Ajuga reptans
Record ID:67Naming |
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|---|---|
| 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 |
Characteristics |
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| 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 |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.XPkdTPR8AHBczgRBb9n2ggHaFj%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=0555dfa5a91f19bc4aa48c51a951a508b118bf41504b6ffb7c1e15669381cc87&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
| Share: | Private |