Botanical Name: Veronica officinalis

Common Name:

English: Speedwell, Common Speedwell, Gypsyweed, Heath Speedwell, Veronica, Paul’s Betony (archaic)
German: Ehrenpreis (meaning “honor prize”)
French: Véronique officinale
Spanish: Veronica
Italian: Veronica comune
Dutch: Ereprijs
Also, known as: Ehrenpreis, Véronique, Veronica,

Origin: Bulgaria

Harvested: Cultivated

Parts Used: Herb

General Information:

The plant is a perennial, of a prostrate habit, with ascending branches, bearing erect, spike-like clusters of blue flowers, the stems 3 to 18 inches long, varying very much in length according to the soil. The leaves are opposite, shortly stalked, generally, about an inch long, oval and attenuated into their foot-stalks, their margins finely toothed. The flowers are in dense, axillary, many-flowered racemes, 1 to 6 inches long, the individual flowers nearly stalkless on the main flower-stalk, their corollas only inch across, pale blue with dark blue stripes and bearing two stamens with a very long style. The capsule is inversely heart-shaped and notched, longer than the oblong, narrow sepals. The plant is of a dull green and is generally slightly hairy, having short hairs, sometimes smooth. The fresh herb is faintly aromatic. After drying, it is inodorous. It has a bitter, warm, and somewhat astringent taste.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Speedwell Herb Cut