Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Ajuga reptans
|
| Common Names: |
Carpet Bugle, Common Bugle
|
| Key Name: |
Bugleweed
|
| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, whole plant
|
| Sister Plants: |
Ajuga pyramidalis, Ajuga genevensis, Teucrium spp.
|
| Comments: |
Low-growing perennial with significant pollinator attraction; used in herbal traditions
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Lamiales |
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
Genus |
Ajuga |
| Species |
reptans |
NCBI Tax ID |
38596
|
| Organism |
|
|
Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Low-growing perennial (6-12 inches), creeping stems, oval Leaves with scalloped edges, blue or purple flower spikes
|
| Stem: |
Creeping, square, green to purplish
|
| Leaves: |
Oval, scalloped, 1-3 inches, dark green to bronze
|
| Flowers: |
Blue or purple spikes, tubular flowers, blooming May-June
|
| Fruit: |
Small nutlets, 2-3 mm, ripening in summer
|
| Taste: |
Bitter (Leaves), mild (flowers)
|
| Odour: |
Subtle, earthy scent from flowers
|
| Root: |
Fibrous, shallow root system; ground cover
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| Image: |
(image unavailable)
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Europe, North Africa, naturalized in North America
|
| Cultivation: |
Prefers moist, well-drained soil, partial shade; propagate by division
|
| Harvest: |
Leaves: Spring to summer; flowers: Early summer
|
Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Astringent, Diuretic, Sedative, thyroid regulator
|
| Medical Uses: |
Used for hyperthyroidism, anxiety, mild heart palpitations, and as a Diuretic; Leaves for wound healing
|
| Constituents: |
Iridoid glycosides, Tannins, phytoecdysteroids
|
| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (Tincture), glycerin
|
| Dosage: |
Tincture: 10-20 drops in water 2-3 times daily; infusion: 1 tsp dried Leaves in hot water
|
| Administration: |
Internal: Tincture or infusion; External: Poultice for Wounds
|
| Formulas: |
Combine with lemon balm for anxiety; with nettle for Diuretic effect
|
| Contra Indications: |
May lower thyroid function; avoid in hypothyroidism or Pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
|
| Preparation: |
Tincture: Steep 1 part Whole Plant in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks; infusion: Steep 1 tsp Leaves in hot water for 10 minutes
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| Veterinary: |
Used for wound healing or calming in livestock
|
| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
Yes
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen
|
| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health
|
Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
ornamental ground cover, dye from Leaves
|
| Culinary Uses: |
Young Leaves occasionally in salads; not common
|
| History: |
Used in European folk medicine for centuries; valued in gardens
|
| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; European Herbal Traditions
|
| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ajuga+reptans
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| Share: |
Private
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