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Benefits |
Preparation |
Medicinal Uses |
Side Effects |
Plant |
Folklore |
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| Common Names |
| Bugleweed , Water Horehound, Gypsywort |
| Botanical Name |
| Lycopus spp. |
| Family |
| LAMIACEAE or LABIATAE Mint Family |
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| Parts Used: leaves, stems, flowers |
| Constituents:Organic acids, lithospermic acid |
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What little research has been done on this common herb seems to support it's use in hyperthyroid conditions and breast pain (mastodynia).
The lithospermic acid in bugleweed is believed to decrease levels of certain hormones, especially the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). This compound also keeps antibodies from binding to and "burning out" cells in an overactive thyroid gland. By moderating estrogen levels, bugleweed relieves cyclic breast pain in women.
Mountain Rose Herbs (2008-07-07)
The nerve calming and vasoconstrictor actions of bugleweed make it useful for pain relief in situations that involve irritability and tension. It does not contain salicylates, so it can be used for pain relief in those with sensitivities to them. |
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Prep Methods :Teas, and less frequently, tinctures and encapsulations. Combined with gromwell and/or lemon balm to treat thyroid disease.
 Remedies using Bugleweed
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| Hyperthyroidism in Animals, Pain | | Bugleweed is especially useful in cats with overactive thyroid conditions. The lithospermic acid in bugleweed is believed to decrease levels of certain hormones, especially the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). The nerve calming and vasoconstrictor actions of bugleweed make it useful for pain relief in situations that involve irritability and tension. It does not contain salicylates, so it can be used for postraumatic pain relief in cats. 1332
(Gregory L. Tilford ) |
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| Side Effects: |
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| Like other mints, bugleweed is safe when used sensibly.
Exceeding recommended doses of Bugleweed might cause a potentially harmful decrease in thyroid function; however, long-term use of bugleweed is considered safe for people and animals with hyperthyroidism. Not for use in those who are pregnant or nursing. |
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Flora von Deutschland, Osterreich und der Schweiz 1885
 L. americanus is the more common bugleweed in North America and is most often found in stream banks and marshes being a lover of shade and plentiful water. Bugleweed is part of the mint family and is also known as water horehound and gypsywort, but does not have a minty oder. Bugleweed is a perennial plant, its creeping runners produce rosettes of leaves, the whole plant forms a carpet like mat and it is often used as a groundcover. Bugleweeds usually have shining oval shaped leaves that are close to the look of spinach leaves. The flowers are blue, pink or white and grow in whorles in the leaf axils.
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