Bugle

Ajuga reptans

Bugle - a perennial herb growing up to 12 inches tall. Its creeping runners produce rosettes of leaves; the whole structure forms a carpet like mat. The lower leaves are spatula-shaped and often have wavy edges, while the upper leaves are toothed and elliptical or oval. Small blue to purple flowers (May-July), 1/2 inch across, are borne in dense terminal spikes.

Opinion varies as to the value of bugle. Compare the old saw that promises, "He that has bugle and sanicle thumbs his nose at the surgeon," with the view of a modern French herbalist that bugle is the "most resolutely [medicinally] inactive of plants." It is generally agreed, however, that bugle is more than just a pretty flower. As another of its names, carpenter's-herb, suggests, bugle does have some ability to stop bleeding and to heal cuts, as do all plants that contain tannin. Bugle has also been given to stop lung and other internal hemorrhaging, and herbalists have recommended it for coughs, ulcers, rheumatism, and liver disorders, and to prevent hallucinations after excessive alcohol consumption. Some herbalists believe that bugle is mildly narcotic and sedative and may slow the heart rate in the way that digitalis does. Bugleweed's properties other than wound healing have never been thoroughly researched, however.
Bugle's species name, reptans, refers to the reptile like creeping of the plant's runners.

Other names

• Carpenter's-herb
• Common Bugle
• Middle Comfrey
• Sicklewort

Parts used

Aerial parts.

Uses

Bugle is bitter, astringent, and aromatic, but opinion varies as to its value as a medicine. Bugle has mild analgesic properties, and it is still used occasionally as a wound healer. Bugle is also mildly laxative and traditionally has been thought to help cleanse the liver.

Bugle is a specific for over-active thyroid glands, especially where the symptoms include tightness of breathing, palpitation and shaking. Bugle may safely be used where palpitations occur that are of nervous origin. Bugle will aid the weak heart where there is associated build-up of water in the body. As a sedative cough reliever bugle will ease irritating coughs, especially when they are of nervous origin.

Habitat & cultivation

Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, bugle has become naturalized in North America. Bugle prefers damp woods and grassy and mountainous areas, and is usually gathered when-in flower in early summer.

Constituents

Bugle contains iridoid glycosides including harpagide, which is also found in devil's claw.

How much to take

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of the dried herb and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 1-2ml of the tincture three times a day.

Collection & harvesting

Bugle should be collected just before the buds open.

Combinations

Bugle may be used with nervines such as skullcap or valerian.

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