You crept in at some point among the chickweed, sneaking into my salads, but I was hesitant to eat you since I didn't know who you were. I shall call you Veronica filiformis... or are you Veronica agrestis (field speedwell)? I'll go with Veronica for short. Otherwise known as gypsy weed and psychic root, I can tell we'll get along swimmingly.
Although not a terribly common herb to use medicinally, I read on a blog that the Romans would compliment one another by saying someone had as many good qualities as speedwell, and that the name also indicates a hasty return to health. From that post and tte following comments, I gather that speedwell is cooling and astringent and acts on coughs and skin irritation. It may also be hydrating, alterative, mucus-reducing, and antimicrobial.
The entire plant can be used, and extracts well in water. Extract in oil to use for skin salves and balms. It is slightly bitter, and will definitely be added raw to my salads. Commercial tinctures of speedwell are sold to treat ear infections and sinusitis.
Resources
http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_speedwell.htm
http://whisperingearth.co.uk/2010/05/18/speedwell-my-belle-may-blog-party/
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