"Dragon's teeth" (Echium plantagineum), also known as "purple viper's-bugloss," which is a plant in the borage family that is native to Europe and Western Asia.
The plant gets its name from the sharp, pointed shape of its seeds, which resemble dragon's teeth. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used for a variety of purposes, including as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant.
Benefits:
Respiratory health: Dragon's teeth herb is believed to have expectorant properties, which may help to break up mucus and phlegm in the respiratory system. It may be useful for alleviating symptoms of coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Dragon's teeth herb is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful in treating conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Diuretic effects: Dragon's teeth herb is believed to have diuretic effects, which may help to promote urination and eliminate excess fluid from the body. This can be useful for treating conditions such as edema and high blood pressure.
Contradictions:
While dragon's tooth is believed to have potential benefits for treating certain conditions such as anxiety and insomnia, its medicinal uses have not been extensively studied, and there may be potential contradictions or side effects that are not yet known.
Dragon's tooth can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and medications for high blood pressure, and should not be used by people taking these medications without first consulting a healthcare provider.
The safety of using dragon's tooth during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully studied, and it is best to consult with a healthcare provider before using it during these times.
Dragon's tooth is a heavy metal and can accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to toxicity. It is important to use dragon's tooth only under the guidance of a trained healthcare provider and to avoid excessive or prolonged use.
Some people may be allergic to dragon's tooth and should avoid using it if they experience any allergic reactions.
Tastes LIke:
Dragon's teeth, also known as Echium plantagineum or purple viper's-bugloss, is typically consumed as a component of traditional herbal remedies and is not usually consumed on its own. As such, it does not have a distinct taste or flavor.
In some cases, dragon's teeth may be included as a component of a larger herbal tea or formula, which can have a range of flavors depending on the other herbs included in the mixture. In these cases, dragon's teeth is believed to have a slightly bitter taste.
Preparation:
Decoction: A decoction is a strong tea made by boiling herbs in water. To prepare a decoction that includes dragon's teeth, place the prescribed amount of the herb and other ingredients in a pot with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 20-30 minutes. The mixture is then strained and consumed as directed.
Powder: Dragon's teeth may also be ground into a powder and added to other powdered herbs to create a customized formula. The powdered herbs can be mixed with water to create a tea or taken directly in capsules or pills.
Tincture: A tincture is an alcohol-based extract of the herb that can be taken orally. Tinctures may be more potent than capsules or tablets, so be sure to follow the instructions on the package or as directed by a healthcare provider.