Speedwell, Cut & Sifted Herb (Veronica Chamaedrys)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Speedwell, Cut & Sifted Herb (Veronica Chamaedrys) HERB COMMON NAME :  Speedwell HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :   Veronica Officinalis OTHER NAMES :  Veronica, Germander Speedwell, Bird’s Eye, Cat’s Eyes, Gypsyweed, Europe Tea, d’Europe, Ehren-preis, Prize of Honour FAMILY :  Plantaginaceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Air Planet: Mercury Direction: East Zodiac Sign: Chakra: 5th Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) Energy: Yin Gender: Feminine Spirit Animal: Dolphin Sabbat or Holiday: Litha / Midsummer / Midsomer / the Summer Solstice (btw. June 19-24), Full Buck Moon (July)   Parts Used:  Herb / Aerial parts, Stems, Flowers, Leaves Description:  Speedwell was once highly regarded in England as a healthy, relaxing, herbal tea and tonic. Although speedwell has a reputation, especially in Europe, as a healer of all illnesses, it is used primarily as an expectorant for respiratory problems. Speedwell is considered a blood purifier and is sometimes eaten in salads. Brewed from the dried flowering plant, speedwell tea is most often used for coughs, congestion and respiratory ailments. Recent studies have shown Speedwell tea may effectively prevent ulcers. It has also been used for stomach ailments, migraine headache, as a gargle for sore mouth and sore throat, to induce sweating, and to increase metabolism. Speedwell has been used in herbalism to help with gout. Emperor Charles, the Fifth of Spain, is said to have derived much relief to his gout from the use of this herb. It contains tannin and a particular bitter principle. As with most astringent, bitter herbs, an infusion of speedwell can be used topically as a wash or lotion for irritated, infected, or troubled chronic skin problems like itching, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Topically, it is also used for wounds and skin lesions, and even snake bites. It is sometimes applied to skin to help stop foot perspiration. Historical Uses:  cough, congestion, stomachache, stomach ulcers, headache, migraine, sore mouth, sore throat, induce sweating, blood purifying, increase metabolism, weight loss, gout, irritated skin, infected skin, itching, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, wounds, cuts, grazes, scrapes, sores, skin ulcers, snake bite, inflammation, liver disease, diuretic, expectorant, stomachic, tonic, astringent, loss of appetite, increase appetite, arthritis, rheumatism, foot odor, spleen diseases, detox Mystical Attributes:  Speedwell symbolically represents healing, recovery, and joyfulness. It is also a popular wedding and handfasting flower, representing fidelity and love. Speedwell is considered a good luck charm for travelers, and in Ireland is sewn into clothes before a journey as protection from accidents. Speedwell is a popular flower used in “get well soon” bouquets. Mystical Intentions:  health and healing, protection from illness, recovery, happiness, cheer, joyfulness, uplifting, weddings, love, fidelity, faithfulness, protection while traveling Taste & Smell:  The somewhat bitter and astringent taste and smell of speedwell led to its use as a tea substitute in 19th-century France, where it was called the d’Europe, or “Europe tea.” Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Speedwells are tiny yard weeds and are also found in ditches in early spring. It may cover large areas of ground, but is inconspicuous due to its small stature. The flowers are delicate, spiked, and either blue, white striped with blue, purple, or pink. Speedwell flowers are small and crowded on spike-like racemes from axils of leaves, often from alternate axils. The calyx is 4-parted, the corolla in formed of 4 lobes, the lower lobe is commonly the narrowest. The stem is from 3 to 10 in. long, hairy, often prostrate, and rooting at joints. Speedwell leaves are opposite, usually oblong, obtuse, saw-edged, narrowed at the base. Ivy Leaf Speedwell has three-lobed leaves with fine hairs. The fruit is a compressed heart-shaped capsule, containing numerous flat seeds. Speedwells are common yard weeds that can become invasive, and are often grown as ground cover. They thrive in poor damp soil. Most speedwells are annuals and grow easily from seeds of the previous year’s flowers.     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions. Many of our products are hand made to order. Once orders are in processing, products are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and not returnable. Shipping times may be up to 3-4 weeks. ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Related