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Botanical nameLycopus virginicus
Parts used and where grown
The leaves and flowers of this plant from the mint family are used medicinally. Both bugleweed and its European cousin, gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus), grow in very wet areas.
Bugleweed has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
* - Breast pain
* - Hyperthyroidism
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Parts used and where grown
The leaves and flowers of this plant from the mint family are used medicinally. Both bugleweed and its European cousin, gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus), grow in very wet areas.
Bugleweed has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
* - Breast pain
* - Hyperthyroidism
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
The modern applications of bugleweed, unlike many medicinal plants, do not match its traditional use. Historically, bugleweed and related species were used to treat coughs and as a sedative.1 Today, the main use of this herb is for treating mild hyperthyroidism.
Active constituents
Lithospermic acid and other organic acids are believed to be responsible for bugleweed’s activity. These acids decrease levels of several hormones in the body, particularly thyroid-stimulating hormones2 and the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4).3 Bugleweed inhibits the binding of antibodies to the thyroid gland.4 These antibodies can cause the most common form of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease. All these actions may help explain bugleweed’s benefit in people with mildly overactive thyroids.
How much is usually taken?
The German Commission E monograph recommends 1–2 grams of the whole herb per day.5 Intake of tincture should be limited to 1–2 ml three times a day. Bugleweed is often combined with other herbs used to treat mildly overactive thyroid function, including lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and gromwell (Lithospermum ruderale).
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Excessive intake of bugleweed by people with thyroid disease or use by healthy people may cause a potentially harmful decrease in thyroid function. Thyroid disease is dangerous and should only be treated under the supervision of a healthcare professional. However, long-term use of bugleweed is considered safe for people with hyperthyroidism.6 Bugleweed should not be taken by people with hypothyroidism. Bugleweed should also not be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding.7
Are there any drug interactions?
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
The modern applications of bugleweed, unlike many medicinal plants, do not match its traditional use. Historically, bugleweed and related species were used to treat coughs and as a sedative.1 Today, the main use of this herb is for treating mild hyperthyroidism.
Active constituents
Lithospermic acid and other organic acids are believed to be responsible for bugleweed’s activity. These acids decrease levels of several hormones in the body, particularly thyroid-stimulating hormones2 and the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4).3 Bugleweed inhibits the binding of antibodies to the thyroid gland.4 These antibodies can cause the most common form of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease. All these actions may help explain bugleweed’s benefit in people with mildly overactive thyroids.
How much is usually taken?
The German Commission E monograph recommends 1–2 grams of the whole herb per day.5 Intake of tincture should be limited to 1–2 ml three times a day. Bugleweed is often combined with other herbs used to treat mildly overactive thyroid function, including lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and gromwell (Lithospermum ruderale).
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Excessive intake of bugleweed by people with thyroid disease or use by healthy people may cause a potentially harmful decrease in thyroid function. Thyroid disease is dangerous and should only be treated under the supervision of a healthcare professional. However, long-term use of bugleweed is considered safe for people with hyperthyroidism.6 Bugleweed should not be taken by people with hypothyroidism. Bugleweed should also not be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding.7
Are there any drug interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with bugleweed. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with bugleweed: Some interactions may increase the need for bugleweed (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate bugleweed should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Thyroid Hormones (-)
Source: www.cncahealth.com
Certain medicines interact with bugleweed: Some interactions may increase the need for bugleweed (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate bugleweed should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Thyroid Hormones (-)
Source: www.cncahealth.com
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