BUGLEWEED
Bugleweed is 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. It is generally agreed 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. Bugleweed 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 bugleweed is mildly narcotic and sedative and may slow the heart rate in the way that digitalis does. Bugleweed is bitter, astringent, and aromatic. Bugleweed has mild analgesic properties, and it is still used occasionally as a wound healer. Bugleweed is also mildly laxative and traditionally has been thought to help cleanse the liver. Bugleweed is used for over-active thyroid glands, especially where the symptoms include tightness of breathing, palpitation and shaking. Bugleweed may safely be used where palpitations occur that are of nervous origin. Bugleweed will aid the weak heart where there is an associated buildup of water in the body.
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