Herbs Guide

Beccabunga

Family Name: Scrophulariaceae

Botanical Name(s): Veronica beccabunga

Popular Name(s): Mouth-Smart, Neckweed, Speedwell, Water Pimpernel, Water Purslain, Brooklime

Parts Used: Herb

Habitat: Beccabunga is a native of Europe, North Africa and north and western Asia.

Description: Beccabunga is a perennial plant with a stout, succulent, hollow stem which grows to a height of 1 to 1-1/2 feet. The plant bears glabrous, ovate or broadly elliptical leaves. Its small blue flowers grow in axillary spikes from May to August. Its flowers are numerous, blue in colour and 2 to 4 inches in length. The petals are oval and unequal.

Uses: Beccabunga is used as a diuretic, emmenagogue and febrifuge. The infusion of its leaves is used to purify blood.