symbol:

Mermaid by Malene Reynolds Laugesen

keynote:

encouragement, motivation, devotional focus

elements:

water + air + fire

uses:

to uplift; to encourage; to promote courage and optimism; to alleviate depression; to tend grief; for heavy heartedness; to instill feelings of calm and peace; for support during times of great loss; to establish momentum and focus; more…

flower profile and essence creation story:

Borago para el corazon. Borage for the heart, of the heart.

The roots of the word “Borago” have been debated, but all theories contain similar themes. According to various sources it is believed that the Latin borago is a derivative of the word corrago, having the roots cor for “heart” and ago for “to lead”. Another herbalist regarded that the Celtic term barrach meaning “a man of courage” could also correspond to this plant’s name. And still other renditions of its origins speak to the hairs that grow along the flowers — the Italian borra and French bourra meaning “hair” or “wool”. In general, there is an association between borage, courage, and the heart.

I have seen Borage growing in various places throughout Florida, but it wasn’t until I spotted them growing in a friend’s garden that I decided to craft an essence while also taking that experience as an opportunity to bond with my friend by teaching her how to make a flower essence. We made Borage essences together, and it didn’t immediately occur to me then but this moment of collaborative essencing precisely illustrates the frequency with which Borago embues us — an energy of relational harmony, heart openness, and energetic reciprocity.

Borage has a long history of use as an herbal remedy, and many of its medicinal applications mirror their more subtle qualities. A lot of its prescriptive use applies to the kidneys, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Borage has an affinity for the air and water of our bodies. Meditating upon the plant’s appearance and composition, one can see how it touches upon both light and dense features within us. The leaves have a mucilage-rich characteristic which is part of why it is employed in respiratory support formulae. In essence form, this shows up as this flower being indicated when one is experiencing heavy heartedness, grief, sadness, or lack of courage. The glowing blue lightness of their flower suggests a simultaneously uplifting and calming aura — we find that Borage is indicated most when one is experiencing the mental fog or inability to focus that results from long bouts of grief that leave one feeling burnt out and scattered. This is an essence that helps to gather our forces and revitalizes us after depletion. This revitalization happens in a way that is steady and exact. It is a plant often used in preparations of cordials for its strengthening and toning effects on the heart which is also a result of its psychoemotional impact. Other symptoms for which Borage provides relief include: looping negative thoughts, lack of confidence, burdened or depressed disposition, weak boundaries, listlessness and boredom. Overall, Borage is a true heart medicine which enables us to experience the ebullience necessary to see ourselves into the light of more promising days and enriching experiences.

There are many reasons why but this flower essence is unlike any other I have ever worked with. Borage has a way of supplying us with the exact support we need in each moment, revealing themselves as having a particularly sympathetic signature. It has provided me with the fortitude to sustain the expansions afforded to me following long overdue personal developments, and it is in this spirit that I share this remedy with you.

This is one of The 22 Flowers of Life, and it connects to Key 7 : The Chariot

A note about using flower essences:

flower essences are not oils. They are vibrational healing remedies which affect and change energetic conditions and, like some oils and other medicines, can be used internally, on acupuncture/acupressure points and chakras, sprayed in the energy field, dripped in your water, and even used for personal and professional massaging. It is best to use an essence or combination and/or group of essences for 30-33 days to permanently shift patterns and create new habits, healthier lifeways.

ingredients:

essence of borage flowers in water, cane spirits, and honey

invitations for use:

Take 4-7 drops as needed, up to 4 times a day. Shake well before use. Store in a cool, dark place. Shelf life varies, usually lasts up to one year.

• Safe for all, ages 2+

• All flowers are sustainably picked by Gold Water Alchemy.

• REQUIRED DISCLAIMER: This product is for bringing balance; it is not intended to diagnose or cure disease. If you require medical treatment, please seek a qualified medical professional. These statements have not been approved by the FDA.