LYCOPUS

Homeopathy

LYCOPUS

Lycopus virginicus
Bugleweed, Virginian horehound.

Key Uses:

Overactivity of the thyroid gland, especially during menopause

Respiratory complaints in conjunction with heart problems

Weak heart, erratic pulse, or heart disease

Origin : Found in eastern North America.

Background : Bugleweed has been used in herbal medicine for various ailments, such as hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, coughs, and heavy menstruation.

Preparation : The whole, fresh, finely chopped plant in flower, including the root, is macerated in alcohol.

Remedy Profile : People who respond best to Lycopus tend to be irritable when ill unless spoken to very softly. Their minds often wander from one thing to another, and they may experience increased mental and physical activity in the evening.
Lycopus is associated chiefly with the heart, and is used to treat a weak heart and erratic pulse or heart disease. Additional symptoms may include a tendency to hemorrhage, and overactivity of the thyroid gland, particularly during menopause. Respiratory complaints may develop in conjunction with the heart problems. These include violent coughing in the evening or at night during sleep, with sweet-tasting mucus that recurs in cold weather, especially following exposure to cold winds. In addition, there may be an increase in appetite.

Symptoms Better : For warm surroundings; for lying in bed.

Symptoms Worse : For cold winds; toward sunset; in the morning; in the evening; for movement; for exercise; for walking; for climbing stairs.