The plant known commonly as alkanet is a biennial herb familiar to all herbalists. The herb is characterized by coarse and hairy stems as well as leaves that arise out of a cluster of basal leaves.
This herb is about 1- 3 feet tall when fully developed. Alkanet is also characterized by possessing lower leaves that are stalked; these can grow up to eight inches in length.
Leaves in the upper part of the herb are narrow, they can be oblong or lance like in shape, these upper leaves can reach about six inches in length with a width an inch.
Alkanet bears very dainty and purplish blue flowers, these flowers bloom from late May up to October, the flowers are tubular in shape, they can be about one fourth of an inch across and are replaced by minute and nut like fruits of the herb.
Alkanet has a long history of use with many traditional herbalists and finds mention in Dr. Robert Thornton's New Family Herbal, that was published in England in 1810 - it notes that "a decoction of the leaves and root of the alkanet is advantageous in inveterate coughs, and all disorders of the chest. ...the expressed juice is given with great success in pleurisy
" Furthermore Dr. Thornton also speaks of the alkanet's other beneficial properties such as its "efficacy in the cure of melancholia and other hypochondriacal diseases".
Therefore, this herb has a long history of use in traditional herbal medications.
An herbal tea made from the alkanet is still extensively used as a remedy in modern folk medicine for treating problems such as melancholy; this tea is also used to ease the symptoms such as persistent coughing. The tea is also used to promote perspiration and to break a prolonged fever.
Alkanet tea is used to soften and soothe irritated skin, it also finds use as a potent diuretic, as well as an astringent and a "blood purifier"- this means it is seen as an agent that can perhaps purge all the toxic substances out of the human body.
This herb has a name derived from the Arabic "alhinna" or "henna," which has been transliterated as alkanet - this Arabic name of the plant reflects the ancient use of this herb and other related species, whose roots were and are still used as a red organic dye.
Alkanet is also used to make the organic red dye, however, the dye possessed by this species - known by the common name bugloss - is not as potent or lasting as the commercial red dye that is derived from a closely related species called Alkanna tinctoria.
Alkanet is also prized by many gardeners for its pretty violet blue flowers that are cut for floral display.
Traditionally, French women used the alkanet in powdered form as a temporary make up. The roots of the herb were also used to make a dye utilized in the preparation of many different decorations and staining techniques. This root dye must not be consumed for any purpose.
The alkanet is an invasive species and thrives in all kinds of temperate environments such as grazing pastures, in alfalfa fields, in pine forests, on prime rangeland, as well as riparian and even in waste or deserted lands.
Hay bales often give in to mold on being near the fleshy stalks. The alkanet tends to be very competitive for space, as it can grow in large and very dense stands, this gives very stiff competition to the native plant communities already present in a place.
Root, leaves.
The main use of the alkanet in herbal medicine today is in the role of an expectorant - a substance that brings up phlegm, for topical purposes, it is also used as an emollient - a substance that softens and soothes the skin.
However, clinical researchers and pharmacologists have not found any evidence that supports the expectorant action of the alkanet. The emollient action of alkanet is still to be evaluated in a clinical setting as well.
Alkanet remedies made from any parts of the herb posses an expectorant and demulcent activity. Such remedies are used as a topical treatment for the treatment of all kinds of cuts, bruises and phlebitis; these remedies are also consumed to treat persistent coughs and disorders such as bronchial catarrh in different patients.
The herb is also used in preparing a homeopathic remedy often used in alleviating ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.
Decoctions from various parts of the alkanet have a regenerating effect on the cellular structure of bones and epithelium.
They also accelerate metabolism. They are used in inflammation of the throat, bronchi and gums. However, an overdose of the alkanet can cause poisoning.
Alkanet has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, expectorant, soothing, analgesic, diaphoretic effects and lowers body temperature.
It is indicated for inflammation of the throat and bronchi, pneumonia, and troublesome cough. It is used in the treatment of colitis, gastrointestinal inflammations caused by ulcers.
Additionally, it accelerates metabolism and helps cleanse the body of toxins. It removes lymphatic stasis and swelling.
Vitamin B4, which is contained in the herb of the alkanet, is responsible for maintaining the proper structure of cells and controlling muscle function.
It also improves the respiratory system and cardiac function. Dye of the alkanet is used in cosmetology and microscopy. Properly prepared herb has expectorant and emollient properties.
Specially prepared preparations, such as infusion, have expectorant effects. This infusion is used to treat cough and bronchial diseases.
Tea prepared on the basis of the herbs of the alkanet increases sweating, which helps to lower fever. This herb mainly cleanses the entire body of unnecessary and accumulated toxins.
