Common Name: |
Rats-and-Mice |
Other Names: |
Houndstongue |
Botanical Name: |
Cynoglossum officinale |
Genus: |
Cynoglossum |
Family: |
Boraginaceae |
Native Location: |
C Europe, S and C Russia, C Asia |
Cultivation: |
Moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring or autumn |
Harvest: |
Flowering plants and leaves are collected in early summer and dried for use in infusions. Roots are lifted in autumn and dried for use in decoctions. |
Warning: |
Skin irritant and allergen. This herb is subject to legal restrictions in some countries. |
Height: |
80cm-1m (32-36in) |
Width: |
30-50cm (12-20in) |
Hardiness: |
Z4-9 |
Parts Used: |
Whole plant, leaves, roots. |
Properties: |
A painkilling herb that soothes inflamed tissues and speeds healing. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Formerly used internally for coughs and diarrhea. Now mostly externally for minor injuries, bites, and leg ulcers, and as a suppository for hemorrhoids. Not prescribed for children or women during lactation. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. Pp 188-189 |