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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


SPEEDWELL
(Veronica spicata)
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PROPAGATION: By seed. Perennial.
NEEDS: Full sun to partial shade and average garden soil and conditions.
HARVEST: While flowering.
FLOWERS: July
ORNAMENTAL VARIETIES: V. longifolia and V. polaris.

MEDICINAL USES:
Has been used mainly as an expectorant and for respiratory problems.
Has been used as a gargle for throat and mouth sores.
Has been used externally to relieve chronic skin problems.
INFUSION = 2 tsp flowering herb in 1/2 C. water steeped 10 minutes; taken 1 to 1½ cups a day, a mouthful at a time.
JUICE = Taken 2 tsp in water or milk 3 times a day as a mild physical stimulant.



©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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