This species has often been wrongly described as Onosma echioides in the literature. Although rather similar, Onosma echioided is native to southern Europe and is not found as a native plant in India.

Common Name:

General Information

Onosma hispida is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a prominent taproot; it produces a cluster of mostly unbranched stems, growing up to 70cm tall[].
The plant is a commonly used medicinal herb in India, where it is gathered in quantity from the wild for local use and for trade[]. It is also harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a colouring.

Known Hazards

There are no reports of toxicity for this species, but the following report for Onosma echioides should be borne in mind[].
The bristly stems and leaves can cause a good deal of irritation to the skin[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - western Himalayas of Afghanistan, Pakistan and northwest India.

Habitat

Dry, rocky and savannah slopes, 1,700 - 2,000 metres in Kashmir[]. Found at elevations up to 4,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally require a sunny position in a well-drained soil[, ]. Prefers a deep rather rich sandy loam[]. Tolerates hot dry conditions and also drought once it is established, but dislikes moist climates at any time of the year[, ]. Species in this genus tend to grow well in crevices in a rock garden or on a wall[, ].

Edible Uses

Root[]. The roots are used in soups and as a sweet[].

Medicinal

Species in the genus Onosma L. generally have been shown to contain several medically-active compounds including alkannin and shikonin, flavonoids, ferulic and vanillic acids. A study has shown that these phytochemicals have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pain activity and that they are also ikely to be responsible for the wound healing and antibacterial actions[].

Onosma hispida is commonly used as a medicinal herb in India, where the plant is seen as astringent and styptic. It is used to treat conditions such as throat infections, fevers, infectious diseases, menstrual problems, stomach problems, general pain in the body and asthma[, , ].
The powdered whole plant is taken with a glass of milk for quick recovery after giving birth[]. It is also used to treat conditions such as jaundice, constipation, lung disorders, asthma and heart problems[].
In Kashmir it is seen as antiallergic, cardiac, stimulant and tonic. It is used to treat abdominal ulcers, bladder stones, kidney stones, rheumatism, ulcers, heart problems etc[]

The flowers are used as a cardiac tonic and stimulant[, ].

The root is bruised and used as application to cutaneous eruptions. It is an ingredient of ointments for ulcers, scrofula, burns[, ].

Other Uses

A red dyestuff is obtained from the roots[]. It is used as a hair and face colouring, and as a lipstick[].

Onosma hispidum Wall. has been reported to be a source of Ratanjot, a red dye obtained from the root and commonly used for colouring food stuffs, oils and medicinal preparations. Owing to its colour, it has also been used as an adulterant in spices like chilli powder and food preparations[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer.
Cuttings in a frame in the summer. Shade them for the first 10 - 12 days[].