celery. Both plants are among the most active fat burners.

In case of oncology.

To reduce intoxication in such diseases, it is recommended to drink a drink made from equal parts of flowers and leaves of cucumber and white cabbage. All vegetable components bring to a state of mush, add honey. Take 1 tbsp. up to 4 times a day.

Using borage in cooking

Fresh parts of the plant are mainly used in food. Due to its specific flavor, borago often replaces the real cucumber in dishes. The plant is added to soups and salads, sauces and smoothies, alcoholic beverages and even in sweet desserts. In European countries, the flowers of the plant are used in the food industry as a component for confections and skittles, and the mature leaves are added to pickles and marinades. Italians believe that their traditional ravioli taste better with borage grass.

Braised borage leaves can be served as a separate dish. In short, the scope of culinary applications of such a useful plant as borage can be very diverse. Therefore, it is worth taking note of a few simple recipes involving this herb.

Honey dessert

It is necessary to take a suitable container, and best of all a jar with a capacity of 0.5 l. First pour the honey, and on top lay out a floral layer about 1 cm thick. In this sequence, alternate layers until the jar is filled to the top. Store the treat in a dark place.

Alternatively, you can replace honey with sugar. True, then you will end up with flower sugar, which is also no less delicious. Proportions: a full glass of flower buds per 100 grams of granulated sugar.

Refreshing lemonade

In hot times, a sip of lemonade made from a simple composition will quench your thirst:

• borage (fresh herbs);
• lemon;
• Melissa or parsley.

Chop borage (leaves) in a blender along with parsley, add finely chopped lemon. Pour the base with a few glasses of plain water. Top up the composition with agave syrup, and before serving, place an ice cube in the glass.

Salads

A wide variety of salads are prepared from borago herb. Here are two variants of this vegetable snack.

Option 1. This dish is often called a "warm" salad. The preparation method is simple: finely chop dill, onion feathers, cucumber, parsley. Then mix the green mass with warm mashed potatoes, and on top of the finished dish pour the sour cream. Such a snack should be eaten immediately after cooking, otherwise the taste of the dish will spoil.

Variant 2. This is a recipe for cucumber salad with horseradish. Finely chop the cucumber, combine the greens with scraps of boiled potatoes, sprinkle everything with grated horseradish, and salt. The dish can be flavored with sour cream.

Cold soup with borage

The set of products includes:

• 4 potatoes;
• onion;
• a couple of carrots;
• canned peas;
• 20 grams of borage;
• sour cream for dressing;
• salt.

How to cook:

1. Cut peeled potatoes into slices and send them to boiling water.
2. When the potatoes boil until half cooked, add grated carrots and chopped onions to the broth.
3. At the end of cooking, add peas from a can.
4. Remove the soup from the fire and only then salt it, add chopped cucumber, spices, sour cream.

Cosmetological applications

For home cosmetic treatments, borage oil is most suitable. It is high in vitamins, gamma-linolenic and other fatty acids. Proper use of such a useful product will help normalize sebaceous glands and cope with the most common skin problems. Borago oil improves hair and strengthens nail plates, helps to get rid of dandruff and cure even complicated forms of dermatitis. For example, here are a few recipes for home use.

Oily Hair Mask

Mix 1 tsp of cucumber extract with tea tree oil (4 drops) and lemon juice (5 drops). Mix everything well, and then apply this mixture to the root of the hair. Leave the mask for an hour, then wash it off with warm water.

Mask for dry facial skin

Improve the appearance of dehydrated facial skin a mask prepared with the following components:

• egg yolk - 1 pc;
• borage oil - 1 tsp;
• orange oil - 3 drops.

After mixing the ingredients, immediately apply the composition to the face. After half an hour, wash your face with warm water.

Hand remedy

A mixture of jojoba, borage and coconut oils will soften and rejuvenate your hands and strengthen your nails. Take all components in equal parts. It is recommended to perform the procedure before going to bed. It is not necessary to wash the composition, because it is very quickly absorbed into the skin of the hands.

Composition for weakened hair

It is known that the hair is most affected by coloring and perms. They become dry and brittle, looking lifeless. Remedy the situation will help a simple mask of the two components: sea buckthorn oil and cucumber, taken equally. After mixing the mixture warm in a water bath. Warm product applied to the scalp, then wrap with plastic wrap, and on top still wrap your head with a towel. The mask should work for 2 hours, then rinse it off with a normal shampoo.

