Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Entry

Hackelia virginiana

Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek professional advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Scientific and ethnobotanical data on this plant remain very limited; caution is advised in the absence of reliable information on its potential toxicity. Like several members of the Boraginaceae family, it may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, potentially toxic to the liver with prolonged or repeated use. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children, as a precaution in the absence of safety data. Do not use internally without the advice of a healthcare professional or qualified herbalist, due to insufficient documentation on safe dosages.

Harvest season

When to harvest

The seeds and fruits, recognizable by their hooked burrs, are traditionally harvested in late summer and autumn, at full maturity.

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