A perennial plant belonging to the plantain family, which is native to almost all of Europe and the Near East and has been introduced to North America and New Zealand.
Creeping rhizome, soft hairy side branches, ovate leaves and erect inflorescences with pale purple flowers, triangular capsule as fruit. Flowering time is June to August.
The dried aerial parts ( Veronicae herba) are used phytopharmacologically, quality specified in the German Drug Codex (DAC).
HMPC: not processed
ESCOP: not processed
Commission E: Negative monograph due to lack of data on efficacy, as no risks are to be expected.
Folk remedies: For respiratory complaints, digestive disorders, rheumatic complaints and for bladder and kidney complaints, as a gargle for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.