ENGLISH NAME: Adder Wort
(Viper’s Bugloss)
LATIN NAME: Echium
vulgare
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Hadinec obecný
Turkey: Yılan otu
Bulgaria: Усойниче
Georgia: გველის ბალახი (Gvelis balakhi)
COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Dry, sunny
regions of central and southeastern Europe
Elevation: 300–1,600 meters
Terrain: Sunny slopes,
dry grasslands, field margins, roadsides
DESCRIPTION:
Adder Wort is a biennial plant growing between 30 and 100 cm tall. It has
rough, hairy stems and lance-shaped leaves that are alternately arranged. The
plant is especially notable for its striking, funnel-shaped blue to violet
flowers, which are arranged in curved spikes and attract pollinators. It blooms
in summer and thrives in poor, well-drained soils.
USABLE PARTS: Stem, Flowers
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used to support respiratory health, reduce inflammation, and
soothe irritated tissues. Occasionally used externally in poultices.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Contains small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may be harmful to the
liver if consumed in large quantities or over long periods. Not recommended
during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Sometimes blended with mullein or coltsfoot in herbal teas for respiratory
support.
PREPARATION:
Flowers are dried and used in herbal teas or as decorative herbal mixtures.
Should be used occasionally and in small amounts due to mild toxicity concerns.
HARVEST TIME:
Summer, during peak bloom, when flowers are fully open and vibrant.
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut flowering stems mid-morning when the dew has dried. Select healthy,
undamaged flowers. Use gloves if sensitive to plant hairs.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry flowers thoroughly in shade. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark
place. Label clearly and use within one year.