Have you heard of bugleweed, or bugle? If yes, then you’ve probably heard of its amazing health benefits. This article will dig deeper to teach you everything you need to know, so keep reading!
What is Bugleweed?
Botanically, bugleweed is known as Lycopus virginicus. It is actually a perennial plant which thrives in damp regions, and it is a member of the mint family. The leaves and flowers of bugleweed serve various medicinal purposes. Although there are many who claim it is healthy, not enough studies have been done, and mint continues to be the most popular plant from the family.
Bugleweed is rich with a number of phytochemical compounds, including ellagic acid, rosemarinic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, lithospermic acid, lycopene and tannins. Furthermore, it is a good source magnesium and resin, and it has abundant amounts of lithospermic acid and other organic acids. Extracts from the plant’s leaves and flowers possess a powerful mixture of volatile components and organic compounds, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins and phytochemicals.
Bugleweed isn’t just a common weed. It’s an undeniably wonderful herb that is rich with health benefits. In fact, it has been widely since ancient times as a natural treatment for coughs, thyroid disorders and respiratory illnesses. It is even known to be a narcotic.
Nutritional Facts of Bugleweed
One serving of bugleweed, or about 29 grams of it, may have:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 160 | – |
| Calories from fat | 99 | 61.9% |
| Total Fat | 11 grams | – |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams | – |
| Sodium | 240 milligrams | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 14 grams | – |
| Glucose | 2 grams | – |
| Fiber | 0.5 grams | 3% |
| Net carbs | 13.5 grams | – |
| Protein | 2 grams | – |
| Vitamins and Minerals | ||
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 milligram | 0% |
| Calcium | 0 milligram | 0% |
| Iron | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Fatty Acid | ||
| Amino Acid | ||
Health Benefits of Bugleweed
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of bugleweed:
- Helps improve overall health: the antioxidants in bugleweed extract have an astounding effect on the organ systems, helping treat various health problems.
- Helps speed up healing: applying bugleweed extract to your cut or abrasion topically may help promote fast healing. Furthermore, the powerful anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants may help promote cell growth, reduce pain and inflammation and prevent various types of infection.
- Helps protect the heart: bugleweed is beneficial in normalizing the heart rate and reducing blood pressure levels. This protects against heart attacks, atherosclerosis and strokes.
- Balances hormones: thyroid hormones greatly affect the health, so it’s important to take care of them. Research suggests that bugleweed can help maintain balance.
- Helps treat anxiety: those suffering from stress and anxiety may find a solution in bugleweed’s soothing effect, which also promotes a healthier heart.
- Helps treat sleep conditions: the soothing effect of bugleweed extract may help treat various sleeping disorders like insomnia and sleeplessness. Furthermore, the plant interacts with your hormones to balance your Circadian rhythms and promote healthier rest.
- Helps promote respiratory health: the anti-inflammatory properties of bugleweed help treat various respiratory problems and generally see to the smooth function of the respiratory system.
Side Effects of Bugleweed
Like any other herb, bugleweed may have some side effects. Keep the following in mind:
- Lactating mothers must not consume it, unless they want to start weaning.
- Pregnant women must avoid the herb, as there is insufficient research on its safety during pregnancy.
- It is not advised that you eat bugleweed if you have hypothyroidism.
- The herb has a hypoglycemic effect, so diabetics need to consult with their doctor before eating it as it can reduce sugar levels drastically.
