Bugleweed - Ajuga reptans

Bugleweed, bugle, Ajuga reptans, is a beautiful flowering herbaceous plant in the mint family. It grows in damp woodlands and does not thrive in full sun or high heat. Bugleweed is traditionally used to lower high levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) by inhibiting the body’s uptake of iodine and is sometimes combined with lemon balm and European stoneseed for this purpose. It is also used to treat premenstrual syndrome, breast pain, and bleeding, especially nosebleeds and heavy bleeding during menstruation. It is used for insomnia.

Studies have shown that it is gastroprotective and antispasmodic and therefore may help IBD. It has neuroprotective, antitumor, and antibacterial properties. It showed potent antifungal activity against A. niger and C. albicans, and larvicidal activity against whitefly.¹ It has been demonstrated in studies that it is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.²

Suggested dosing: Tincture 1-2 ml up to 3x day.

Possible side effects: Allergy

Contraindications: Thyroid disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding. It can interact with blood sugar lowering medications and chemotherapy medications, consult your physician before using.

¹ Rana, Shivani, K. Narinderpal, and D. A. Poonam. "Review on pharmacognostic profile of Ajuga reptans." J. Pharmacogn 7 (2020): 9-18.

² Toiu, Anca, Andrei Mocan, Laurian Vlase, Alina Elena Pârvu, Dan Cristian Vodnar, Ana-Maria Gheldiu, Cadmiel Moldovan, and Ilioara Oniga. 2019. "Comparative Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Different Extracts of Traditionally Used Romanian Ajuga genevensis L. and A. reptans L. (Lamiaceae)" Molecules 24, no. 8: 1597. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24081597

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any illness.