Speedwell (Veronica officinalis) is a native of the European continent but is now also very common in North America and Western Asia, growing on dry hillsides and in other mountainous regions, and in woods and open fields. It thrives in disturbed areas.

It is also sometimes known as Bird’s Eye, and Gypsyweed and in Italy it is referred to as St. Mary’s Eyes (occhi della Madonna)

Traditional Uses of Speedwell:-

The herb was traditionally used as an expectorant, tonic, diuretic, and an astringent and the tea was once very highly regarded in England as an excellent health tonic and was also used as a relaxing tea.

It was traditionally used in folk medicine for treating respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, arthritic, rheumatic, liver, renal, and urinary conditions.

Speedwell tea was also popularly used as a blood cleansing agent, digestive, appetite stimulant, and diaphoretic (an agent used to induce perspiration and reduce temperature during fever).

Externally, ie. a cooled infusion applied topically or an infused oil of the herb was recommended for skin conditions and to promote the healing of wounds and other skin abrasions.

Chinese practitioners prescribe it for hepatitis, diarrhoea, fever, and boils.

Speedwell is sometimes also recommended for urinary tract infections but evidence of its effectiveness for this problem is lacking.