Bugleweed, Virginia water horehound

Lycopus virginicus

Physical Characteristics

Lycopus virginicus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New York and Wisconsin south to Georgia and Texas.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[46, 61].

Medicinal Uses

Antianxiety Antidandruff Astringent Cardiac Hypoglycaemic Narcotic Sedative Bugleweed has sedative properties and is used in modern herbalism principally to treat an overactive thyroid gland and the racing heartbeat that often accompanies this condition[254]. The whole plant is used as an astringent, hypoglycaemic, mild narcotic and mild sedative[4, 102, 222, 238]. It also slows and strengthens heart contractions[238]. The plant has been shown to be of value in the treatment of hyperthyroidism[222, 238], it is also used in the treatment of coughs, bleeding from the lungs and consumption, excessive menstruation etc[4, 238]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women or patients with hypothyroidism[238]. The plant is harvested as flowering begins and can be use fresh or dried, in an infusion or as a tincture[4, 238]. The root has been chewed, a portion swallowed and the rest applied externally in the treatment of snakebites[257]. Current uses are predominantly for increased activity of the thyroid gland and for premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as breast pain [301]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Lycopus for nervousness and premenstrual syndrome (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Known Hazards

Known to cause the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Avoid in patients with thyroid disease or given concomitantly with thyroid therapy. Avoid during pregnancy [301].