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Echium vulgare
Viper's bugloss
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Echium vulgare plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Boraginaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Viper's bugloss.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Echium vulgare
Common Name:  Viper's bugloss
Family:  Boraginaceae
Author:  L.
 
Known Hazards:  The leaves are poisonous[20]. No cases of poisoning have ever been recorded for this plant[76]. The bristly hairs on the leaves and stems can cause severe dermatitis[207].
 
Mature Height:  0.9   Mature Width:  0.6
 
Habitat:  Calcareous and light dry soils, especially on cliffs near the sea[4, 7, 17]. It is also found on walls, old quarries and gravel pits[4].



Medicinal Information:  Viper's bugloss was once considered to be a preventative and remedy for viper bites[254]. It is related to borage, Borago officinalis, and has many similar actions, especially in its sweat-inducing and diuretic effects[254]. 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[254]. The leaves and flowering stems are antitussive, aphrodisiac, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, pectoral and vulnerary[4, 7, 222]. An infusion of the plant is taken internally as a diuretic and in the treatment of fevers, headaches, chest conditions etc[244, 254]. 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[7, 254]. The leaves are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use[7]. The roots contain the healing agent allantoin[222]. The plant is said to be efficacious in the treatment of snake bites[4]. When chopped up finely, the fresh flowering heads can be made into a poultice for treating whitlows and boils[7].

For further Echium vulgare gardening information
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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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