Cynoglossum officinale – Quick Guide, Uses & Safety

If you’ve spotted a plant with shaggy, yellow flowers and fuzzy leaves, you might be looking at Cynoglossum officinale, commonly called houndstongue. It grows in fields and along roadsides across Europe and parts of Asia. Knowing how to recognize it helps you avoid accidental ingestion and makes the most of its traditional uses.

What is Cynoglossum officinale?

Cynoglossum officinale belongs to the Boraginaceae family. The plant stands about 30‑80 cm tall, bears a hairy stem, and produces clusters of bright yellow, tube‑shaped flowers from late spring to early summer. Its leaves are lance‑shaped, soft to the touch because of tiny hairs that can irritate skin.

Historically, the plant was used in folk medicine for coughs, throat irritation, and skin wounds. The name “houndstongue” comes from the sticky hairs that can cling to a dog’s tongue, making it hard to swallow. Modern science shows the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to the liver if taken in large amounts.

How to Use & Stay Safe

Most people only need to know when to avoid Cynoglossum officinale. If you’re foraging, make sure you can tell the plant apart from harmless look‑alikes like forget‑me‑not. The yellow flowers, hairy stems, and the distinct, rough texture are good clues.

For those interested in herbal uses, a very mild tea made from a tiny amount of dried leaves has been used to soothe a sore throat. However, because of the liver‑toxic compounds, you should never exceed a few grams a day and always consult a healthcare professional first.

If you get the plant’s hairs on your skin, wash the area with soap and water right away. The hairs can cause itching and a rash that may last a day or two. Wearing gloves while handling the plant is a simple way to stay comfortable.

Pregnant or nursing women should skip any internal use of houndstongue. Children are also more vulnerable to the toxic effects, so keep the plant out of reach.

When you’re done reading, you might want to explore our related articles. We cover everything from safe online pharmacy tips to natural supplements like Lasuna and raspberry ketone. Each post gives practical advice you can apply right away.

In short, Cynoglossum officinale is an interesting wild plant with a long history of use, but it comes with clear safety warnings. Identify it correctly, limit any internal use, and always check with a medical professional if you’re unsure. With that knowledge, you can enjoy nature responsibly and avoid any unwanted side effects.