Bugleweed (Lycopus americanus)
Bugleweed is used in contemporary herbal medicine as a treatment for overactive thyroid and breast pain. It is also said to be a Sedative and mildly narcotic. The lithospermic acid in bugleweed is believed to decrease levels of certain hormones, especially the thyroid hormone thyroxine. This compound also keeps antibodies from binding to and "burning out" cells in an overactive thyroid gland. By moderating estrogen levels, bugleweed relieves cyclic breast pain in women.
Don't use bugleweed as a substitute for medical care for hyperthyroidism. This herb should not be used by people who do not have hyperactive thyroid.
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