Gypsywort
Lycopus europaeus

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

By rivers, streams and ditches, also in marshes and fens.

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

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root - raw or cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 3

The fresh or dried flowering herb is astringent and sedative. It inhibits iodine conversion in the thyroid gland and is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and related disorders. The whole plant is used as an astringent, hypoglycaemic, mild narcotic and mild sedative. It also slows and strengthens heart contractions. The plant has been shown to be of value in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, it is also used in the treatment of coughs, bleeding from the lungs and consumption, excessive menstruation etc. The leaves are applied as a poultice to cleanse foul wounds. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women or patients with hypothyroidism. The plant is harvested as flowering begins and can be use fresh or dried, in an infusion or as a tincture. Current uses are predominantly for increased activity of the thyroid gland and for premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as breast pain . The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Lycopus for nervousness and premenstrual syndrome.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Other

Rating: 2

A black dye is obtained from the plant. It is said to give a permanent colour and was also used by gypsies in order to darken the skin.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

How it is grown

Tolerates most soil types so long as they are wet. Grows well in shallow water. Succeeds in sun or shade.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet, water

Things to keep in mind

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

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Lycopus alboroseus. Lycopus albus. Lycopus aquaticus. Lycopus decrescens