Using Herbs to Treat Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland and increased circulating levels of thyroid hormone. In general, hyperthyroidism is more common in young adults between the age of 20 and 40, and is found more often in women than in men. Clinically, the patient will exhibit signs and symptoms such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, moist skin, perspiration, nervousness, increased appetite, weight loss, insomnia, diarrhea,weakness, thickened skin, bulging eyes and confusion, Enlargement of the thyroid gland and protrution of the eyes are two diagnostic symptoms that required additional workup to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.

The use of herbs has been extremely helpful in the treatment of hypothyroidism and there are a number of herbs available in the market that can be combined with the diet recommended by the doctor. However, all herbs are not beneficial for the treatment of this disease and some can even cause an increase in the severity of this ailment.

Herbs play keyrole in bringing thyroid gland in normal position. One of the best herbs is Fucur vesiculosis. This is a sea vegetable that contain natural iodine. Avena sativa is another herb that is used to help curing various nervous disorders as it is the best nervine tonic. In hypothyroidism, depression and anxiety is common and therefore, Avena sativa can help calming the mood and restoring the brain chemistry.

Some of those Chinese herbs include Fritillaria, Arnemarrhena, Oyster shell, Scrophularia that effectively treat hyperthyroidism. They have properties to dissolve extra lumps and also to reduce the inflammation. Chinese herbs also reduce sympathetic excess signs and symptoms those are the main features of hyperthyroidism such as increased heart rates, increased blood pressure, tremors and many more.

Gentian (Gentiana officinalis). Herbal pharmacologist Daniel Mowrey, Ph.D., author of The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine and Herbal Tonic Therapies and an herbalist I respect, says that gentian "provides bitter principles known to normalize the functioning of the thyroid." He suggests gentian as the main ingredient in his own thyroid formula, a combination of gentian, red pepper (cayenne), Irish moss, kelp and saw palmetto. If I had hypothyroidism, I would not hesitate to take this combo.

Bugleweed (Lycopus virginica) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) help to normalize an overactive thyroid. Steep the following amount in one cup of boiling water. Strain and cool. For bugleweed, 1 - 2 g. For lemon balm, 2 tbs. These herbs may be combined.

These methods that are used in homeopathy in treatment for hypothyroidism are prepared from a wide range of substances such as vegetables, herbs, minerals, chemicals and animal products in extremely minute doses. And then, if the time comes that the patient is ready to use the homeopathy treatment for hypothyroidism, the remedy will be selected based on all the symptoms of the patient including physical, mental and emotional states, and family history of the patient. If you are skeptical, be assured that homeopathic remedies are known to be safe and effective, stimulating the body’s own immune system that can offer a long lasting cure rather than having a temporary relief.