Bugleweed

November 8th, 2007

Botanical Name: Lycopus Virginicus (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Labiatae

Synonyms:;Water Bugle. Sweet Bugle. Virginian Water Horehound. Gipsyweed.
Part Used::The Herb…..The leaves and flowers of this plant .
Habitat-: An American plant. It is a very common weed in North America, growing in low, damp, shady ground and flowering from July to September.

Description: Though a Labiate, it does not actually belong to the same genus as the British Bugles, but has certain points in common. From the perennial, creeping root, the quadrangular, smooth stem rises to a height of from 6 to 24 inches, bearing pairs of opposite leaves on short stalks, those on the upper part being toothed and lance-shaped, the lower ones wedge-shaped and with entire margins. The leaves are destitute of hairs and gland-dotted beneath. The flowers are in clusters in the axils of the leaves; the calyx has four broad, blunt teeth and the corolla is four-lobed, purplish in colour, with only two fertile stamens.

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Historical or traditional use: The modern applications of bugleweed, unlike most other medicinal plants, do not match its traditional use. Historically, bugleweed and related species were used to treat coughs and as a sedative.Today, the main use of this herb is related to its effects on various glands.
Part Used: The whole herb is used. It is slightly aromatic, with a mint-like odour and is used, fresh, when in flower, for the preparation of a tincture and a fluid extract, until recent years official in the United States Pharmacopoeia. It is also used dried for making an infusion.

Constituents: It contains a peculiar bitter principle, insoluble in ether, another soluble in ether, the two forming more than 10 per cent of the whole solid extract, also tannin and a volatile oil.
Active constituents: Lithospermic acid and other organic acids are believed to be responsible for bugleweedâ€™s activity. These acids decrease levels of several hormones in the body, particularly thyroid-stimulating hormone2 and the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). Bugleweed inhibits the binding of antibodies to the thyroid gland. These antibodies can cause the most common form of hyperthyroidism, Gravesâ€™ disease. All these actions help explain bugleweedâ€™s benefit in people with overactive thyroids. Bugleweed also decreases production of the pituitary gland hormone known as prolactin, an elevated level of which is associated with female reproductive difficulties and enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia).

Medicinal Action and Uses-: Sedative, astringent and mildly narcotic. Used in coughs, bleeding from the lungs and consumption. The infusion made from 1 OZ. of the dried herb to 1 pint of boiling water is taken in wineglassful doses, frequently, the fluid extract in doses of 10 to 30 drops, and the dry extract, Lycopin, in doses of 1 to 4 grains.

How much one should take? Only small amounts are necessary for this plant to decrease thyroid function. Intake of tincture should be limited to 1â€“2 ml three times a day. Bugleweed is often used in conjunction with other thyroid-suppressing herbs, including lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and gromwell (Lithospermum ruderale).

Are there any side effects or interactions? Excessive intake of bugleweed or use by healthy persons can detrimentally depress thyroid function. Thyroid disease is dangerous and should only be treated under the supervision of a health care professional. However, long-term use of bugleweed is considered safe for individuals with hyperthyroidism.6 Bugleweed should not be taken by people with hypothyroidism. Bugleweed is unsafe during pregnancy and lactation.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/buglew84.html

http://www.vitaminevi.com/Herb/Bugleweed.htm