Bugle (Ajuga reptans) for Wounds
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Yenny Onggosanusi
Posted on: October 5, 1998

I’m waiting for my ajuga from your company this week, but I don’t really know how to use it other than for groundcover. I read that I can use it as medicinal herb, but I don’t know how to make it (tincture from this herb, which part I should use, etc.) and what kind of problem it prevents.

Bugle (Ajuga reptans) was formerly used in medicine more than it is now. The main use was for treating bruises, wounds and tumours. Nicholas Culpeper, the 17th century English herbalist regarded it highly used as an ointment or plaster for wounds. He also suggested that it is a cure for hangovers.

According to Deni Bown in her book, "Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses" (available from Richters), the fresh leaves are harvested in summer and used fresh in ointments and medicated oils. Standard recipes for making ointments and medicated oils can be adapted for bugle. The exact proportion of fresh herb to petroleum jelly or oil is not critical.

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