Herb: Bugleweed


Latin name: Lycopus lucidus


Family: Labiatae



Medicinal use of Bugleweed:

The plant is cardiotonic, weakly diuretic and hepatic. It is said to stimulate the blood circulation, break up clots, and soothe the liver. A decoction is used in the treatment of abdominal distension, abscesses, menstrual pain, painful injuries, incontinence and various other ailments. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and is dried for later use.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Wet places by the edges of streams or in other damp areas.

Edible parts of Bugleweed:

Root - cooked. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cultivation of Bugleweed:

Wet places by the edges of streams or in other damp areas.

Known hazards of Lycopus lucidus:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.