Lamiaceae
Bugleweed Herb
Lycopus europaeus
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia
Also known as: Water Horehound, Gypsywort, European Bugleweed
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Therapeutic Uses
Mild hyperthyroidism, Grave's disease (adjunct — multiple clinical trials with Lycopus extract), hyperthyroid-related palpitations, anxiety with tachycardia.
Herbal Actions
Antithyroid (specific — inhibits TSH receptor binding, iodine oxidation, T4 conversion), cardiac sedative, diuretic, mild sedative
Active Constituents
Phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid — primary, lithospermic acid, labiatic acid — potent TSH and LH blockers), flavonoids, tannins, iridoids
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Strongest herbal antithyroid — multiple clinical trials confirm TSH suppression. Monitor thyroid levels. Do NOT use in hypothyroidism. Combine with lemon balm for mild hyperthyroidism. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Hypothyroidism (contraindicated). Thyroid medications. Pregnancy. Taper slowly — rebound effect.
Side Effects: Thyroid disruption (hypothyroidism with prolonged use). Rebound on abrupt stop. GI upset.