Cynoglossum officinale Hound's tongue (Boraginaceae)

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Cynoglossum officinale
Hound's tongue
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The Cynoglossum officinale plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Boraginaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Hound's tongue.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Cynoglossum officinale
Common Name:  Hound's tongue
Family:  Boraginaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Houndstongue contains alkaloids that can cause cancer when the plant is consumed in large quantities[238]. The plant is also said to be slightly poisonous[21], there are no reported cases of human poisoning but there are some cases of cattle being poisoned[76]. The plant has a disagreeable odour and taste so is seldom eaten by animals[212]. Contact with the plant can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[222].

Mature Height:  0.8   Mature Width:  0.5

Habitat:  Dry grassy areas and the edges of woods, often near the sea, on sand, gravel, chalk or limestone soils[7, 17, 244].

Medicinal Information: Hound's tongue has a long history of use as a medicinal herb[7]. The leaves contain allantoin, a highly effective agent that speeds up the healing process in the body[238, K]. Caution should be applied, however, since narcotic effects result from large doses taken internally[7] and the plant is potentially carcinogenic[222] (though it has also been used in the treatment of cancer[218]). The leaves and roots are analgesic, antihaemorrhoidal, antispasmodic, astringent, digestive, emollient and slightly narcotic[4, 7, 9, 21, 46, 222]. The plant contains the alkaloids cynoglossine and consolidin, which are used medicinally to relieve pain[212]. They depress the central nervous system and are also potentially carcinogenic[222]. The plant has been used internally in the treatment of coughs and diarrhoea, though it is now mainly used externally as a poultice on piles, wounds, minor injuries, bites and ulcers[222, 238]. The root is harvested at the end of spring of the plants second year[7]. Another report says that it is best harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. The leaves and flowering shoots are harvested as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use[238]. The plant has a wide antitumour reputation for cancers of various types[218]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the roots[7]. It is very effective in the treatment of insomnia[7].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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