Houndstongue
|
Botanical Name |
Cynoglossum officinale |
|
Family |
Boraginaceae |
|
Other Names |
Dog’s tongue, gypsy flower, rats and mice |
|
Habitat |
Waste grounds, sand dunes, edges of woods, hedges |
|
Description |
Biennial, greyish 40-70cm/16-28in tall. Mousy smell. Long silky hairs Leaves: long tongue shaped, alternate Flowers blood red or purple funnel shaped June – August Fruits: flattened, spiny which sticks to clothes and animal fur |
|
Native to |
Europe, Asia |
|
Parts Used |
Herb |
|
Cultivation |
Chalk, limestone and sand |
|
Actions |
Anodyne, anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent, narcotic |
|
Constituents |
Pyrrolizidine-alkaloids –cynoglossin, consolidine, heliosupine, echinatime Allantoin Tannins (8-9%), choline, resin, essential oil, mucilage |
|
Traditional Uses |
Dog bites, burns, baldness, ulcers, piles |
|
Skin |
Insect bites, sores, ulcers |
|
Respiratory |
Coughs, lungs |
|
Caution |
Can have adverse effect on the kidneys |