Alkanet. (Anchusa officinalis) syn. Dyer’s Bugloss; Anchusa. A herbaceous perennial member of the Boragineae family growing to about 30cm in wastelands and rocky habitats in Europe and Asia. It has stiff, erect stems containing linear pointed leaves bearing bright blue, violet, or red tubular flowers issuing from the axils and terminal spurs. All parts are covered in fine hairs.
The generic name, Anchusa, is believed to derive from the Greek word aghousa (a paint) because members of this family were a source of a dye which was used by the Greeks and Arabs to colour their hair.
The plant was well known to the ancients as a source of dyes and medicaments. Dioscorides claimed that it was an effective treatment for those bitten by venomous beasts whether taken internally or applied to the site of the wound. He even went so far as to suggest that “….if the root be taken into the mouth and chewed and then spit into the mouth of the serpent it will die instantly.” He is silent on how this was to be achieved.
Culpeper states: “It helps old tough ulcers, hot inflammations, burnings by common fire and St. Anthony’s fire, and mixed with vinegar it helps the leprosy…and yellow jaundice and spleen and gravel in the kidneys.”
William Salmon, an eminent physician of the later 18th century in his work English Herbs describes a formula involving Alkanet that could be used for “….deep wounds, and punctures of the nerves made with thrusts, stabs and prickings with any pointed weapons; it eases pain and prevents convulsions.” The concoction comprised olive oil, Alkanet root, and 40 cleaned and purged earthworms, which were boiled together and placed on the wound when hot.
The plant contains silicic acid, the alkaloids cynoglossine and consolidine, mucilage and anthocyanins. These substances give Alkanet an expectorant action and whilst the plant is not as popular with herbalists as it once was, it is still used to treat coughs, colds, bronchitis and other chest and throat infections.
The tender young leaves are rich in vitamin C and are eaten in salads or cooked like spinach.
An extract from the root is used to colour ointments and medicines and has been used by unscrupulous wineries to colour wines. The dye is included in polishes and varnishes and was used by furniture makers to imitate the patina of rosewood.
The hairs on the plant may cause an irritation to those of a sensitive disposition.
Next week: Quassia.
