Gypsywort

Lycopus europaeus

Physical Characteristics

Lycopus europaeus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. 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 and can grow in water.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, to the Mediterranean, north and central Asia.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[179].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Miscellany Poultice Sedative The fresh or dried flowering herb is astringent and sedative[4]. It inhibits iodine conversion in the thyroid gland and is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and related disorders[9]. The whole plant is used as an astringent, hypoglycaemic, mild narcotic and mild sedative[4, 238]. It also slows and strengthens heart contractions[238]. The plant has been shown to be of value in the treatment of hyperthyroidism[9, 238], it is also used in the treatment of coughs, bleeding from the lungs and consumption, excessive menstruation etc[4, 238]. The leaves are applied as a poultice to cleanse foul wounds[240]. This remedy 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]. Current uses are predominantly for increased activity of the thyroid gland and for premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as breast pain [301]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Lycopus for nervousness and premenstrual syndrome (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Known Hazards

Known to cause the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Avoid in patients with thyroid disease or given concomitantly with thyroid therapy. Avoid during pregnancy [301].