A perennial, mint-like herb, but with no aroma, it grows on a creeping root-stock to about 60cm (2ft) in height. It has single stems with opposite, deeply-toothed, pointed leaves and whorls of small, pale-mauve flowers in the leaf axils in late summer.
History and traditions
This herb is said to have gained its name because gipsies used it to stain their skins darker. It was also effective in dyeing fabrics and at one time was a valuable medicinal plant.
Parts used
Whole flowering plant it can be used fresh or dried.
Uses
Medicinal
Gipsyweed is reputed to have sedative properties. It was used in the past for the control of internal hemorrhage’s, including excessive menstrual bleeding; and it was also thought to be effective for other conditions such as an overactive thyroid.
General
It produces a black or dark-grey dye on woolen and linen fabrics.
