Bugleweed (Ajuga) Benefits and Uses for Skin and Health
Bugle is not a very common weed that you can find anywhere. It is also known as Bugleweed and is full of various benefits. In the ancient times this weed was used for curing cough, respiratory problems and even thyroid issues. It is also a natural narcotic. It belongs to the mint family and has many medicinal properties.
Benefits of Bugleweed for Skin:
Cures wounds, burns and abrasions naturally
Applying a poultice of bugleweed topically on wounds is believed to heal wounds faster. It also provides you relief from burns. A decoction made using flowers and leaves of this weed in wine can dissolve the blood clots that have formed as a result of bruises. The styptic nature of this weed prevents excess loss of blood and thus the wound gets healed faster.
Natural cosmetic:
It is said that the extract of this plant was used by gypsies to improve their complexion. From ancient times it has been used a cosmetic. But no studies have been conducted on its cosmetic properties. So, you have to be careful when you use it as a cosmetic.
Health and Medicinal Benefits of Bugleweed:
Effective cure for tuberculosis:
Bugle is also great for curing tuberculosis. It is said to be more effective for those patients who suffer from TB as well as chest tenderness, palpitations and heart debility.
Effective for dysuria:
You suffer from dysuria when you experience extreme pain when urinating. Bugle, being a natural diuretic agent as well as a good vaso-relaxant, helps in providing you relief from this problem. These properties of this herb help in soothing the muscles of the urinary tract and ease the pain that takes place as a result of this condition.
Good for women who has menstrual problems:
According to studies made, this plant is very effective for providing relief for women who suffer from premenstrual disorders. This weed can improve the flow of blood and reduce anxiety, tension and stress that women experience during this time. It is also good for those who experience pain in the breasts during the pre-menstrual stage. By having an infusion or tincture of this herb, your period is regulated and your will get relief from cramps. As a result, you will have a hassle free period.
Good for digestive system:
This herb can provide relief from stomach disorders in a natural way. It also regulates your appetite and helps in improving the functioning of the digestive system. It is also said to cure the irritations caused due to diarrhea and helps you get relief from diarrhea faster. bugle tea can help treat various disorders of the stomach, including dyspepsia and digestion. Those who suffer from gastritis and enteritis are also said to get relief by having bugle tea.
Good for treating diabetes Type 2:
The tincture of this herb has hypoglycemic properties, which help in reducing the levels of sugar in the blood. Type 2 patients often experience pain as well as contraction in the tissues of their mucous membrane. The tincture of this herb can provide then relief from such problems.
Good for weight loss:
This herb is low in calories and rich in hypoglycemic properties. So, it is a good option for those who are on a weight loss diet. It is also good for reducing your crave for food and thus prevents you from over eating.
Helps prevent excess loss of blood under various conditions:
Nose bleeds and hemorrhoids can be reduced with bugle. You can also control bleeding during urination with the tincture of bugle.
Helps to maintain blood pressure levels:
The anti-hypotensive and anti-hypertensive properties of this herb help in protecting your body from the negative effects of high blood pressure as well as low blood pressure. As a result your body is kept healthy.
Improves heart health:
Bugle is said to be great for your heart and helps in keeping it healthy. It is very effective for maintaining the rate of heart beat by easing palpitations. It can also cure Graves’ disease, which is a condition in which your heart beat increases suddenly, making you breathless and shaky.
Natural cure for respiratory disorders:
This herb has immense expectorant and anti-tussive properties. So, it is great for getting relief from cough and other respiratory disorders. By having a cup of warm bugleweed tea, you get relief from respiratory problems as this helps in relaxing the mucous membranes and decongesting the respiratory system. To make this tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves of this herb in 200 ml of water for about 15 minutes. Strain this and have this three times a day. This helps in keeping your respiratory system healthy.
Natural relaxing agent:
The tincture as well as the tea made using this herb has anti-anxiety properties. They are also very good antioxidants. So, they help in fighting against the free radicals that are responsible for causing stress and depression. It is also a popular sedative. So, you can use this as a remedy for stress, depression, anxiety as well as insomnia.
Natural antipyretic agent:
Bugleweed is often used for treating high fever, especially when it occurs along with bleeding of the nose. It also has the ability to calm tensed nervopus system, thus helping in lowering the high temperature associated with fever.
Proper Thyroid Function:
To ensure that your thyroid gland is functioning properly, have an infusion made with the leaves of this plant regularly. This keeps a control over the excess synthesis of thyroid hormone. So it is great for preventing hyperthyroidism and the negative impacts caused as a result of it.
How to Use Bugle?
The best way to use bugle is to use it in the form of tea or tincture. You can steep 1 tea bag of bugle leaves in 200 ml of boiling water for 8 minutes to make bugle tea. If you like it stronger, you may steep it for 10 minutes. Since the infusion is bitter to taste, you may add a teaspoon of honey it, so that the bitterness is reduced. You may also make tea using dry leaves of bugle. Add 1 teaspoon of dries bugle leaves to 200 ml of boiling water and steep it for 10 minutes. Strain it, and add honey and then drink it. Bugleweed tinctures are available in the market. You can add 6 to 12 drops on it to water or juice and have it thrice daily.
