Bugleweed's therapeutic uses
Bugleweed, scientifically known as Lycopus virginicus, is a plant native to North America that is recognized for its potential therapeutic uses, primarily concerning thyroid health. Traditionally, it has been employed by herbalists to address conditions such as hyperthyroidism, cyclic mastalgia (breast pain linked to menstrual cycles), and symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Preliminary studies suggest that bugleweed may effectively lower thyroid hormone levels and reduce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), particularly in cases of mild hyperthyroidism. However, it should be approached cautiously due to safety concerns, such as the risk of causing an enlarged thyroid with long-term or high-dose use. Additionally, individuals with hypothyroidism or pregnant and nursing women are advised against using bugleweed. While it has been suggested for other ailments like anxiety, insomnia, coughs, and nosebleeds, further research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety in these applications. Overall, professional guidance is essential when considering bugleweed as part of a treatment plan.
Bugleweed's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Cyclic mastalgia (cyclic breast pain), hyperthyroidism, symptoms of premenstrual disorder
Overview
Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus), from the mint family, is native to North America. It is closely related to the European herb called gypsywort or gypsyweed (L. europaeus). For medicinal purposes, these two plants are often used interchangeably. The leaves of bugleweed are long and thin and grow in pairs from the stem. Small whitish flowers grow around the stem at the base of each pair of leaves. The juice of bugleweed can be used as a fabric dye, and it was reportedly used by the Roma people to darken their skin, which may be the origin of the common names applied to the European species of Lycopus.
Bugleweed also has a long-standing reputation as a medicinal plant. Herbalists have traditionally used bugleweed as a sedative, to treat mild heart conditions, and to reduce fever and mucus production in influenza and colds. Bugleweed has also been suggested as a treatment for hyperthyroidism and mastodynia (breast pain). Other suggested uses of bugleweed include anxiety, insomnia, coughs, and nosebleeds.
Therapeutic Dosages
The dosage of bugleweed should be adjusted by measuring thyroid hormone levels.
Therapeutic Uses
Several preliminary studies suggest that bugleweed may help treat mild hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland releases excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight loss, weakness, heart palpitations, and anxiety. Test tube and animal studies suggest that bugleweed may reduce thyroid hormones by decreasing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and impairing thyroid hormone synthesis. There have been a handful of small double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that indicate bugleweed's effectiveness in decreasing TSH levels in people with mild hyperthyroidism. Still, these studies are older and had small sample sizes. In addition, bugleweed may block the action of thyroid-stimulating antibodies found in Grave’s disease.
Self-treatment of hyperthyroidism can be dangerous. To design a specific treatment plan, physician supervision is necessary to determine why the thyroid is overactive.
Bugleweed may also reduce levels of the hormone prolactin, which is primarily responsible for breast milk production. Elevated levels of prolactin may also cause breast pain in women; based on this finding, bugleweed has been recommended as a treatment for cyclic mastalgia (breast tenderness that comes and goes with the menstrual cycle). However, because of its effects on thyroid hormones, it is not recommended for this purpose. Additional uses include premenstrual syndrome (PMS), insomnia, anxiety, nosebleeds, and coughs.
Safety Issues
The safety of bugleweed has not been established. Long-term or high-dose use of the herb may cause an enlarged thyroid. Bugleweed should not be used by individuals with hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) or an enlarged thyroid gland. Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid bugleweed because of its potential effects on their children and breast milk production.
Bugleweed should not be combined with thyroid medications. It may also interfere with diagnostic procedures that rely on radioactive isotopes to evaluate the thyroid.
Important Interactions
Bugleweed should not be used by those taking thyroid medications or undergoing thyroid function tests except on a physician’s advice.
Bibliography
Brinker, F. "Inhibition of Endocrine Function by Botanical Agents I. Boraginaceae and Labiatae." Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, vol. 1, 1990, pp. 10-18.
"Bugleweed." Drugs, 26 June 2023, www.drugs.com/npp/bugleweed.html. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
"Bugleweed – Health Information Library." PeaceHealth, www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2055003. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.
Fike, Jimmy W. Edible Plants: A Photographic Survey of the Wild Edible Botanicals of North America. Red Lightning Books, 2022.
Sheldon, Dawn. "Bugleweed: Uses, Thyroid Benefits, and Side Effects." Verywell Health, 22 July 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/bugleweed-benefits-side-effects-and-preparations-4688633. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.