Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hound's Tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) has been traditionally used in various folk medicine systems, especially in Europe, as a topical remedy to support the management of external bleeding and wounds. Historical herbal texts, such as those from Nicholas Culpeper in the 17th century, describe its use as an astringent herb that can help "stay the bleeding of wounds." The astringent and mildly styptic properties attributed to Hound's Tongue are likely due to the presence of tannins and other phytochemicals, which can help constrict blood vessels and promote clotting when applied externally.

Despite its historical use, there is minimal modern scientific research directly validating Hound's Tongue for controlling external bleeding. No rigorous clinical trials or pharmacological studies have confirmed its efficacy or safety for this specific application. Moreover, concerns about pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the plant, which are hepatotoxic if absorbed or ingested, have limited its use in contemporary herbal medicine. Still, the historical and ethnobotanical evidence is fairly well documented, which justifies a rating above the lowest level. In summary, while there is a strong traditional precedent for using Hound's Tongue as a topical agent for external bleeding, scientific validation is lacking, and caution is advised due to potential toxicity.

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More about Bleeding (external)

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