Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
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Hardy biennial and member of the Borage family. Also called Rats and Mice because of its odorous foliage. Its name derives from the shape and texture of its leaves, and also from the Greek �cynoglossum� meaning dog�s tongue. Grows 1 � 3 ft (30 � 60 cm) high. Found in the wild by roadsides and chalky downs near the sea. It�s a hairy plant with small, purple, cup-shaped flowers atop leafy stems from June to August. Pollination occurs by the seeds sticking to clothes or animals.
It was once viewed as a useful cure for stuttering! Blanched leaves or crushed roots believed to cure piles and inflammation when applied externally. It has pain-killing properties and was believed to be able to cure dog bites, baldness and venereal disease. Bruised leaves rubbed on insect bites would help soothe them. In antiquity it was believed that if a leaf was placed under a person�s big toe then dogs would stop barking at him! Similarly, placing a leaf inside your shoe would deter attack from dogs! Hound�s Tongue has also been used to treat coughs, colds, dysentery, piles, scalds, burns, gangrene, hair loss and rabies.
Good bee plant, but rabbits don�t like it! Food plant of the Northern Dart moth.
Plant in sun or light shade in autumn.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*