Lamiaceae
Bugle Herb
Ajuga reptans
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Also known as: Common Bugle, Bugle Weed, Carpenter's Herb, Sicklewort
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Therapeutic Uses
Wound healing (topical — vulnerary), sore throat (gargle), mild hyperthyroidism (antithyroid aucubin), GI complaints. Traditional wound herb.
Herbal Actions
Astringent, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, antithyroid (mild), mild bitter tonic
Active Constituents
Iridoid glycosides (harpagide, 8-O-acetylharpagide, aucubin), diterpenoids (clerodane type), phenylethanoids (acteoside), flavonoids, tannins
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily or as topical wash |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Apply strong tea as wound wash or compress. For hyperthyroidism: combine with bugleweed (Lycopus) for better effect. Limited modern research but solid traditional use. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Thyroid medications (antithyroid). Pregnancy — avoid. No significant other interactions.
Side Effects: Mild GI upset. Very well tolerated.