Echium vulgare

Echium vulgare
Family:Echium vulgare; Antitussive; Aphrodisiac; Demulcent; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emollient; Pectoral; Vulnerary.
Common name:Viper's bugloss
Viper's bugloss was once considered to be a preventative and remedy for viper bites. It is related to borage Borago officinalis and has many similar actions especially in its sweat-inducing and diuretic effects. In recent times however it has fallen out of use partly due to lack of interest in its medicinal potential and partly to its content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are toxic in isolation. The leaves and flowering stems are antitussive aphrodisiac demulcent diaphoretic diuretic pectoral and vulnerary. An infusion of the plant is taken internally as a diuretic and in the treatment of fevers headaches chest conditions etc. The juice of the plant is an effective emollient for reddened and delicate skins it is used as a poultice or plaster to treat boils and carbuncles. The leaves are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use. The roots contain the healing agent allantoin. The plant is said to be efficacious in the treatment of snake bites. When chopped up finely the fresh flowering heads can be made into a poultice for treating whitlows and boils.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 02:59 []