Indian borage is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It has a very strong fragrance of oregano when crushed, hence its other common name Cuban oregano.
Is Indian borage same as borage?
What is Indian Borage (Mexican Mint)? If you happen to stumble across a small green perennial plant in Africa that smells like Cuban oregano, there’s a good chance you’ve found Indian borage, which is also known by other names, such as Mexican Mint, Spanish thyme, country borage, and others.
Is oregano and Indian borage the same?
It is a succulent in the Lamiaceae family, also known as Spanish thyme, Indian borage, and Mexican mint. It is not a true oregano in the family, Origanum, but has a scent characteristic of the true oreganos. There are numerous culinary and traditional Cuban oregano uses.
How do you keep Indian borage?
Caring for Container Grown Borage
Water borage deeply whenever the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) of potting media feels dry to the touch, then let the pot drain. Check often during hot, dry weather, as containerized plants dry quickly, but be careful not to let the soil become soggy, which promotes rot.
What is Indian borage good for?
The compounds in this wonder herb act as a powerful expectorant to remove mucus and phlegm from your respiratory tract and clears your sinuses. It also relieves stress and anxiety for those bogged down by a long day’s work.
Can you eat Indian borage?
Both the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and commonly used as a garnish, dried herb, or vegetable in a variety of drinks and dishes. The leaves are sometimes also ground up and steeped in hot water to brew herbal tea.
What does Indian borage taste like?
Taste & smell
Indian Borage smells and taste wonderfully minty.
Why is my Indian borage turning yellow?
INDIAN BORAGE
In recipes, the Indian borage can also be used in place of the oregano herb (which is a more difficult to grow plant in Singapore), due to their similar aromas. Ensure that the herb is grown in a semi-shaded area with sunlight. Full, direct sunlight may cause this herb to turn yellow.
What part of borage is medicinal?
Borage is a plant. Its flowers and leaves, as well as the oil from its seeds are used as medicine.
Does borage come back every year?
While not as common as thyme or basil, borage herb (Borago officinalis) is a unique plant for the culinary garden. It grows quickly as an annual but will colonize a corner of the garden by self-seeding and reappearing year after year.
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 .
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 eat borage leaves Raw?
Borage leaves are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling and stewing. It is not recommended to consume raw, mature leaves as they may contain prickles which could cause irritation. Young, tender leaves without the presence of prickles may be used to flavor salads or used as a garnish.
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.
Is borage invasive?
Borage is often referred to as invasive because of its rampant self-seeding habit. However, the seedlings are easy to identify and remove so it rarely becomes a major problem. Borage leaves and flowers are edible and have a cucumber flavor.
Are comfrey and borage the same?
Though they are members of the same plant family (Boraginaceae), perennial comfrey (Symphytum officinale, USDA zones 4-8) and annual borage (Borago officinalis) are two different plants. These cousins both boast dark green foliage and fuzzy leaves.
Is Indian borage same as Mexican Mint?
Mexican Mint is a succulent herb used for both culinary and decor purposes. It is commonly known as Indian Borage, Spanish thyme, Broadleaf thyme, Cuban oregano, Daun bangun-bangun. As such, it has characteristic thick, fuzzy leaves with a strong pleasing odor.
Can chickens eat Indian borage?
Chickens love borage, and once planted this herb will self-seed readily, some might say too readily! Benefits: Borage contains high amounts of vitamins A and C, beta-carotene for gorgeous yellow egg yolks and a range of minerals and trace elements.
How much sun does Indian borage?
Borage can tolerate a variety of soil conditions if there is good drainage. Make sure to select a location that gets at least four hours of direct sunlight on most days, watching out for taller plants nearby that might shade the borage as they grow in the spring. Borage also can be grown in containers.
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.
Can you eat borage stalks?
Borage is a plant with blue flowers that was introduced to Britain by the Romans and grows wild in some areas. Its leaves, flowers and stalks are edible and taste a little like cucumber.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.