Condition
Treatment Support
heart sedative and tonic
Application
tincture, capsule
Bugleweed
(Lycopus virginicus)
Also know as Water horehound
Botanical Information
A small creeping plant of wet areas in the mint family with opposite lance-shaped leaves and small white flowers in whorls.
Working with Bugleweed
Part(s) Used
Leaf, Flowers
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb
Christopher Hobbs:
“Bugleweed has sedative, astringent, and anti-hormonal activity. It is considered sedative and tonic to the heart, helping to calm a fast pulse and benefiting circulation in some cases. Laboratory tests have shown that bugleweed extracts inhibit iodine metabolism, which may explain its effectiveness for hyperthyroidism and Grave’s disease.
Bugleweed has a taste of BITTER, AROMATIC and a temperature of WARM.”
Historical Uses: Bugleweed has a long history in herbal medicine, primarily used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. Traditionally, it was used to treat conditions such as hyperthyroidism, nervous disorders, and respiratory issues. The herb’s calming properties were particularly valued in treating anxiety and insomnia.
Modern Clinical Uses: Today, herbalists and naturopaths use bugleweed primarily for its potential to support thyroid health, particularly in cases of hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease. It is also employed to manage symptoms of anxiety, high blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythms.
Chemistry and Pharmacology: Bugleweed contains several active compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids, which contribute to its medicinal effects. The primary pharmacological actions attributed to bugleweed are:
- Thyroid function modulation: It is believed to reduce thyroid hormone production, making it useful for managing hyperthyroid symptoms.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Due to its flavonoid content, it may help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Clinical Trials: While there is some anecdotal and traditional evidence supporting the use of bugleweed for thyroid conditions, clinical trials are limited. A few studies have suggested its potential benefits in reducing thyroid hormone levels in patients with hyperthyroidism, but the results are inconclusive. More rigorous, large-scale trials are needed to substantiate its therapeutic claims.
Summary: Bugleweed is an herb traditionally used for its calming and thyroid-modulating effects, particularly in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. While modern herbalists use it for thyroid health and anxiety, its clinical evidence is still emerging. Proper dosing is crucial to avoid negative impacts on thyroid function, and further studies are needed to establish its effectiveness in clinical practice.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs.
Cautions
Bugleweed is considered relatively safe when used appropriately, though caution is advised. It may interact with thyroid medications and could potentially lower thyroid hormone levels too much if combined with such drugs. Overuse can lead to symptoms of hypothyroidism. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid bugleweed, as its effects on the thyroid may affect fetal or infant development.
Dosages should be personalized based on individual needs and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Long-term use requires monitoring of thyroid function.
Conditions treated with Bugleweed
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
thyroid regulator
Application
tincture, capsule
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