Optional: for daily care, borage oil is ideal. It can be added to ordinary cream or lotion. This valuable product is especially useful during the menopause, when age-related changes are clearly manifested.

Types of medicinal compositions

On the basis of the cucumber herb, a variety of medicinal forms can be prepared. All known recipes do not differ in complexity, and their preparation takes only a few minutes. The most popular remedy in folk medicine is an infusion of borage. The healing drink is prepared according to the same scheme: the raw material first pour boiling water, and then insist for a certain time. Depending on the purpose of using the drug, different formulations may vary the dosage of the original ingredients.

Infusion .

This is a concentrated infusion intended for external treatment.

Pour a glass of steep boiling water over the dried ground part of the plant (6 tbsp.). Container tightly covered with a lid. Leave the infusion for 20 minutes to activate in the water useful components of the plant. Use the solution for compresses and treatment of affected skin.

Tonic Infusion
The remedy prepared according to this recipe, you can drink to replenish the energy resources of the body, for example, after hard physical labor or training.

Scheme of preparation: Take 1 tbsp each of fresh cucumber inflorescences and chopped stems. The base pour boiling water, insist under a lid for a quarter of an hour. Take such a medicine for no more than 10 days.

Tincture .

Aqueous tincture of borage is prepared as a base for external procedures. For this purpose, dried leaves of the plant are more suitable. Take such raw materials take a full handful (3-4 tbsp), pour the raw material cooled boiled water. Close the pot with a lid. Insist 30-40 minutes. Then you can make compresses for the treatment of burns, wounds, skin ulcers.

Decoction

It was a decoction of borage that was used in ancient times to restore the strength of warriors. It is prepared from all the ground parts of the plant. Usually dried plant material is used.

A classic recipe for a decoction:

1. Take 20 g of dried leaves, pour them with 0.5 liters of water, put on a low heat.
2. Boil the base for 10-15 minutes.
3. When the broth cools, filter it. Take before a meal, 1 tbsp. three times a day.

This remedy is excellent for joint pain, it is recommended to take during colds, skin problems and nervous disorders.

Borago oil: properties and uses

In cosmetology, borago oil is most in demand. This valuable product can be purchased in the pharmacy. To prepare your own oil is very difficult. The oil extract has a number of useful properties:

• gets rid of acne;
• restores firmness and freshness to aging skin;
• helps to maintain normal water balance;
• accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues;
• perfectly nourishes and moisturizes the dermis;
• eliminates wrinkles;
• provides gentle cleansing;
• strengthens the hair.

In addition to the above actions, borage can effectively solve the problem of cellulite and stretch marks. As a rule, borage oil is added to cosmetic masks.

Often the product is included in medicines for various diseases. For example, it is often taken in drops at gastritis and for cleansing the body. As an alternative to the natural oil, the ground seeds of the plant can be used. If such a medicine is taken daily by 1 tsp, the body will be cleaned of toxins, and the skin and hair in response to such care will shine with health and beauty.

Important point: After opening the bottle of oil, you should try to use it quickly, because the product is subject to oxidative processes. The maximum shelf life in the refrigerator after opening is 2 months. You can extend this period by adding a few drops of wheat germ oil to the bottle.

Contraindications to use

Although there are many positive qualities in the cucumber herb, you can not ignore the risk of side effects during its use. Absolute contraindications to the use of this plant are:

• individual intolerance;
• epilepsy;
• Schizophrenia and other mental disorders.

In addition, the following recommendations should be remembered:

1. More than three weeks the herb borago should not be taken, as it can negatively affect the condition of the liver.
2. Despite the fact that borage increases lactation, nursing mothers should first consult a doctor and then take the herb infusion.
3. Uncontrolled intake of drugs for peptic ulcer and gastritis can provoke an exacerbation of the pathology.
4. Pregnant women should also be extremely careful with this plant.
5. It is best to use cucumber in combination with other medicinal plants.
6. It is forbidden to combine the internal use of compositions based on borage with anticoagulants.

In other cases, borage herb is completely safe, in small amounts it is allowed to give even to children.

As we can see, borage herb, despite its unsightly appearance, is able to provide effective help to the body. At the same time, the plant is not demanding to the conditions of existence. Even a few modest bushes, grown in the garden by your own efforts, will be a valuable source of vitamins and raw materials for the preparation of home remedies. About the culinary possibilities of this plant, of course, can be argued. But European gourmets do not accidentally include cucumber in a huge number of dishes, and then enjoy their tangy taste.

Photo of cucumber grass