Herbs For The Thyroid

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Unless you suffer from a thyroid condition, it is easy to ignore the function of the thyroid gland. Although small,
this endocrine gland - situated just below your neck - plays a big role in regulating metabolic processes in
your body. With a dysfunctional thyroid, the functioning of almost all your organs is likewise disrupted. Thyroid
disorders generally fall under 3 categories: an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism, an under-active thyroid
or hypothyroidism and an enlarged thyroid characterized by the presence of nodules.
[1]
Unfortunately, thyroid conditions are usually misdiagnosed as most of their symptoms (such as weight gain or
loss, chronic fatigue, depression, skin and hair dryness, constipation or diarrhea and menstrual irregularities)
can be quite similar to those of other disorders.
[2]
To make things even more confusing - the 3 types of
thyroid disorders can even have overlapping characteristics.
Therefore before embarking on any treatment, whether herbal or medicinal, it is important to have a medical
professional diagnose your symptoms and identify the disorder first. Likewise, it is important to use remedies
with an understanding of the mechanisms involved in promoting thyroid health. For instance, while some
herbs improve overall thyroid conditions, some herbs can only benefit hyperthyroidism but conversely may be
detrimental to its extreme counterpart, hypothyroidism and vice-versa.
[3]
Either way though, most herbs for thyroid are not like pharmaceutical medications that attempt to replace
thyroid hormones, decrease hormone production or the size of the thyroid gland. Instead, they are regarded
as being able to provide the appropriate thyroid support - acting preventatively and facilitating the healing
process.
[1]
Although some clinical studies do not find evidence of traditional herbal medicine being able to
totally treat thyroid conditions, herbs are however thought by some to contribute to lower relapse rates, less
adverse effects, relief of symptoms and improvement of thyroid antibody conditions and thyroid functioning.
Here are 10 herbs thought beneficial for the thyroid:
10 Herbal Remedies for Thyroid Health
Echinacea
A popular herb used to boost the immune system, echinacea is considered helpful for those suffering from
hyperthyroidism or thyroiditis. One expert who has over 20 years of experience with autoimmune conditions
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gives the roots of echinacea to his patients and has rarely encountered any major adverse issues.
[3]
Licorice
This herb is important in maintaining a balance among glands so that thyroid patients who often suffer from
fatigue have improved energy.
[2]
Moreover in 2011, the Institute of Biosciences and Technology in Texas
isolated synthetically derived constituents of triterpenoid glycyrrhetinic acid, a major component of licorice and
found it to inhibit the growth of highly invasive thyroid cancer cells. This demonstrates licorice's potential in
clinical treatment of thyroid cancer and other endocrine-related disorders.
[4]
Bugle
In a 2013 study involving 403 patients with mild hyperthyroidism which assessed the effects and safety of an
extract of bugle in tablet or drops form, scientists observed statistically and clinically significant improvements
in the symptoms of those given the tablet. These improvements were noted without any major side effects.
[5]
Because of bugleweed's effectiveness in alleviating mild hyperthyroidism, some experts believe it can
gradually replace regular taking of maintenance medications like methimazole or PTU.
[3]
Ashwaganda
This is an herb with antioxidant properties that directly works on the thyroid by producing just the right amount
of hormones.
[2]
Aside from hormonal balance, ashwaganda is known to help the body fight stress by
improving the immune system and has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects.
[3]
Bacopa
Researchers confirm the potency of bacopa as a thyroid stimulating drug to fight hypothyroidism. It has been
found to regulate thyroid hormone concentrations by as much as 41% without adverse reactions.
[6]
Eleuthero
Popular as Siberian ginseng, eleuthero is considered a wonder herb for people suffering from hyperthyroidism
or hypothyroidism. Siberian ginseng is believed to be effective in treating hypothyroidism by regulating the
levels of hormones in the body. Furthermore, this potent herb contains substances that assist in the normal
functioning of the thymus and adrenal glands.
[8]
Bladderwrack
Aside from hypothyroidism, bladderwrack is considered as an essential herb for many health conditions. This
algae or seaweed contains high levels of natural iodine which is known to stimulate the thyroid gland.
Bladderwrack contains substances that help in restoring the normal functioning of the thyroid gland as well as
in reducing the size of thyroid goiters. It is thought to play a role in stimulating an increased production of
thyroid hormones in order to prevent the development of thyroid diseases.
[9]
Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are known to be rich in essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids, which is thought to be
good for thyroid health. In a study conducted at the University of Maryland Medical Center, it was found out
that consumption of foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, like flaxseed, helps in boosting the production of
thyroid hormones. This results to reduced susceptibility to hypothyroidism.
[11]
Black Walnut
Aside from seafoods, black walnut is considered as one of the richest sources of iodine. Research shows,
iodine is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in optimizing the health and functioning of the thyroid
glands. Furthermore, it was found out that insufficient amount of iodine usually lead to a number of conditions
which include chronic fatigue, depression, mental impairment, and goiters.
[12]
Lemon Balm
Coming from the mint family, lemon balm is an amazing herb that is considered beneficial to the thyroid
glands. Research shows that this herb is useful in normalizing the activities of overactive thyroid glands. It
reduces the production of thyroid hormones and eases the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.
[13]
Herbs For Thyroid - References:
[1] http://www.nativeremedies.com/articles/herbs-for-thyroid-health.html
[2] http://www.easterndrugs.com/blog/general-health/herbs-for-thyroid-problems
[3] http://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/5-herbs-to-help-overcome-your-thyroid-condition/
[4] Inhibition of pituitary tumor-transforming gene-1 in thyroid cancer cells by drugs that decrease specificity
proteins. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21268135
[5] Improvement of symptoms in mild hyperthyroidism with an extract of Lycopus europaeus (Thyreogutt
mono). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23247973
[6] Relative efficacy of three medicinal plant extracts in the alteration of thyroid hormone concentrations in
male mice. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=bacopa%2C+thyroid
[7] Chinese herbal medicines for hyperthyroidism. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17443591
[8] http://www.positivearticles.com/Article/Hypothyroidism-Underactive-Thyroid---Herbal-Remedies-
Symptoms-and-Causes/51705
[9] http://voices.yahoo.com/bladderwrack-natural-treatment-hypothyroidism-2488119.html?cat=68
[10] http://www.easterndrugs.com/blog/general-health/herbs-for-thyroid-problems
[11] http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/thyroiditis-000164.htm
[12] http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/benefits-of/organic-black-walnut-hull
[13] http://www.elaine-moore.com/Articles/GravesDisease/LemonBalm/tabid/180/Default.aspx
Article researched and created by Cathy Ongking and Elfe Cabanas, herbs-info.com 2013
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