Water Horehound, American water horehound

Lycopus americanus

Physical Characteristics

Lycopus americanus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

N. America - Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to Florida, Texas, Utah and California.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[207]. This contradicts with the report in [200] that the plant does not form tubers on its rhizomes.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Narcotic Sedative The whole plant is used as an astringent, hypoglycaemic, mild narcotic and mild sedative[4, 102, 222, 238]. It also slows and strengthens heart contractions[238]. The plant has been shown to be of value in the treatment of hyperthyroidism[222, 238], it is also used in the treatment of coughs, bleeding from the lungs and consumption, excessive menstruation etc[4, 238]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women or patients with hypothyroidism[238]. The plant is harvested as flowering begins and can be use fresh or dried, in an infusion or as a tincture[4, 238].

Known Hazards

None known