Benefits of Bugleweed - 7 Science-backed Health Benefits
The ability of bugleweed to improve respiratory conditions, control sleep patterns, safeguard the heart, balance hormone levels, reduce anxiety, speed healing, and improve general health may be some of the most intriguing health benefits of this plant.
What is Bugleweed?
Native to Europe, bugleweed is one of the many common names of Ajuga reptans, a perennial flowering species that is commonly used for medicinal purposes. One of the distinctive features of the species is the plant's 3-6 inch stalk of vivid purple flowers that emerges every spring. The leaves themselves are quite broad and only rise to a height of about 3 inches off the ground, but they are used in conjunction with the flowers to treat a variety of health issues. The plant is actually regarded as an invasive species in North America because of its ability to spread quickly and cover large areas with ground cover. The terms "bugleweed" and "carpetweed" are some of its other common names.
The leaves and flowers can be used to make extracts, which contain a potent combination of organic and volatile substances like phytochemicals, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. Numerous closely related species, including mint and gypsywort, contain these special ingredients. Gypsywort and bugleweed are often used interchangeably in many cultures, especially when it comes to their medicinal uses. Let's now examine in more detail the numerous health advantages of bugleweed.
Uses of Bugleweed
A healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or doctor, should assess each individual's supplement use. No dietary supplement is meant to be used to treat, prevent, or cure any illness.
The abundance of extracts, chemicals, and oils in bugleweed make it a desirable plant for treating a wide range of ailments. Many of these properties have been researched by scientists, but there is still no evidence to support any health treatment claims. To fully comprehend bugleweed's functionality and efficacy, more research must be conducted. Common uses that have yet to be proven by scientists include but are not limited to:1
- Hyperthyroidism
- Coughs
- Sleeplessness
There is not enough human data to support bugleweed's use for the following:
- Analgesic (pain reliever)
- Antidiarrheal (stops diarrhea)
- Antimicrobial (destroys or stops bacteria, fungi, and virus growth)
- Antioxidant
- Antiparasitic (destroys or prevents parasite growth)
- Anti-inflammatory (stops inflammation)
- Dermatological (skin) effects
Since most of the studies used were conducted on animals (e.g., rat or mouse) studies, there is no proof of bugleweed's effectiveness in humans. The studies that use bugleweed to treat or prevent hyperthyroidism, coughs, and insomnia will be our main focus.
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid is known as hyperthyroidism. Graves disease is a prevalent type of hyperthyroidism. A goiter is a symptom of this type of hyperthyroidism. Other symptoms may be high body temperature, a high rate of metabolism, and an increased pulse.1
Although studies have shown that using bugleweed can reduce hyperthyroidism symptoms, most of the research has been done on rats and other animals rather than people.
That said, 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 mild hyperthyroidism symptoms.4
More clinical research is required to comprehend how bugleweed affects hyperthyroidism, despite one study's promising findings.
Coughs
It is still unfounded to use bugleweed as a remedy for coughs and upper respiratory conditions.
These outcomes are not supported by any clinical studies in humans. Only mice have been used in studies proving this effect, so additional clinical (human) studies are required to support these assertions.
Sleeplessness
Traditionally, bugleweed has also been used to treat insomnia. The flavonoids in bugleweed are thought to be responsible for its sedative effects.5 However, since this research involved rats, there is insufficient evidence to recommend this use.
Health Benefits of Bugleweed
Health benefits of bugleweed may include:
May Improve Respiratory Health
The fact that bugleweed extract contains several potentially anti-inflammatory compounds may be the reason why this herb is frequently used to treat respiratory distress, such as excessive coughing, shortness of breath, and sore throats. It can calm the respiratory tracts, reduce irritation, and aid in the removal of phlegm and mucus, which are breeding grounds for bacteria and other pathogens.
Might Be Remedial in Sleep Disorders
People who experience insomnia or sleeplessness have long used bugleweed as a calming substance. It might be a good idea to include it in your herbal supplement regimen if you frequently wake up during the night and find it difficult to get uninterrupted, restful sleep. It may interact with hormones in the body to balance Circadian rhythms and support restful sleep.
May Have Anti-anxiety Effects
The calming effects of bugleweed can be very helpful for those who experience persistent stress and unexplained anxiety. This may also encourage heart health, as sustained stress has been linked to heart palpitations and arrhythmias. Bugleweed is frequently used as a general health booster for people who are suffering from chronic stress because stress hormones in the body for long periods of time can wreck havoc on the organ systems and metabolism.
May Aid in Hormonal Disorders
Few areas of the body are unaffected by the thyroid gland's hormone production. The thyroid hormone itself is important for health, and hyper- and hypothyroidism are serious conditions that necessitate careful medical attention. According to research, bugleweed has a strong impact on thyroid function and can help prevent a number of hormonal conditions that can be extremely harmful to the body. As a result, women are shielded from cyclical breast pain. It may also assist in regulating estrogen levels in women.
Might Protect the Heart
Bugleweed can guard against atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes, some of the leading causes of death in the world today, by regulating heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
May Speed Healing
Applying bugleweed extract topically can encourage quick healing if you've experienced a minor cut or abrasion. The compounds' potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties will simultaneously promote cell growth, guard against infection, and lessen pain and inflammation!
Might Improve Overall Health
The combination of antioxidants in bugleweed extract allows it to have a significant impact on a wide range of organ systems and medical conditions. The harmful free radicals that are present in our bodies and cause cellular deterioration, death, and mutation are eliminated by phytochemical compounds. You can improve the overall health of your metabolism and organ systems by giving your body a regular boost of antioxidants.
- Read More:Bugleweed Dangers & Side Effects
Final Words
Clearly, taking bugleweed has many advantages, but there are also some health risks. Adding bugleweed to the mix can complicate treatment, especially if you already take hormone-related medications. Additionally, if you are receiving chemotherapy, the ingredients may not work well with radioactive isotopes and result in illness. Finally, the sedative qualities of bugleweed may complicate this if you are already taking sedatives. As with any herbal supplement, consulting a doctor is always advised before including it in your daily or weekly routine.