Echium do not like to sit in wet soil, so there can be a risk of overwatering. Too much water could be a problem in colder months when the plant is not actively growing. A shelter to keep the soil around the Echium dry might be necessary in wet winters. The Latin genus name Echium comes from the Greek ἔχιον echion, referring to Echium plantagineum [4] and itself deriving from ἔχις echis ( viper); the Greek term dates to Dioscorides, who noted a resemblance between the shape of the nutlets and a viper's head. [5] The genus Echium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Another review of 13 studies turned up mixed results regarding the effectiveness of borage oil for atopic dermatitis, but it noted that the majority of studies showed it may be somewhat beneficial for treating its symptoms ( 13). Borage oil also boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help promote wound healing and repair your skin’s natural barrier ( 12). Echium Tourn. ex L." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 11 April 2023.

Another 12-week study in 43 children found that taking a supplement containing borage oil, along with a blend of other ingredients like fish oil, vitamins, and minerals, decreased inflammation and symptoms of asthma ( 10). Another animal study demonstrated that administering borage seed oil to mice decreased age-related markers of inflammation ( 9). Echium grow well in full sun on free-draining soil. If your soil is prone to waterlogging, or you live in a cold area, grow Echium in containers so they can be moved to a sheltered position Böhle, Uta-Regina; Hilger, Hartmut H.; Martin, William F. (October 1996). "Island colonization and evolution of the insular woody habit in Echium L. (Boraginaceae)". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 93: 11740–11745. Self-seeded Echium can be left to continue growing where they have germinated, but may need some winter protectionDuring the first six months of life, DHA is particularly crucial for the development of the nervous system. Many species are used as ornamental and garden plants and may be found in suitable climates throughout the world. [6] In Crete, Echium italicum is called pateroi (πάτεροι) or voidoglosses (βοϊδόγλωσσες) and its tender shoots are eaten boiled or steamed. [7] Echium can be propagated from seed. The best time to sow seed is from late spring to early summer. Sow into a soil based compost, such as Sylvagrow with added John Innes. After sowing, cover the seed lightly and water sparingly to keep the compost slightly damp to the touch. Echium generally germinate well at temperatures of 13-16°C (55-61°F) and benefit from slight fluctuations between day and night temperatures, as this is what they would experience in their natural habitats.

Stavridakis, Kleonikos G. (2006). Η Άγρια βρώσιμη χλωρίδα της Κρήτης [ Wild Edible Plants of Crete] (in English and Greek) (Bilingual ed.). ISBN 9789606311796. Planting out container-grown Echium is best done in May when the worst of the winter wet and cold has passed However, these compounds are mostly removed during processing and PA-free borage supplements are widely available ( 17). Meanwhile, DHA has been highlighted for its role in foetal and infant brain development, while ALA may support the maintenance of healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Summary Different species have different levels of hardiness (how well they cope with cold temperatures), and it is worth noting that winter wet as well as temperature determines how well a plant survives in the ground outdoors. More information on the minimum temperatures that particular types tolerate can be found in the Echium by hardiness section.In one study, wearing an undershirt coated in borage oil every day for 2 weeks significantly improved redness and itching in 32 children with atopic dermatitis ( 4). Especially EPA and DHA (two of the three main forms of Omega-3) that protect the heart and blood vessels from disease Omega-3 is a group of polyunsaturated fats that are responsible for helping keep our heart, brain, gut, joints and eyes healthy.

Borage supplements may be associated with mild side effects, including digestive issues like gas, bloating, and indigestion ( 14). ALA is mainly found in plant oils, such as flaxseed, soybean and canola oils. Meanwhile, DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood. 1 Although vegetarian diets are generally lower in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than non-vegetarian diets, omega-6 intakes are significantly higher in vegans and vegetarians than in meat eaters. Because the consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (found mainly in fish but also in eggs – in small quantities) is low in vegetarian populations and absent in vegans, levels of EPA and DHA in body stores are significantly decreased. Indeed, people who don’t eat fish are dependent on the successful conversion of the parent fatty acid ALA to EPA and DHA. The first step in the pathway that converts ALA to EPA and DHA is via the enzyme delta-6-desaturase, however this step is relatively inefficient and If this enzyme is impaired for any reason (the significant factors are: old age, stress, diabetes, the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and diets high in saturated fats, also viral infections) and intake of omega-6 is high, then the rate of conversion of parent omega-3 to long-chain omega-3 may be inadequate for normal and healthy function. Therefore, more research is needed to evaluate how borage extract may affect asthma and inflammation. May promote skin health

Are vegans usually deficient in Omega-3?

Echium species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Coleophora onosmella and orange swift. They may be incredibly essential for human health, but here’s the thing; the body can’t make them itself so it has to rely on obtaining sufficient amounts from what we eat.