It is a member of the mint family. European bugle is a perennial plant that grows up to a meter tall, with a strong square stem, similar to the large nettle. The small white flowers with reddish highlights form a ring around the base of the leaves. European bugle blooms for three months, starting in July. The flowers attract flies for pollination.

European bugle grows in damp areas, sometimes even in flooded areas. Both fresh and dried above-ground parts of the plant are used. Extracts, powders, and infusions are prepared from the plant. The main component of European bugle extract is lithospermic acid, which reduces thyroid activity. Therefore, this plant can be successfully used to treat hyperthyroidism. It normalizes iodine metabolism, and lithospermic acid reduces the production of thyroid hormones, including thyroxine.

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Information sources: www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia, https://www.agfonds.lv