Herb-Carpenter
- Ajuga reptans L.
- Labiatae
- Mint family
Common Names
 Brown
bugle
Herb-carpenter
Middle
confound
Middle
comfrey
Sicklewort
Parts Usually Used
Leaves
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Bugle is a popular perennial groundcover for shady spots; it has
a squarish stem, topped in spring and summer with tight whorls of
blue flowers. The leaves from the root are stalked, those from the
stem, often tinged with blue, are stalkless. After the flowering comes
the small, round blackish seeds. The root is composed of many strings,
and spreads on the ground. Blooms in May to July.
Other varieties: Geneva bugle (A. genevensis) is a taller
species with light green, oval, toothed leaves and blue flowers; Bronze
ajuga (A. reptans var. atropurpurea) has blue flowers and bronze leaves;
A. reptans var. multicolor) with red, brown, and yellow foliage; Red
bugle (A. reptans var. rubra) has dark purple foliage with pink flowers;
and (A. reptans var. varigata) with leaves splotched and bordered
with cream and blue flowers.
The white flowered bugle differs by being an evergreen, the leaves
and stalks are always green, never brown. Not so plentiful as the
common blue flowered plant.
Where Found
A common plant, grows in damp woods and meadows.
Medicinal Properties
Narcotic
Legends, Myths and Stories
The roots of bugle produces a black dye.
Uses
One of the mildest narcotics and can be prescribed in all cases.
It is a digestive, having
a sedative influence on upset stomachs. Used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
The bruised leaves may be applied as a poultice for cuts and wounds
or bruises. Also made into an ointment. Decoction of leaves and flowers
is used for cough remedy and for "hangovers".
A decoction of leaves and flowers made in wine, helps congeal blood
from bruises. Helps heal wounds, treats sores,
ulcers, gangrene,
mouth sores, bleeding
gums, helps heal broken bones, insomnia
(use the syrup of this herb for insomnia, 2 tbsp. upon retiring).
Formulas or Dosages
Prepare an infusion from the leaves and sweeten with honey.
Warning
This herb is a narcotic. Take at short intervals only and then under
medical supervision.
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