Bugloss plant has different names such as; Echium vulgare, viper’s Bugloss, blueweed, blue devil, etc.

Habitat 

Echium vulgare is native to Europe, Asia, and north-eastern North America. This medium-height plant is commonly found on walls, well-drained slopes, dunes, gravel pits, near the coast, etc. You can also find this wildflower in leftover soil bares and old quarries. 

Taxonomic information

Order: Lamiales

Family: Boraginaceae – Borage family

Genus: Echium L. – viper’s Bugloss

Species: Echium vulgare L.

 

Description of Bugloss

Certainly, it is a monocarpic perennial or biennial plant1 that grows approximately 12 to 31 inches tall. It has hairy, rough leaves with a pointed end at the base.

The name Bugloss has a Greek origin, which means Ox’s tongue. The flowers are 0.59 to 0.79 inches in dimension, which grow and become pink to vivid blue. You can see it in branched spikes, with all stamens pointing outwards.

The pollen is blue in color. However, the stamens’ tendrils are red, creating a pleasing contrast upon the blue flowers. In the northern hemisphere, it blooms between May and September. For this, this plant is farmed as an ornamental plant.

Part Used

The skin and leaf (herb) are used to prepare medicinal compounds. 

Chemical Constituents of Bugloss

Echium vulgare extract2 has phenolic and flavonoid chemicals in it. They are- Echium vulgare, Quercetine, Quercetrin, Naringin, benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, isoferulic acid, and Gallic acid.

Close up view of the beautiful Purple Viper’s Bugloss (Echium plantagineum) flower.

Traditional Uses and Benefits of Bugloss

  1. In traditional medicines, plant juice is used as a powerful emollient for delicate skin and redness.
  2. In ancient days, this plant is used to treat the bite of a viper.
  3. Young leaves of the Echium vulgare can be accepted as a spinach alternate. Eating the leaves can help stimulate sexual attraction.
  4. This plant is an alternative source for fish oil and a great source of Omega 3, 6, and 9.
  5. Echium vulgare can be used as health supplements. Different super-food combinations are also adding this plant for health benefits.
  6. The Bugloss plant has anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on immunity. Other problems like- cardiovascular, melancholy, skin, joints, brain health, swoonings, and sadness can be treated by these plant medicines. 

Dosage and Precautions of Bugloss

There is no exact dose of this plant-based drug. The amount is calculated by the physicians, considering the sex, age, and various health conditions.

Toxicity

However, The leaves of this plant are poisonous if not treated well. Also, eating the bristly hairs on the stems or leaves can provoke severe dermatitis. You may use this plant in the salad but never consume it excessively. The plant is also poisonous to horses. 

Warning

Administering Echium vulgare drugs without consulting a physician can result in severe health problems3. It can increase heart attack and stroke if administered longer and higher doses because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

If you ingest the plant and feel a loss of appetite, weakness, stomach upset, etc., consult a healthcare professional immediately. Overuse of Echium vulgare containing drugs is harmful and can result in death.

References

  1. Biennial plant: Retrieved from the wikipedia.org website. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echium_vulgare
  1. Echium vulgare extract: Retrieved from the eijppr.com website. https://eijppr.com/storage/models/article/a7YE7T7PINnuvnG0m3eBQOEIIUi6eiXUXWLhkUxlHRUQhxbFr0fMWDdjgKF3/vipers-bugloss-echium-vulgare-l-extract-as-a-natural-antioxidant-and-its-effect-on-hyperlipidemia.pdf
  1. Echium vulgare drugs: Retrieved from the botanical.com website. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bugvip85.html

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DISCLAIMER

The content and information on newerapost are for information and educational purposes only. It is not for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. It is not a medical manual. Before beginning the use of any prescription medication and pursuing any self-treatment, all readers should consult a physician.

The information given in this article is intended to help you make informed decisions for your health. You must consult with your doctor before pursuing any natural remedies if you are under care for any health condition.

Do not take any vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other supplements without consulting your doctor if you are taking any medication. The website does not make a representation, express or implied, regarding the accuracy of the information and does not accept any single responsibility for any errors or misuse.