VERONICA OFFICINALIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Veronica officinalis, commonly known as speedwell, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows in damp meadows, forests, and grasslands across Europe and Asia.
The name "Veronica officinalis" has its roots in ancient mythology and is derived from the Latin word "vera," meaning "true," and "iconia," meaning "image" or "likeness." This references the plant's traditional medicinal properties and its association with the 1st-century Saint Veronica, who was believed to have used the plant to heal Christ's wounds.
The speedwell plant has a low-growing habit, with wiry stems that can reach up to 30 centimeters in height. Its leaves are oval-shaped, arranged oppositely along the stem, and possess serrated edges. The plant bears small, delicate flowers with four petals that range in color from pale blue to violet. These flowers bloom from spring to summer, attracting bees and other pollinators to facilitate seed production.
Due to its historical use in herbal medicine, Veronica officinalis is considered to have various medicinal properties. It has been traditionally employed to treat respiratory ailments, digestive disorders, and wounds. The plant contains constituents such as tannins, flavonoids, and coumarins that are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent effects. However, it is important to note that further scientific research is required to fully establish the medicinal benefits and potential side effects of this plant.
-
Speedwell, Paul's betony, an astringent employed as a tonic tea in domestic medicine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VERONICA OFFICINALIS
- ceronica officinalis
- beronica officinalis
- geronica officinalis
- feronica officinalis
- vwronica officinalis
- vsronica officinalis
- vdronica officinalis
- vrronica officinalis
- v4ronica officinalis
- v3ronica officinalis
- veeonica officinalis
- vedonica officinalis
- vefonica officinalis
- vetonica officinalis
- ve5onica officinalis
- ve4onica officinalis
- verinica officinalis
- verknica officinalis
- verlnica officinalis
Etymology of VERONICA OFFICINALIS
The word "Veronica" derives from the Late Latin term "vera iconica", which translates to "true image" or "true likeness". This name was given to the plant due to the belief that the markings on its flowers resembled the markings on the veil that Saint Veronica was said to have used to wipe the face of Jesus on the way to the crucifixion, thereby capturing his image.
The term "Officinalis" is a Latin word meaning "of or belonging to an officina". In ancient Rome, an officina was a storeroom or workspace used by pharmacists and herbalists to store and prepare medicinal herbs. Thus, "Veronica Officinalis" indicates that this particular species of Veronica has been historically recognized for its medicinal properties, being associated with the officina or herbal pharmacy.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
