Popular names: gourd, chest grass, snake grass.
VERONICA LONG-LEAF (Veronica longifolia L.)Perennial herbaceous plant of the norichnikov family (Scrophula-riaceae), with a longish creeping rhizome. Stem erect, glabrous or shortly pubescent, simple or slightly branched in inflorescence, up to 150 cm in height. The leaves are opposite, rarely 3-4 in whorls, on short petioles, ovate-lanceolate, gradually pointed, sharply serrated along the edge. The flowers are small, blue, collected at the top of the stem and branches in long dense, but loose brushes, gradually tapering upwards. The fruit is a 2-celled, slightly notched, naked box. Blossoms from July to autumn (blooming lasts up to 50 days), fruits ripen in August – October. Propagated by seeds and vegetatively. Distributed in the European part of the CIS, Central Asia, the Caucasus. It grows on moist, rich sandy and loamy soils among shrubs and deciduous forests, in wet meadows.
COLLECTION AND DRYING OF RAW MATERIALS
Medicinal raw material is the herb of the plant, which is harvested during flowering. For medicinal purposes, rhizomes of Veronica longifolia are also used (harvest time – September – October). Air dry in the shade, in well-ventilated areas or in dryers.
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
The plant has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, hemostatic, choleretic, antispasmodic properties.
APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE
Aboveground part. In folk medicine, Veronica longifolia herb in the form of an infusion is used for colds, coughs, shortness of breath, pulmonary tuberculosis (as an expectorant), liver diseases, headaches, diarrhea, uterine and hemorrhoidal bleeding; for washing wounds, places of snake bites. Pounded fresh flowers or leaves are applied externally for diaper rash, sweating of the feet. Dried grass powder is used topically for wounds, festering ulcers, panaritiums, diaper rash. Infusion, tincture exhibit antibacterial activity, which determines the use as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent. Decoction – for diseases of the liver, diseases of the bladder and snake bites. Rhizomes. In folk medicine, a decoction is used for jaundice, aches, headaches, endometritis, gastroenteritis, bladder diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders and as a pain reliever after childbirth. In Tibetan medicine, they are used for gastroenteritis, endometritis, and hepatitis.
DOSAGE FORMS, METHOD OF APPLICATION AND DOSES
♦ Infusion of herb Veronica longifolia: 1 teaspoon of raw materials is poured into 200 ml of boiling water, infused for 2 hours, then filtered. Take 1/4 cup 3 times every day.♦ Decoction of Veronica longifolia rhizomes: 1 teaspoon of raw material is poured into 200 ml of water, boiled for 10 minutes on low heat, filtered after cooling. Take 2 tablespoons 3 times every day 30 minutes before meals.
APPLICATIONS IN OTHER FIELDS
Forage (on pastures it is almost not eaten by livestock, but it is eaten well in hay). Honey plant. Decorative, good for planting in groups in flower beds or the edge of park forests. Varieties with larger (up to 25 cm) inflorescences (Blauriesen) and white flowers (Schneeriesen) are known.
ELEMENTS OF AGROTECHNICAL CULTIVATION
Veronica longifolia can be propagated by dividing the bush, cuttings and seeds, which are sown in the fall in the ground. Plants bloom in the second year. It is relatively undemanding to growing conditions as an ornamental.