Lycopus europaeus 'Gypsywort'

[Ex. Norfolk, England]

Lamiaceae: a hairy, somewhat branched, mint-like perennial to 75cm. the flowers are whitish with small purplish spots; in compact whorls arising from the axils of the upper leaves, blooming from July-September. The leaves are a yellowish green, deeply cut or pinnately divided into lobes. Found growing in damp ground, often beside fresh water, favouring ditches and pond margins. Locally common in the south of England, but scarce or absent elsewhere in the country.

USES:

The fresh or dried flowering herb has astringent and sedative properties. 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, 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.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Cold-germinators: The sowing must be kept warm (about +18 to +22°C) [about 64 to 72°F] and moist for the first 2–4 weeks. After this period the sowing must be kept at a cold temperature (between –4 and +4°C) [between 25 and 39°F] for another 4–6 weeks. Then most effective temperatures are between +5 to +12°C [41 to 54°F], even if germination has started. The best location for this sowing, even in March, April and May, is the open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse.

HARVESTED: 2019

APPROX. 300+ SEEDS