Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugle should be used with some caution but only because it interacts with certain medications, mainly chemotherapy and sedatives. If you have general good health & you’re not taking any medication, you may choose to safely use Bugle in your herbal preparations.They say these plants pop up when they’re most needed & with this changing weather right now come the coughs & colds. Bugle’s ariel parts are used, fresh or dry, to soothe constant coughing, shortness of breath & the feeling you can’t breathe. All sounds very dramatic but the reality is, you would add a smaller amount of this plant to a herbal mix, something like Broadleaf Plantain, Honeysuckle Flower, Elderflowers… which would be doing the main job of cooling inflammation in the respiratory tract whilst regulating mucus production & elimination. It is a herb we add to relieve a symptom, not so much the root of the problem. It makes a good assistant to the herbs you are using to relieve a cough/cold or sleep issues. It may come in very useful & be one you choose to have. 🌿There’s also evidence that it has some sedative effects helping with insomnia & anxiety related sleep disturbances. It would combine well here with Lemonbalm , Linden flower, sprinkle of Lavender perhaps… no good if you are already on meds for sleep problems.Externally Bugle can be used on small cuts & grazes & again would combine well with Broadleaf or Ribwort Plantain for this.It has other uses but these are a good starting point with this plant. It’s lovely to see when it grows in big clusters in damp woodland.

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