Bugleweed, Rough bugleweed

Lycopus lucidus

Physical Characteristics

Lycopus lucidus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to November. 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

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[46, 61]. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails[177, 179].

Medicinal Uses

Cardiotonic Diuretic Hepatic The plant is cardiotonic, weakly diuretic and hepatic[147, 176, 279]. It is said to stimulate the blood circulation, break up clots, and soothe the liver[147, 176, 279]. A decoction is used in the treatment of abdominal distension, abscesses, menstrual pain, painful injuries, incontinence and various other ailments[218, 238, 279]. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and is dried for later use.

Known Hazards

None known