Bugleweed Herb 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Bugleweed Herb – 100 g ($24.99), 50 g ($15.99), 25 g ($9.99)

Benefits:
Bugleweed, also called ajuga, is a perennial herb with many traditional uses, ranging from suppressing coughs, to improving symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support the use of bugleweed for these conditions, these benefits need to be proven in human studies. Bugleweed is not associated with any side effects, though, and is generally considered safe to use.

Hyperthyroidism  Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid. A common form of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease. This form of hyperthyroidism is evident with the presence of a growth on the thyroid gland (goiter). Other symptoms may be high body temperature, a high rate of metabolism, palpitations, convulsions and an increased pulse. Research has shown that bugleweed has a powerful effect on thyroid levels and can help to prevent various hormonal disorders that can be so devastating to the body. The lithospermic acid in bugleweed is believed to decrease levels of certain hormones, especially the thyroid hormone thyroxine. It also helps to regulate estrogen levels in women, which protects women from cyclic breast pain. Components of the plant may lower the levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine. The herbal activity is sufficient for mild cases of the disease and is considered safe for long-term administration.

Studies have shown favorable outcomes for using bugleweed to improve symptoms of hyperthyroidism, most of the research has been conducted on animals. One study surveyed 403 patients with mild symptomatic hyperthyroidism receiving drug therapy with the main ingredient of Lycopus europaeus, or European bugleweed. The study revealed the medicine was well tolerated and that Lycopus europaeus showed a clinically relevant improvement in hyperthyroidism symptoms. More study is needed to better define the benefits.

Respiratory The traditional use of bugleweed is for treating coughs and upper respiratory issues. There are various anti-inflammatory compounds found in the extract of bugleweed, which is why this herb is commonly used to relieve respiratory distress, such as excessive coughing, shortness of breath, and sore throats. Bugleweed helps relieve nasal congestion. It’s also very effectively clears up congestion of the throat, bronchi, and lungs, which gives relief from respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and common colds. As it cools and soothes the throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it also relieves the irritation which causes chronic coughing.

Seasonal allergies and hay fever (also known as rhinitis) affect millions of people around the world. Extracts of bugleweed have been shown to inhibit the release of certain chemicals, which aggravate severe nasal symptoms associated with hay fever and seasonal allergies.

Sleeplessness  Another traditional use for bugleweed is to help with sleeplessness. Its sedative effect is believed to be from flavonoids present in bugleweed. A study of rats supports this use.

Several plants are known as “bugleweed.” For example, Lycopus europaeus (European bugleweed) is native to Eurasia and Asia. Lycopus americanus (American bugleweed) is native to North America. It’s important to note that the exact properties and uses of bugleweed may vary from one species to the next.

Bugleweed does double duty as a stimulant or a relaxation aid, depending mostly on your intention. It interacts with the hormones in your body and helps balance your Circadian rhythms and promote healthy rest.

Skin  Scientists have examined bugleweed in several animal (e.g., rat or mouse) studies. Human studies are needed to better assess its effectiveness.

Bugleweed has antiseptic and antipruritic (relive itching) properties, the juice obtained from the leaves is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes the skin and helps cure infections and itchiness. In addition to being a good way to reduce pimples, it can relieve some of the symptoms of acne. Its anti-pruritic properties can be used for treating bug and insect bites like those of mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets, wasps, and gnats.

Anti-inflammatory  Like other plant-based foods (veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds, beans, and 100% whole grains), bugleweed contains phytonutrients with antioxidant-like properties, which may reduce cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. What’s more, the primary anti-inflammatory compounds of bugleweed may limit the initiation of chronic inflammation.

Digestion, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)  Bugleweed can help you deal with digestive issues like nausea. Its calming and numbing effect relaxes your stomach muscles so that bile can break down fats, and food can move through the stomach quickly. Drinking a hot cup of bugleweed tea is one of the most effective ways to settle an upset stomach.

Bugleweed contains a compound called menthol, which is thought to help alleviate IBS symptoms through its relaxing effects on the muscles of the digestive tract. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive tract disorder. It is characterized by digestive symptoms like stomach pain, gas, bloating and changes in bowel habits.

Headaches – Pain Relief/Analgesic  Bugleweed is a naturally soothing substance, so it can alleviate the inflammation often associated with headaches and migraines. The nerve-calming and vasoconstrictor actions of bugleweed make it useful for pain relief in situations that involve irritability and tension. The powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the compounds will promote cell growth, prevent infection, and reduce pain and inflammation all at the same time. Balms with a mint base or basic bugleweed oil, when rubbed on the forehead and nose, give quick relief in case of a headache.

Heart  Extracts from this herb are thought to aid in normalizing heart rate, which is indicative of its potential as an alternative treatment for a tachycardia. By normalizing the heart rate and reducing blood pressure, bugleweed can protect against atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes, which are some of the primary killers around the world today.

Promotes Healing  One of the other major health benefits possessed by bugleweed is that it helps promote the healing process. Applying bugleweed extract topically can promote rapid healing; due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the compounds present in the herb which can promote cell growth, reduce pain and prevent infection.

Depression & Fatigue  Bugleweed is naturally calming and can get your brain functioning at a higher level again. That is, the soothing and sedative properties possessed by the herb help improve the condition by calming the heart palpitations and thereby soothing the stress hormones.

Antimicrobial (destroys or stops bacteria, fungi, and virus growth)
Antioxidant
Anti-parasitic (destroys or prevents parasite growth)

Botanical Name: Lycopus virginicus
Common Name: Bugleweed
English: Water horehound
Also, known as: Gipsywort, Gypsyweed, Water bugle, Gemeiner Wolfstrapp, Lycope, sweet bugle, Licopo, Carpenter’s herb, Green archangel, Purple archangel, Paul’s betony, wolf foot, and Egyptian’s herb
Origin: Canada
Harvested: Wild or cultivated
Parts Used: Whole plant

General Information:
Lycopus virginicus is a very common weed in north America and a perennial herb, grows in well-drained soil. It can grow in full or partial shade. Stems are hairy and quadrangular and 5-25 inch long. Leaves are toothed, opposite and oval to lance-shaped, dark green or purple. White flowers with purple flecks are borne in clusters along the spike. It is slightly aromatic, with a mint-like odor and bitter taste.

Dosage:
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
So for buglweed, a recommended amount is 3g. This can be daily or take as often as needed.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.