Gypsywort - Valuable Herbal Thyroid Supplement

Gypsywort is a member of the mint family. Gypsywort is a perennial plant which grows up to twelve inches tall. It produces runners which can provide ground cover rather like a lawn. Its leaves have been compared to those of spinach. Its flowers are white, pink or blue and grow in whorls. It likes dampness and so is found growing in wetland areas, near streams and rivers. 

The Latin for Gypsywort is Lycopus europaeus. Like its sister herb Bugleweed, Lycopus virginicus, Gypsywort is well known for helping increase Thyroid function when this is a little low. This is best achieved with the help of a doctor who can monitor thyroid levels. Herbalists generally think of Kelp when considering an increase in Thyroid function; however, Gypsywort and its sister Bugleweed are two excellent alternatives.

Gypsywort is generally used only as a herbal supplement; but, in theory, the root could is edible, although it is rarely eaten in practice.

This plant originated in Europe and Northwest Asia. Gypsywort's stem and the leaves are also used in herbal supplements to provide astringents and sedatives, and to treat anxiety, tuberculosis, and heart palpitations.

Gypsywort is also know for providing a powerful black dye; this is how it got its name. The Gypsies were said to have stained their skin with this black dye like substance so they would resemble Africans or Egyptians while they were performing their "magic."

The flowers of this plant are used for astringents and sedatives but also contain iodine, so that it can be used as a herbal supplement for hyperthyroidism. The entire plant has been known to slow and strengthen heart contractions, treat coughs and bleeding from the lungs, and excessive periods, and the leaves are great for cleaning wounds. Heart disturbances and nervousness can be treated by using Gypsywort. The plant flowers between June and September, when these can be gathered.

It is a sedative, because it reduces the pulse rate in conditions involving an overactive thyroid gland by reducing the activity of iodine. It has been prescribed for hyperthyroidism and related disorders such as Basedow's disease.

The juice of the Bugleweed can also be used as a dye.

Gypsywort is little used as a herb currently; possibly this herbal supplement deserves more attention. In time its properties might be appreciated more and then it would be more widely available. Until then, Kelp remains the most popular herb to stimulate an underactive thyroid gland.