Echium grown in pots will be dependent upon you to provide the water they need. If your pots are kept under cover during winter keep the compost on the dry side, water sparingly. Women who are breastfeeding are encouraged to continue taking 200mg to 300mg of DHA a day, Most infant formulas also contain DHA too. 3 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 Propagating from seed is an inexpensive method of increasing your Echium plants, and cost free if you collect seed from existing plants. Some species will self-seed and you will find young plants at the base of the parent plant that can be transplanted elsewhere. Usually only seed collected from Echium species are the same as the parent plant . Seedlings from a named cultivated variety are likely to be extremely variable in appearance. If you buy a container-grown plant during the summer, plant it as soon as possible and water it thoroughly

Self-seeded Echium can be left to continue growing where they have germinated, but may need some winter protection Omega fatty acids refer to a class of fat that we need to include in our diets to avoid becoming deficient. While our bodies can manufacture certain types of fat, we do not have the ability to make them all. However, the term ‘omega fats’ should really be clarified; they are the name of a family of fat or ‘fatty acids’ of which there are many types, each with specific functions, but some having quite different and more important functions than others. There are two main types of omega fatty acids, both plant oil derived polyunsaturated fats: LA (the parent omega-6 fatty acid) and ALA (the parent omega-3 fatty acid). Humans are able to convert LA and ALA to more physiologically active fatty acids through a series of reactions – DGLA and AA from the omega-6 series, and EPA and DHA, from the omega-3 series. These important long-chain fatty acids are necessary for the formation of healthy cell membranes, but also for the proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the production of hormone-like substances which regulate numerous body functions including blood pressure, immune and inflammatory responses. 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.However, these compounds are mostly removed during processing and PA-free borage supplements are widely available ( 17).

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).Water after planting to help your plants establish (get their roots down into the soil). Once established they are fairly drought tolerant and should not require frequent watering. However, on very free-draining soil or during prolonged hot dry spells, they may need additional water to support healthy growth. Aim to keep the soil slightly moist, but not soggy. 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 According to one test-tube and animal study, borage seed oil was found to protect against oxidative cell damage, which could contribute to inflammation ( 7, 8). More specifically, DHA makes up 97% of the Omega-3 fatty acids that are present in the brain and 25% of the brain’s total fat content. Summary In rare cases, taking high doses of borage oil has been shown to cause more serious side effects, including seizures ( 15).