An ancient remedy for the throat

Erysimum velard was once cultivated in herb gardens and known as "singer's herb," as it was prized by singers for its sweetness. It is hardy to grow and harvested at the time of flowering. As a herbal tea, it was commonly used to soothe the voice and accompany the cooler seasons.

Description

Herbaceous plant with cut leaves, green to light brown in color when dried. Dry texture, slightly fibrous. Sweet herbaceous odor, bitter but discreet taste.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Velar, Chanter's herb, Velar officinalis, Erysimum
• Latin name: Sisymbrium officinal
• Family: Brassicaceae
• Part used: Aerial part
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: Southern Europe, naturalized elsewhere
• English name: Hedge mustard
• Name in German: Sängerkraut
• Name in Spanish: Jaramago común
• Name in Italian: Erisimo
• Name in Arabic: عشب المغنين (ʿUshb al-Mughannīn)

Main virtues

Traditionally associated with throat soothes and vocal comfort, it can also be used as a warm compress on the skin to calm overheated skin.

Main constituents

Glucosinolates, flavonoids, mucilages, sulfurous essential oils (traces), tannins.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 to 2 tablespoons for 250 ml, infuse for 10 minutes.
• Syrup: sweet decoction with added honey, to be consumed lukewarm.
• External use: as a compress or traditional mouthwash.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Use reserved for healthcare professionals in accordance with current regulations.
• Avoid in pregnant women without medical advice.
• Do not use for long periods without supervision.

History and origin

Widely used in medieval herbalism, velarius is cited in several ancient works as a natural throat soother. It is found in monastic traditions, among troubadours, and in recipes for folk remedies for "tired voices." It is still used today in some artisanal infusion blends.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: kraft bag, opaque pot or glass jar.
• Storage: away from light, humidity and high temperatures.
• Appearance: dry fragments of stems and leaves.
• Odor: herbaceous, sweet and slightly bitter.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Medieval herbalism texts
• European folk ethnobotany
• Botanical herbarium of traditional herbalists
• ANSM – List of plants regulated in France

🔎 Information

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