Bugleweed

History and Uses:
Bugleweed is a perennial herb that may reach two feet in height. Both American Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus/Lycopus americanus) and its European cousin (Lycopus europaeus) grow in very wet areas and are used interchangeably. The part of this plant used medicinally is the above ground portion (leaves and flowers). The modern applications of Bugleweed, unlike many medicinal plants, do not match its traditional use. Historically, Bugleweed and related species were used primarily to treat coughs and also used as a natural sedative. As a sedative and cough reliever, Bugleweed eased irritating coughs, especially when they were of nervous origin. Today, one of the main uses of Bugleweed is to reduce the activity of an overactive thyroid, including the racing heart that often accompanies that condition. This herb calms the spirit and quiets the pulse and heartbeat, thus helping to reduce or eliminate palpitations. The primary chemical constituents of Bugleweed are known to include tannins, lithospermic acid, lycopine, flavone-glycosides, phenolic derivatives (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, rosmarinic acid), essential oil, magnesium and resin. Lithospermic acid and other organic acids are believed to be responsible for Bugleweed's activity by decreasing levels of several hormones in the body, particularly thyroid-stimulating hormones and the thyroid hormone, thyroxine. Bugleweed is thought to inhibit the binding of antibodies to the thyroid gland, and recent research shows an anti-hormonal, particularly anti-thyrotropic, activity for this herb. Bugleweed is used specifically in Grave's disease with cardiac involvement - where the symptoms include tightness of breathing, palpitations and shaking. Its action is less powerful than that of synthetic drugs, but is usually adequate in less severe cases and safe for long-term treatment. It is said to increase the force of myocardial contraction and reduce heart rate; it is indicated in nervous tachycardia.