Speedwell
Common Gypsyweed
Botanical name:
Veronica officinalis
Family:
Scrophulariaceae, Figwort family
Where to find this herb:
meadows, gardens, etc.
Part(s) used:
whole herb
Special constituents:
Iridoid glycosides; aucubine and others. Acetophenone glucosides; pungenin, isopungenin m.fl. Flavonoids; apigenin, scutellarin, luteolin and their glycosides.
Correspondance:
None found
Uses:
wound-healing, expectorant, diuretic, tonic, aids digestion
Mannetjesereprijs 
Læge-Ærenpris Speedwell is not much to look at: a small blue flower. The genus is large, though, with dozens of members. Maybe it has been overlooked because of its small size? I don't find it mentioned either in Culpeper's, Cunningham's or Beyerl's works. Modern medicine hasn't given it much attention either; you can find it, though, in Potter's Encyclopedia of botanical drugs.
In earlier times the herb was much valued as a medicinal herb. It was used to treat stomach and kidney disorders, as well as coughs. It has also been used as a substitute for tea, and was in France known as "the d'Europe" (European tea). The herb has a pleasant taste, and like black tea contains bitter substances and some tannins. One cup of Speedwell-tea before bedtime should have a calming effect; the herbs should have a certain effect on nervousness caused by stress.
For tea, use ½ teaspoon pr. cup. The medicinal effect is quite mild on it's own, but it mixes well with other herbs.