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BUGLE AJUGA REPTANS If the virtues of it make you fall in love with it (as they will if you be wise), keep a syrup of it to take inwardly and an ointment and plaister of it to use outwardly, always by you. It is also called Middle Confound and Middle Comfrey, Brown Bugle and by some Sickle-wort and Herb-carpenter. The stalk is square and the leaves green or brownish and somewhat hairy. The plant, a perennial, grows about 18 inches (46 cm) high and bears bluish or ash-coloured flowers. Where to find it: Woods, copses and in fields in damp shady areas. Flowering time: From late spring until midsummer. Astrology: This herb belongeth to Dame Venus. Medicinal virtues: The decoction of the leaves and flowers made in wine and taken will dissolve congealed blood in those that are bruised inwardly by a fall. It is very effectual for any inward wounds, thrusts or stabs in the body or bowels, and wonderful for curing ulcers and sores, whether new and fresh, or old and inveterate. Gangrenes and fistulas are also cured if the leaves are bruised and applied, or the juice be used to wash and bathe the place. Made into a lotion with honey and Alum, it cures all sores in the mouth and gums, and is no less powerful and effectual for ulcers and sores in the secret parts of men and women. Many times those that give themselves much to drinking are troubled with strange fancies, strange sights in the night or voices. There 1 have known cured by taking only two spoonfuls of the syrup of this herb two hours after supper on going to bed. Modern uses: The whole herb is collected from late spring and dried. It has aromatic and astringent properties, and can be used for arresting internal haemorrhages. It is also regarded as mildly narcotic. An infusion made from i oz (28 g) of the dried herb to 1 Pt (568 rnl) of boiling water may be taken in doses of 2 fl oz (56 ml). |