officinale

Symphytum officinale, bluish-lavender, 24-30", July.September. Thick, course leaves resemble foxglove leaves and the flowers are bells in clusters resembling borage flowers. The roots have been used in traditional medicine internally( as a tea or tincture) or externally (as ointment, compresses, or alhoholic digestion) for treatment of disorders of the locomotor system and gastrointestinal tract. The whole plant, beaten to a cataplasm and applied hot as a poultice, has always been deemed excellent for soothing pain in any tender, inflamed or suppurating part. It was formerly applied raw, indolent ulcers as a glutinous astringent. It is useful in any kind of inflammatory swelling. Internally, the leaves are taken in the form of an infusion, 1oz of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water. use caution when ingesting. They are attributing some serious liver damage to the over ingestion of this plant. Just read LORE: The Cherokees used a plant tea of Ladies'-tresses to wash infants to insure fast healthy growth. MEDICINAL USE?: Native Americans and herbal healers used the plant as a diuretic for urinary issues and skin infections, painful breasts("biguns", if you're a Married With Children re-run watcher) and eye problems! That just about cover the 3 basic issues?