BUGLEWEED

Latin Name: Lycopus virginicus

Alternate Names: Water Horehound, Gypsywort, Water Bugle, Sweet Bugle

Family: LAMIACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Antitussive, Aromatic, Astringent, Cardiotonic, Hemostatic, Narcotic, Vasoconstrictor, Sedative.

Internal Uses: Anxiety, Catarrh, Cough, Grave's Disease, Hyperthyroidism, Palpitations, Thyroid Enlargement

Internal Applications: Tea (use fresh, not dried), Tincture (made from fresh plant).

One of the main uses of Bugleweed is to reduce the activity of an overactive thyroid and the racing heart that often accompanies that condition. It calms the spirit and quiets the pulse and heartbeat, thus helping palpitations due to nerves.

Topical Uses: Bruises

Topical Applications: Liniment or poultice for bruises.

Energetics: Bitter, Pungent, Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Tannins, lithospermic acid, lycopine, flavoneglycosides, phenolic derivatives (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, rosmarinic acid), essential oil, magnesium, resin.

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy. Best to combine with demulcent herbs.

Comments: The common name Bugleweed also includes the species Lycopus eurapaeus and Lycopus americanus, which are used interchangeably with Lycopus virginicus.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), April 08, 2002