Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine for treating external bleeding. Historically, various species of Ajuga, particularly Ajuga reptans, have been used in European folk medicine as a topical styptic—to stop bleeding from wounds, cuts, or abrasions. The plant was often applied as a poultice or as a component of wound-healing ointments. This traditional use is documented in several herbal texts from the Middle Ages onward. The purported hemostatic (bleeding-stopping) effect is often attributed to the presence of tannins and other astringent compounds in the plant, which may help constrict blood vessels and promote clotting when applied externally.

However, while the traditional use is well established, scientific evidence supporting this effect is limited. There are few, if any, well-designed modern clinical studies validating the efficacy or safety of Ajuga for external bleeding in humans. Most references to its use for bleeding rely on historical accounts or anecdotal reports rather than rigorous laboratory or clinical data. Thus, while Ajuga's use for external bleeding is justified by tradition, and there is some plausible phytochemical rationale, the overall evidence strength is low, meriting a rating of 2 on the evidence scale.

More about Ajuga
More about Bleeding (external)

Other ingredients used for Bleeding (external)

Other health conditions supported by Ajuga

Products containing Ajuga