Bugleweed Extract

Species name: Bugleweed Extract, Lycopus americanus

Also known as: water horehound, gypsywort

What Is Bugleweed Extract? Bugleweed is an astringent herb. It is mildly narcotic and has a fragrant odor, similar to mint.

The plant is found in the Eastern United States and has small, white colored flowers while growing.

Bugleweed extract is made from this ground cover such as the plant's leaves, flowers and stems.

Very little research has been conducted on its benefits, but what is known is that this evergreen herb can be helpful in several medical conditions.

You can use bugleweed in teas, as a tincture or take the extract in pill form.

Home Remedies Using Bugleweed Extract:

Benefits of Bugleweed Extract:

Although limited research has been conducted on bugleweed extract, it is known that this herb offers hyperthyroid benefits.

Bulgleweed contains lithospermic acid. When consumed, this acid works to decrease some types of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. This includes the thyroid hormone known as T4 or thyroxine.

For those who suffer from an overactive thyroid gland, this extract can work to stop these hormones from burning out cells.

If combined with gromwell, the Bugleweed-gromwell extract combination can help to treat thyroid disease.

Similar evidence shows that the combination of lemon balm in this mixture can also be helpful in treating thyroid disease.

There are several other uses for bugleweed extract such as working to moderate estrogen levels in the body. This can help to relieve cyclic breast pain in some women. It also helps relieve typical breast pain, also known as mastodynia.

Bugleweed extract also works well as a pain relief tool as it calms nerve reactions and vasoconstrictor actions within the body's system.

This can help alleviate overall pain and discomfort, reduce tension and improve irritability.

For those who have negative reactions or sensitivities to medications and pain relievers with salicylates in them, this extract can be an easy and effective substitute because it does not contain such compounds.

Side Effects of Bugleweed Extract:

Some people may have negative reactions to the use of this herb.

Treat it as you would any other type of mint.

Use it within limits and ensure that you do not have an allergy to the extract before use.

Keep in mind that if you exceed the recommended dose of the manufacturer, you could decrease thyroid function significantly, which can lead to negative health consequences.

Those who are pregnant or nursing should not use bugleweed products.