Bugleweed

Introduction

Bugleweed is a marshland mint native to Europe and naturalized to the United States. It bears clusters of white, bugle-like flowers where stems connect to leaves.

Lycopus europea has juice that can be used as a fabric dye and was reportedly used by gypsies to darken their skin, which may be the origin of the common names applied to the European species of Lycopus – gypsyweed. Studies suggest that bugleweed may reduce thyroid hormone by decreasing levels of TSH (the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland) and by impairing thyroid hormone synthesis.

Constituents

Organic acids, lithospermic acid.

Parts Used

Dried leaves and flowers.

Typical Preparations

Teas, and less frequently, tinctures and encapsulations. Combined with gromwell and/or lemon balm to treat thyroid disease.

Summary

Bugleweed is used in contemporary herbal medicine as a treatment for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) 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.

Precautions

Don't use bugleweed as a substitute for medical care for hyperthyroidism. This herb should not be used by people who do not have hyperactive thyroid.

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