Ajuga, 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.
Bugleweed is a plant. People use the parts that grow above the ground for medicine.
Bugleweed is used to lower high levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). It is also used to treat premenstrual syndrome; breast pain; nervousness; trouble sleeping (insomnia); and bleeding, especially nosebleeds and heavy bleeding during menstruation.
How does it work?
Bugleweed might reduce the body's production of thyroid hormone. Bugleweed also seems to reduce the release of the hormone prolactin, which might help relieve breast pain.
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowInsufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Nervousness.
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia).
- Bleeding.
- High levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
- Breast pain.
- Other conditions.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Bugleweed is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth, but thyroid disease should not be self-treated due to possible complications. Long-term use of bugleweed can cause an enlarged thyroid gland. Discontinuing bugleweed abruptly can result in high levels of thyroid and prolactin, which might cause physical symptoms.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerDiabetes: Bugleweed might lower blood sugar. If you have diabetes, use bugleweed cautiously, watch for symptoms of low blood sugar, and check your blood sugar carefully. The dose of your diabetes medications may need to be adjusted.
Surgery: Bugleweed might affect blood sugar levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using bugleweed at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Enlarged thyroid or poorly functioning thyroid (thyroid hypofunction): Don't use bugleweed if you have one of these conditions or are receiving thyroid treatments.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Bugleweed might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking bugleweed along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Thyroid hormoneInteraction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Taking bugleweed might decrease how well thyroid hormone pills work. Don't take bugleweed if you take thyroid pills.
The appropriate dose of bugleweed depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for bugleweed. 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 your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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