Bugleweed is a type of flowering plant. Medicine is made from the components that grow above ground.
Bugleweed is used to treat excessive thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism). Premenstrual syndrome, breast pain, agitation, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), and bleeding, particularly nosebleeds and excessive bleeding during menstruation, are also treated with it.
How does it work?
Thyroid hormone synthesis may be reduced by bugleweed. Bugleweed also appears to inhibit the production of the hormone prolactin, which may aid in the relief of breast pain.
What part of bugleweed is used for medicine?
A therapeutic extract prepared from the stems, leaves, and flowers of bugleweed is utilized. The plant’s leaves are applied to the skin to help cure wounds.
How does bugleweed help hyperthyroidism?
Bugleweed’s action is thought to be caused by lithospermic acid and other organic acids. Thyroid-stimulating hormones2 and the thyroid hormone thyroxine are among the hormones that are reduced by these acids (T4). 3 Bugleweed prevents antibodies from attaching to the thyroid gland. 4 Graves’ disease, the most prevalent form of hyperthyroidism, can be caused by these antibodies. All of these mechanisms could explain why bugleweed is beneficial to persons who have mildly hyperactive thyroids.
Is bugleweed poisonous to humans?
Bugleweed is POSSIBLY SAFE for most individuals when taken by mouth, although thyroid condition should not be self-treated due to the risk of consequences. Bugleweed consumption over a long period of time can result in an enlarged thyroid gland.
Is bugleweed a diuretic?
BUGLEWEED (LYCOPUS EUROPAEUS): This herb is commonly prescribed for those who are experiencing thyrotoxic agitation and palpitations. It has diuretic, nervine, and peripheral vasodilator properties.
How do you harvest bugleweed?
Bugleweed should be picked in the mid- to late-summer months, when the plant is in flower, for optimal potency. Only only the tops of the plant, not the roots, while picking Bugleweed. Cut the plant off at the ground level to preserve the root system for future growth. Gather the larger, more mature plants, but leave plenty of smaller, younger plants to seed the area for future harvesting. Gather the Bugleweed in the afternoon after the morning dew has dried for drying purposes and to maintain the green color.
Does bugleweed lower TSH?
Plant extracts from the Lycopus (bugleweed) and Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) species have long been used as traditional medicines to treat hyperthyroidism1. In vitro investigations have indicated that extracts from bugleweed and lemon balm prevent TSH and Graves’ antibodies from stimulating thyroid hormone production1. Oral bugleweed extract changes extra-thyroidal T4 conversion in rats, according to an in vivo study2.
On 6/6/2016, a 64-year-old woman came in for a regular exam and was discovered to have a TSH of 0.01 mIU/L. The following month, tests revealed FT4 levels of 1.4ng/dL (0.8-1.8) and FT3 levels of 4.7pg/mL. (2.3-4.2). The TSI was raised to 275 percent (Normal).
Case 2: A 46-year-old woman with periorbital edema was referred to an ophthalmologist in July 2018 and diagnosed with thyroid eye disease. Palpitations and “jitteriness” were also on her list of complaints. Between August 2018 and February 2019, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and treated with methimazole (MMI), requiring doses of up to 10mg BID. She stopped using MMI in March 2019 because to transaminitis and started taking a thyroid tincture with bugleweed and lemon balm extract. On the herbal tincture, she has remained euthyroid, her transaminitis has resolved, and she has not required any additional anti-thyroid medicine. Her TSI was 0.84 IU/L (normal range).
What does lemon balm do to thyroid?
Lemon balm’s anti-herpes and thyroid-regulating properties appear to be due to phenolic acids and other chemicals. Lemon balm has been shown to inhibit the attachment of antibodies to the thyroid cells that cause Grave’s disease in test tubes (hyperthyroidism). 2 In this disorder, the brain’s signal to the thyroid (thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) is also inhibited, preventing the thyroid gland from activating itself further. Clinical investigations demonstrating lemon balm’s efficacy in treating Grave’s disease, however, are absent.
What is Lobelia herb good for?
Lobelia, commonly known as Indian tobacco, has a long history of use as a herbal medicine for respiratory ailments such asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. Native Americans used to smoke lobelia as an asthma remedy. American physicians used lobelia to induce vomiting in order to eliminate poisons from the body in the 19th century. It was given the nickname “puke weed” as a result of this. Lobelia is now used to assist clear mucus from the respiratory tract, which includes the throat, lungs, and bronchial tubes. Despite the fact that little studies have been conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of lobelia, some herbalists now utilize it as part of a comprehensive asthma treatment plan.
Scientists believe that lobeline, an active component in the lobelia plant, has effects similar to nicotine. As a result, lobeline was once utilized as a nicotine substitute in a variety of anti-smoking treatments and preparations aimed at helping people quit smoking. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of lobeline-containing smoking products in 1993. According to the FDA, such products are ineffective in aiding people in quitting or reducing their smoking.
Researchers now believe that lobeline may actually lessen nicotine’s effects in the body, particularly dopamine release. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that has a variety of functions in the brain. Because it is also involved in drug addiction, experts believe that lobeline could be useful in the treatment of addiction. However, no research has been done so far to see if lobeline is effective.
Lobelia is a herb that has the potential to be harmful. Small doses (especially homeopathic amounts) are harmless, but moderate-to-large doses can cause side effects ranging from dry mouth to nausea to convulsions and even coma (see “Precautions” section). Lobelia should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional.
Does bugleweed attract bees?
Underground runners (or stolons) propagate the plant, forming a dense mat of foliage. It does not tolerate a lot of foot traffic. Bugleweed attracts a variety of animals, including bees.