Bugleweed, Lycopus virginicus; (Labiatae)
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Bugleweed, Lycopus virginicus; (Labiatae)
DESCRIPTION
This common perennial weed usually grows from six to 24 inches high. The stem is erect, obtusely angled, a typical member of the mint family, with square stems and opposing leaves. The root is typically creeping and perennial. The leaves on the upper part of the plant are toothed and lance-shaped, the lower ones wedge-shaped and with entire margins. The leaves have no hairs and are dotted with glands beneath. The flowers are whitish or tending towards purple, borne in clusters in the axils of the leaves; the calyx has four broad, blunt teeth and the corolla is four-lobed, purplish, with only two fertile stamens. The fruit is composed of four three-sided nutlets, truncate at the top and acute at the base, the lateral margins thickened.
The Virginian Bugleweed ranges from Labrador to Florida, Missouri, and northwestward to British Colombia and Oregon. In the west, it grows in California, Arizona, New Mexico and northwards. It grows in the middle mountainous regions in the west, found almost entirely near running water or in marshy areas.
GENERAL
Although Dr. Christopher did not stress the use of this herb, it is one of the most beneficial in the herbal kingdom because it is extremely effective without side effects. It is a member of the mint family, resembling motherwort and horehound in its habit but only growing in moist places. L. virginicus is found mostly in the eastern United States, but members of the species are found throughout the U.S., especially in moist places in the mountain west.
The great early botanist Rafinesque was somewhat fooled by the many aspects of this herb; “he disported with it to such an extent that it was forced to yield him 5 new species and 16 varieties some of which might even be deemed species “` (Mills:458). This of course is typical of many of the mints, which often show a multitude of variations. Rafinesque thought very highly of its general qualities, especially valuing it because it might replace digitalis, lowering the pulse without producing any bad effects and without accumulating in the system. The medical history of the plant seems to originate with the European species, L. vulaaris of Europe. There is also another unrelated plant, Bugle, which is often used in herbal medicine but must not be confused with Bugleweed. Early American doctors thought Bugleweed was one of the most valuable remedies in the herbal world against hemorrhaging.
This remedy was omitted from the U.S. Pharmacopeia at its revision in the late 1800's; however, it has remained in the Eclectic Materia Medica and in many herbals in general.
SUPERIOR SEDATIVE
Early herbal medicine attributed a wide range of activity to Bugleweed. Early American Dr. Williams acclaimed it as one of the most valuable styptics (checks excessive bleeding) that we possess.
Lycopus was considered an important part of the Eclectic Materia Medica. Dr. King said that it would help treat diabetes when other remedies failed hopelessly. The Eclectics thought it was incomparably valuable in treating circulatory disturbances. They considered that its chief force was on the vascular structures and the sympathetic nervous system, acting best when the circulation was over-excited but the heart weak. Thus they valued it for diseases in advanced acute stages and in chronic diseases with frequent pulse.
The herb was often successfully used in acute pulmonary complaints, as it lessened irritation, calmed the nerves, and slowed and strengthened the heart. It was recommended by the Eclectics in cases where digitalis could not be used because of its offensive action on the stomach. It was used for heart palpitations, thought to be best suited for cases characterized by irritability, irregular heart beat, and weakness. The Eclectics thought that LvcoDus “powerfully increases the contraction of the non-striated muscular fibers, particularly those of the heart and arteries, hence its value in cardiac dilatation and hypertrophy--conditions which have been known to undergo marked improvement under its administration” (Felt:465).
Bugleweed has long been used for hemorrhage, although it is not considered very useful for acute and critical bleeding. It is better suited for passive hemorrhage, when the bleeding is frequent and in small amount. It is considered most effective in passive pulmonary hemorrhage(Ibid.). It can be used for nosebleeds, bleeding hemorrhoids, excessive menstruation, etc. Michael Moore considers it good for diminishing the lochia after birth, taken two or three days for the purpose; he claims it does not affect the secretion of colostrum or milk (Michael Moore :43). It is used when blood is found in the urine; for this purpose, it is especially useful when combined with demulcents (San: 95).
One of its primary uses is as a nervine; in early days it was even thought to be a narcotic, but Millspaugh states: “We infer from our own experience and that of others, that it is only sedative in that it removes, by checking hemorrhage, that nervous excitability and mental fear always accompanying such conditions” (Mills:459). The remedy is excellent for insomnia and worry. Michael Moore says that it is quite strong as a sedative or tranquilizer, helping a person relax without feeling drugged, with larger doses causing a pleasant, sleepy lethargy. For chronic nervous stress, he says, it is much better than Valerian, which is distinctly drug-like in its effect (Michael Moore :43).
It is claimed to be useful in cases of indigestion, being a mild gastric tonic which sharpens the appetite and helps normal digestion take place. It enhances normal secretion, and blood-making and nutritive absorption are enhanced by it. It allays gastric and enteric irritability. Natural physicians have used it successfully in cases of chronic diarrhea and dysentery, as well as in the inflammation from alcoholism.
There are many specific uses claimed for the herb as well. Cases of exophthalmic goiter are reported as having been cured by the herb (Ell:224). It is also reported to have a beneficial effect upon the lungs, clearing up chronic inflammations. Similarly, chronic irritable coughs have been relieved by the herb. It has been used frequently to reduce the high temperatures of typhoid fever without apparently weakening the patient. It is also good used for hepatitis, if complicated with pneumonitis.
Scalding urine, resulting from vesical irritation, is reported to be cured by this herb.
We have heard of no non-medicinal uses of Bugleweed.
HISTORICAL USES
It helps to lower pulse with out the bad side effects, it checks excessive bleeding, helps to treat diabetes, helps circulatory disturbances, good for heart palpitations, calms the nerves, helps in pulmonary hemorrhage and help check insomnia and worry.
CULTIVATION, COLLECTION, PREPARATION
Gather the herb as you would the mints, when it is just ready to flower but before the blossoms open. Dry away from direct sun in a warm, airy place. Because the plant grows in remote areas, it is unlikely that you will have to wash it. When it is dry, strip the leaves and store them in air-tight containers.
You can prepare a tea from the herb, or prepare a tincture for emergency use.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
Lycopus contains a peculiar bitter principle soluble in ether and another insoluble in ether, the two forming ten percent of the complete solid extract. It also contains tannin and a volatile oil.
DR. CHRISTOPHER'S COMBINATIONS CONTAINING BUGLEWEED
INF, the formula to combat colds and influenza and a threat of infection contains Bugleweed.
Bugleweed Combination, used to eliminate heavy metal from the body which comes from pollution and chemicals, contains Bugleweed.
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