Common Viper'S Bugloss (Echium vulgare)

Common Viper'S Bugloss (Echium vulgare) is a member of the Boraginaceae family, native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its flowers, leaves, and seeds have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and native american herbal medicine.

Common Viper'S Bugloss (Echium vulgare) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Common Viper'S Bugloss (Echium vulgare) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Common Viper'S Bugloss
Scientific Name	Echium vulgare
Plant Family	Boraginaceae
Genus	Echium
Species	vulgare
Native Range	Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Leaves, Seeds
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Native American Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Echium vulgare
Common Name: Common Viper'S Bugloss
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Vulgar Echium, Common Evening Primrose, Blueweed
Plant Family: Boraginaceae
Genus: Echium

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Smooth, narrow, needle-like leaves with uniformly dark green upper surfaces and pale green lower surfaces, exhibiting prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are blue to violet in color, arranged in dense spike inflorescences, exhibit actinomorphic symmetry, and have five petals with a distinctive bilabiate structure.
Stems: Erect, branched, with opposite leaves, smooth surface, hollow internodes, and a square cross-section.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: In herbal texts, considered a cooling bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a calming anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Diuretic: As described in traditional systems, a warming diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a mild carminative, within digestive system contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Terpenoid: A diverse group of organic compounds present in many aromatic plants.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Reports outlining specific general precautions for this herb are limited.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.