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Gypsywort (Bog & Marginal Plant)
Lycopus europaeus

Distribution:  A native British plant.
Habitat:  Ponds, pond edges, ditches, river banks and marshy areas in partly shaded sites.
Description:  Perennial.  Tall, straight stems with purple flowers from June to September.
Uses:  The stem and leaves were used as an astringent and sedative and used to treat anxiety, tuberculosis and heart palpitations. It has also been used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and related disorders.  Industrially, Gypsywort was used in making a permanent black dye which is where it may have got its name from.  Gypsies were said to have used it to stain their skin darker to resemble Africans or Egyptians when performing 'magic'.

Sowing Instructions for Seeds: Sow seed spring or autumn in a cold frame.  When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant them out in summer for flowering the following year.