Flower Properties

Flower Details

Description

A perennial herb with toothed, lance-shaped leaves and small white flowers speckled with purple, growing along streams and marshy ground. The leaves can stain skin dark brown when bruised, once used as a dye.

Distribution

Native to the UK and much of Europe and western Asia; thrives in wetlands and riverbanks.

Medicinal/Other Uses

raditionally used as a thyroid regulator and sedative, especially for overactive thyroid and mild anxiety. Also has mild astringent properties.

Edibility

Not generally eaten; used medicinally only in prepared extracts.

Human Toxicity

Non_Toxic

Should be avoided by people with hypothyroidism or those taking thyroid medication.

Pet Toxicity

Mildly toxic – ingestion may cause stomach upset in pets.

Active Compounds

Lithospermic acid, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids.