Viper’s Burgloss
|
Botanical Name |
Echium vulgare |
|
Family |
Boraginaceae |
|
Other Names |
Blueweed, bugloss |
|
Habitat |
Sand dunes |
|
Description |
Tall biennial 30-90cm/1-3ft covered in white bristly hair. Leaves: rosettes large stalked leaves may wither before flowering. Flowers blue buds June-September |
|
Native to |
Europe |
|
Parts Used |
Herb |
|
Actions |
Demulcent, diuretic, expectorant |
|
Constituents |
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids –asperumine, echimidine, echiminine, heliosupine |
|
Traditional Uses |
Snake bite, sadness |
|
Other Notes |
It is names viper because the nutlets resemble a viper’s head also maybe because the stalks are speckled like snakeskin |
|
Caution |
Should not be taken internally |