Boraginaceae
Houndstongue
Cynoglossum officinale
✗ High Risk
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Asia, North America
Also known as: Common Houndstongue, Gypsy Flower, Dog's Tongue
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
TOPICAL USE ONLY — wounds, haemorrhoids, burns. INTERNAL USE CONTRAINDICATED (high PA content).
Herbal Actions
Vulnerary (allantoin), astringent, mild analgesic (topical)
Active Constituents
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliosupine, consolidine — hepatotoxic), allantoin, tannins, mucilage, rosmarinic acid
Preparation Methods
🧴 Salve/Balm
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NEVER internally — high PA content hepatotoxic |
| Tincture | TOPICAL ONLY: salve or poultice. Do not take internally. |
| Notes | High PA content makes internal use dangerous. Topical allantoin wound healing. Safer alternatives available. Comfrey preferable for topical wound use. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✗ High Risk
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: INTERNAL USE CONTRAINDICATED (PA hepatotoxic). Topical use only — short term.
Side Effects: Internal: severe hepatotoxicity. Topical: generally safe.