Bugleweed (Lycopus americanus) is a plant. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are sometimes used as medicine.
People use bugleweed for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), insomnia, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Do not confuse bugleweed with white horehound, black horehound, or veronica. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using bugleweed for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bugleweed is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: It's likely unsafe to take bugleweed by mouth during pregnancy because it might affect hormones.
Breast-feeding: It's possibly unsafe to take bugleweed by mouth while breast-feeding. It might affect milk production.
Thyroid disorders: Don't use bugleweed if you have a thyroid disorder or are receiving thyroid treatments.
Thyroid hormone
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking bugleweed might change the way that thyroid hormone pills work. Don't take bugleweed if you take thyroid pills.
Herbs that decrease production of thyroid hormones: Bugleweed might affect the body's production of thyroid hormone. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might alter thyroid function too much and cause side effects. Examples of supplements with this effect include lemon balm and tiratricol.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of bugleweed might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Archangle, Ashangee, Chanvre d'Eau, Green Wolf's Foot, Gypsy Weed, Gypsywort, Hoarhound, Lycope, Lycope d'Amérique, Lycope d'Europe, Lycope de Virginie, Lycopi Herba, Lycopus americanus, Lycopus europaeus, Lycopus Europea, Lycopus virginicus, Menta de Lobo, Patte-de-Loup, Paul's Betony, Sweet Bugle, Water Bugle, Water Hoarhound, Water Horehound, Virginia Water Horehound, Wolfstrapp.
Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.
© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.