Herb latin name: Onosma echioides


Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)



Medicinal use of Onosma echioides:

The leaves are alterative. They are made into a powder and given to children as a purgative. The flowers are used as a cordial and stimulant in the treatment of rheumatism and palpitations of the heart. The root is bruised and used as an external application to skin eruptions.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
June to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Limestone slopes and rocks to 1600 metres. Crevices in rocks and cliffs.

Other uses of Onosma echioides:

A red dye is obtained from the root. It is an alkanna substitute.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer. Cuttings in a frame in the summer. Shade them for the first 10 - 12 days.

Cultivation of Onosma echioides:

Limestone slopes and rocks to 1600 metres. Crevices in rocks and cliffs.

Known hazards of Onosma echioides:

The bristly stems and leaves can cause a good deal of irritation to the skin.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.