ΑΓΧΟΥΣΑ
Alkanna tinctoria
(Dyer’s bugloss)
Botanical info:
Dyer’s bugloss is a prostrate shrub, up to 40 cm, flowering in early spring from February to April, perennating through summer. It grows naturally in maritime sands, on the shores of the eastern Mediterranean, expanding to woodlands, and shrublands.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Ulcers is recommended to:
a. Mix dyer’s bugloss in wound treatment ointments.
b. In Nature of Women is described:
a. As menstruation stimulant and placenta abortive.
Other uses:
Dyer’s bugloss is cultivated in central and southern Europe for its dye, which is readily extracted by oils and spirit of wine. It is employed in pharmacy to give a red color to salves, etc., and in staining wood in imitation of rosewood, or mahogany. Dyer’s bugloss is traditionally used in Indian food and lends its red color to some versions of a curry dish. It has been used as colorant for lipstick and rouge and it is used in folk medicine to treat abscesses and inflammations.