What is bugleweed herb used for?
Bugleweed (Lycopus americanus) is a plant. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are sometimes used as medicine. People use bugleweed for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), insomnia, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Bugleweed can be taken as tea or tincture and is used to relieve some of the symptoms associated with an overactive thyroid gland, such as a rapid pulse, palpitations, nervousness, anxiety and insomnia.Another traditional use for bugleweed is to help with sleeplessness. Its sedative effect is believed to be from flavonoids present in bugleweed. However, these findings are from a rat study, which is not enough evidence to support this use.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. Today, the main use of this herb is for treating mild hyperthyroidism.Northern bugleweed’s green parts have been used to treat hyperthyroidism (Grave’s disease) because it lowers TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone); concomitantly, its use could enlarge the thyroid (goiter) for those with hypothyroidism.
What is another name for bugleweed?
Ajuga reptans is commonly known as bugle, blue bugle, bugleherb, bugleweed, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed, carpet bugle, and common bugle, and traditionally (although less commonly) as St. Lawrence plant. It is an herbaceous flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to Europe. Ajuga /əˈdʒuːɡə/, also known as bugleweed, ground pine, carpet bugle, or just bugle, is a genus of flowering plants in the Ajugeae tribe of the mint family Lamiaceae. There are over 60 species of annual or perennial, mostly herbaceous plants. They are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.Bugleweed – otherwise known as ajuga – is a low-growing, shade-tolerant groundcover with quilted leaves. While not the main attraction, its flower spikes are an appealing feature in the Spring.Bugleweed is a broadleaf, evergreen to semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial ground cover in the Lamiaceae (mint) family.Bugleweed (Lycopus americanus) is a plant. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are sometimes used as medicine. People use bugleweed for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), insomnia, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
What is the problem with bugleweed?
Bugleweed is mostly free of pests and diseases. The only insect that truly likes the plant is the aphid, which can be sprayed off the plant with a garden hose. The other common problem bugleweed could encounter is crown rot, a soil-borne disease that can affect overcrowded plants with poor air circulation. The roots, tubers and very young shoots of bugleweed are edible. The leaves have a faint mint like smell, but are generally quite bitter when eaten, so are not commonly foraged. They could be used as a potherb within salads, but cooking into a hot dish is best, to remove the bitter taste.The roots, tubers and very young shoots of bugleweed are edible. The leaves have a faint mint like smell, but are generally quite bitter when eaten, so are not commonly foraged. They could be used as a potherb within salads, but cooking into a hot dish is best, to remove the bitter taste.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. Today, the main use of this herb is for treating mild hyperthyroidism.Bugleweed is attractive in a mass planting in a naturalized area, on a slope or bank, or in a woodland garden. A dense mat will help smother weeds, but avoid planting near perennial beds or lawns where its spreading nature could pose removal problems. This plant is resistant to browsing by deer.
Who should not take bugleweed?
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. However, taking an iodine supplement (without your doctor’s recommendation) can impact your thyroid negatively. Do not start an iodine supplement without discussing with your doctor first. Thyroid support or thyroid health supplements are often dangerous because they contain animal thyroid hormones.For example, supplements like bugleweed and lemon balm, known to slow down an overactive thyroid, are not recommended for hypothyroid patients. In contrast, others, like iodine, can exacerbate autoimmune conditions if taken in excess.If you are being treated for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) taking an iodine supplement is unnecessary and can worsen the condition. The extra iodine can counteract the benefits of the antithyroid drugs.