Speedwell

Etymology

Speedwell is known as the universal healer in many languages, and this definition goes all the way back to its original name. Roughly translated, the Latin veronica officinalis means “the only true remedy”.

Veronica  officinalis
Veronica officinalis

Characteristics

Plant family Scrophulariaceae
Flowering season June to August
Harvest Flowering herb: June to August
Signature properties Light blue/violet flowers, contains vitamins and iron
Vegetation Sparse forests, alkaline grassland

 

Why does the herb have yellow or brown leaves?

Towards the end of their growththe green leaves of herbs increasingly turn yellow and brown. This indicates that the plant is preparing for winter and increasingly suspends photosynthesis. This process depends on climatic conditions such as sunshine duration, temperature and soil moisture. Due to Arosa's altitude, the nights get cold very early, causing discoloration to beginalreadyin late summer. But do not worry: in spring the herb sprouts anew and shines again in rich green.

Recipe

Tea blend to relieve coughs

Mix around 25 g each of speedwell, plantain and coltsfoot leaves together. For each cup, pour water over 1 teaspoon of the herb mixture and leave to infuse for eight minutes. Then sieve and drink at a lukewarm temperature without sugar.