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HOUND'S TONGUE GYNOGLOSSUM OFFICINALE The root baked under the embers, wrapped in paste and a suppository made thereof, and put into or applied to the fundament, does very effectually help the painful piles or haemorrhoids. A perennial about three feet (90 cm) high with large, woolly leaves and clusters of sullen, red, funnel-shaped flowers. Where to find it: By hedges and roadsides. Flowering time: Early to midsummer. Astrology: The plant is governed by Mercury. Medicinal virtues: The root is cold, drying and binding and useful for catarrhal defluxions. It is excellent for all kinds of fluxes and haemorrhages as well as for gonorrhoea. It is a vulnerary and helpful in scrofulous tumours, taken inwardly, and applied outwardly as a cataplasm. It cures the bites of mad dogs, if some of the leaves are applied to the wound. The bruised leaves or their juice boiled in hog's lard and applied to the scalp helps the failing away of the hair. It is also applied to any part that is scalded or burnt. The distilled water of the herb and roots can be used as a wash to heal all manner of wounds and all foul ulcers due to venereal disease. Modern uses: The herb is soothing and relieves pain, but it is not in current use among herbalists. An ointment can be made from the powdered root and used to relieve piles. An ointment made from Pilewort is, however, more popular. A homeopathic medicine made from Cynoglossum officinale is available. |