Bugleweed
Parts Usually Used
The whole plant (usually the aerial parts)
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Bugleweed is a perennial plant 6-40 inches in height; the leaves are lance-shaped, strongly toothed, the lower ones with long, narrow bases. Flowers are in axils, with broadly triangular calyx lobes, shorter than the nutlets. Blooms July to October. Another variety: American bugleweed (L. americanus) also called cut-leaved water-horehound; the most abundant of about 7 or so species in our range; distinguished by its lance-shaped, strongly cut or toothed leaves.
Found on low ground throughout North America. Flowers in July to September. The leaves of this and other bugleweeds (Lycopus species) are traditionally used as a mild sedative and astringent in heart diseases, lung ailments, etc. Another variety: also called gypsywort or bugleweed (L. europaeus) is a little known but efficacious medicinal plant. In Switzerland it is found in some parts of the Churfirst mountains at an elevation of up to 3,280 feet.
Used in similar ways to bugleweed (L. virginicus).
Where Found
Wet places, Nova Scotia to Georgia; Arkansas to Oklahoma, Nebraska to Minnesota.
Medicinal Properties
Sedative, astringent, mild narcotic, tonic
Biochemical Information
Tannin, lithospermic acid, phenolic substances and traces of essential oil
Legends, Myths and Stories
The Chinese variety (L lucidus) closely resembles bugleweed (L. virginicus), but the Chinese plant has emmenagogue and diuretic properties and is used for delayed menstruation and urinary problems. Rafinesque thought exceedingly well of bugleweed’s general properties, further he claims that it acts somewhat like digitalis, lowering pulse, without producing any bad effects, nor accumulating in the system.
The Herbalist Almanac states that most writers believe the plant is narcotic, but “we, however, infer, both from our own experience, and that of others, that it is only a sedative”.
Uses
Historically, herbalists utilized this plant for coughs and a rapid pulse, as well as for thyroid complaints. Traditional practitioners also paired it with motherwort when addressing thyroid conditions.
Warning
Generally bugleweed should be avoided during pregnancy, as are most herbs in this category.
Bibliography
, Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994 Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , 180 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014, first printed by the United States Government Printing Office, Washington, in 1928, this Dover edition 1974 The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , by Dr. A. , 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT.
06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023 The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book) , edited by William H. Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. , 1974