Decoctions of the herb of the alkanet are used mainly when problems with the digestive system appear and in gastritis.
It should be noted that the alkanet contains significant amounts of harmful substances, specifically alkaloids, excessive consumption of which is not recommended.
Therefore, you should be very careful not to overdose on preparations from the alkanet. Overdose can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
Alkanet is a European species; it is an invasive species in North America and can now be found growing locally in the wild from Maine up to New Jersey in the south as well as westward up to the states of Ohio and Michigan - it is seen as a weed in most of the places it grows in.
This herb thrives in sunny areas and can grow well on most type of soils. At the same time, the alkanet prefers fertile and well drained soils. Flowers of the alkanet are very attractive to bees, as they are a rich source of nectar.
Alkanet leaves are also dried and used in potpourris as they give off a rich and musky fragrance, the fragrance is similar to the smell of wild strawberry leaves before they are dried.
To grow alkanet in the garden from seeds, sow the seeds during the spring in sandy soil in pots. Germination is aided by the overnight drop in temperature.
Seeds normally germinate in about one to four weeks at an average temperature of about 21°C.
As the alkanet plants grow and become large enough to handle by hand, each individual seedling must be pricked out into individual pots and then planted out in the soil during the summer months.
An outdoor soil bed can also be used to sow the seeds during the month of July; this must be followed by the transplantation of the growing plants to where they will finally be fully grown early in the autumn season.
Such plants tend to grow larger and flower earlier than the plants that were sown during the spring season.
It definitely feels better in a sunny or semi-shaded spot. It is resistant to pests and frost.
Alkanet is an intermediate host of brown rye rust, so it is not recommended to sow it near cultivated grains.
Alkanet requires practically no care. Every once in a while, it is a good idea to thin out the flowerbed with the alkanet. The plant reproduces generatively by sowing seeds and vegetatively by dividing the overgrown specimens. Both methods are simple and usually end in success.
The main medicinal raw material of the alkanet is its root and leaves. This plant contains alkaloids, which are characterized by antibacterial, analgesic and central nervous system stimulating effects. It also has sleep-inducing properties. The alkanet also contains choline, or vitamin B4.
Anthocyanins, which are contained in the alkanet, are an important ingredient because they are capable of attracting birds and insects, which are responsible for pollination.
In addition, the alkanet contains allantoin, silicic acid, mucilages and tannins. Young leaves of alkanet contain large amounts of vitamin C.
Alkanet preparations are contraindicated for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.
Alkanet is used on its own as well as in herbal mixtures as one of the ingredients. Alkanet decoction is used as a temporary and short-term treatment for up to two weeks.
The herb should be dried and ground, then poured with water and boiled for about 10 minutes. Then set aside and wait half an hour, then filter the mixture by straining.
An infusion of the herb can be added to tea or drunk in a similar way to the decoction. Another form of a preparation based on alkanet is an ointment, which can be made from freshly grated herb by combining it with linseed oil or cod liver oil and heated beeswax.
An infusion of the herb can be used as a rinse for gum inflammation and periodontitis. In turn, externally it is used to make compresses or wash diseased skin.
It is effective against dermatitis, eczema, abscesses, burns, bedsores, leg ulcers, bruises, hematomas or skin irritation caused by cosmetic procedures. It softens and smoothes the skin.
To prepare an infusion of alkanet, pour 1 tablespoon of dried herb with 1 cup of boiling water, then leave covered to infuse for 10 minutes and strain.
In turn, a decoction is prepared from the root - pour 1 tablespoon of dried raw material with 1 cup of water, set on low heat and boil for about 15 minutes. Then leave covered for 10 minutes and strain.
The substances contained in alkanet stimulate cell division. Additionally, they stimulate the growth and reconstruction of the epithelium. The infusion can also be used as a hair rinse.
It helps to remove dandruff and combat the problem of dry scalp. On the basis of the plant, you can make sitz baths for genital wounds and itching of the anus.
Alkanet herb is most often used in the form of an infusion, which cleanses the bronchi and has an expectorant effect. In addition, tea with alkanet causes sweating and lowers body temperature.
It also helps to cleanse the body of toxins. In addition to the above-mentioned properties, it is worth adding that the herb helps digestion and is used in the treatment of gastritis.
The herb can be used not only internally but also through compresses and poultices externally.
Unfortunately, you should be careful with alkanet and not consume it in excessive doses, as it contains alkaloids that are harmful to humans.
Orally, due to the content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the plant should not be used for longer than 7–10 days. If consumed for too long, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
