- Region
- North America
- Origin
- North America
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine, Eclectic medicine
North America · Herb · № 285
Lycopus virginicus
Herb · North America
Bugleweed
Lycopus virginicus
Traditionally attributed effects: calming, astringent, tonic, vasoconstricting, cough-suppressing, stops bleeding.
Safety notes
Not in pregnancy. Not with an underactive thyroid. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Not in pregnancy.
- Western herbalism: Not with an underactive thyroid.
Preparation
Aerial parts.
Use in traditions
In the 19th century American Eclectic physicians used the plant for palpitations and bleeding. Later it was used, like European gypsywort, for an overactive thyroid; this action has been studied in the laboratory but not properly in humans.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Calming, astringent, tonic, vasoconstricting, cough-suppressing, stops bleeding.
Preparation and amount
Aerial parts.
Caution: Not in pregnancy.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Calming, astringent; calms palpitations and a rapid heartbeat, slows an overactive thyroid.
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1–2 tsp per cup, 15 min, 1–2 cups a day; tincture 10–30 drops 3 times a day.
Caution: Not with an underactive thyroid.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Tincture