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