Thyroid gland is an important organ of our body. It controls the metabolic functions and when it doesn’t function properly, it leads to a number of disorders of the body and mind. Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is one such condition that develops due to malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.
When you have hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces very low or insufficient level of thyroid hormone called thyroxin in the blood. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, cramping of muscles, irregular menstrual cycles, thinning of hair, brittle nails, constipation and intolerance to cold.
Herbal Remedies for Hypothyroidism
Iodine deficiency can result in improper functioning of the thyroid gland. Consumption of iodine supplements can help to combat this deficiency. There are many natural herbs that can provide natural supplement of iodine and help thyroid gland to function properly. The following herbs can effectively regulate the thyroid gland to produce sufficient thyroid hormone and stimulate the thyroid gland.
But before taking any herb, consulting a natural health care professional is necessary. Though all these herbs are beneficial, but this doesn’t mean that there is no risk involved in taking them. Self-treating thyroid condition can be dangerous, as different people will require different herb and different dosages.
Confirm the required dose by consulting an herbalist. An herbalist can suggest the exact dose of the supplement to be taken everyday by examining the severity of the deficiency.
Bladder Wrack
Seaweeds are best source of natural iodine that can help in proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
Bladder wrack is popular seaweed that contain good amount of iodine and can treat patients of hypothyroidism with iodine deficiency by stimulating thyroid gland to produce enough hormone. 200 mg per day is the recommended dose to puts the thyroid function back in track.
Kelp
Kelp seaweed is the best herbal remedy for providing your body with natural iodine supplements. This seaweed contains more than sixty minerals and amino acids.
But what makes it perfect for treating hypothyroidism is its rich source of iodine, which is required by the body to produce thyroid hormone. This seaweed can help to treat fatigue, low blood pressure, and goiter and encourage weight loss, which are often caused due to sluggish thyroid function.
Guggul
Guggul is very well known Indian herb derived and extracted from the resin or gum of a commiphora mukul plant that contains properties capable of stimulating thyroid hormone. T4 and T3 are the hormones that thyriod gland produces. These hormones are under produced in patients suffering from hypothyroid.
Taking guggul extract can help to convert T4 hormone into T3 and combat the deficiency of T3 hormone by increasing its level and hence restore the balance of these two hormones which causes hypothyroidism.
Guggul is also popular herb for weight loss and for controlling cholesterol level which are symptoms of hypothyroidism. Guggul also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating properties that can improve your overall health.
Aswagandha
Underactive thyroid gland can also lead to infertility or low sex drive and stress in women. Taking 500 mg Aswagandha extract or capsule can help to improve thyroid function and other symptoms of this disorder.
Spirulina
It is also an effective herb for regulating thyroid hormone. It is also a good health booster.
Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed seeds and oil are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids that promote smooth bodily functions. They are good for heart health and improve thyroid functions.
Consuming one teaspoon flaxseed oil or powder every day will help to improve thyroid function and also keep your overall health in good condition. Flaxseeds can very well treat the symptoms of hypothyroidism. It can prevent constipation, reduce cholesterol level and improve heart health.
Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil can help in healthy functioning of the thyroid gland and also give relief from other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. The recommended daily dose is one tablespoon every day for people suffering from hypothyroidism. You can also take one tablespoon each of flaxseed oil and primrose oil every day for keeping thyroid deficiency under control.
Nettle
This herb also contains iodine and helps in treating hypothyroidism. Nettle herb is available in various forms.
You can consume nettle tea twice or thrice daily or you can purchase nettle oil and massage on the neck area to boost the production of thyroid hormones. Ii can bring relief from other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism as well.
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh treats hormonal imbalance by raising estrogen levels. The herb not only improves thyroid function but also brings relief in menstrual problem that most women with hypothyroidism suffer from.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng is another herb that can aid in treating hypothyroidism and support thyroid gland function.
L-tyrosine
L-tyrosine contains amino acid that helps to produce thyroid hormone. The daily recommended dose is 500 mg twice a day. For obtaining optimal result, it should be taken on empty stomach in the morning.
Also Read
Natural Cure For Thyroid Problem
Natural Cures For Hypothyroidism
Herbal Remedies To Cure Thyroid
13 Efficient Home Remedies For Thyroid
Home Remedies For Thyroid
Coleus
Coleus can help to lose weight that is a common symptom associated with under active thyroid disease.
Mullein
Mullein works to reduce the inflammation of thyroid gland and is very well recommended for goiter.
Agnus Castus
Women are more susceptible to hypothyroidism due to the fluctuation of estrogen level in their body, especially during menopause and puberty.
If you are suffering from hypothyroidism due to reduced estrogen level, Agnus Castus is an herbal supplement that can restore the estrogen levels that restrict normal thyroid function supporting the pituitary gland when estrogen is causing hypothyroidism.
Eleuthero
For people suffering from adrenal problems, which are quite common with people having auto immune thyroid disorder, this herb can be very beneficial. People with Graves Disease and having problem with adrenal glands can benefit from this herb. Eleuthero doesn’t affect thyroid gland directly, but help in improving immune function and coping with stress.
Echinacea
This herb helps in proper immune system functioning and can help the sufferer to restore their immune health. Echinacea root is a popular herb prescribed by the herbalist to patients with auto immune conditions. Purchase this herb from a registered drug store and also consume recommended dose for getting optimal result.
There are some other herbs that can be beneficial for hypothyroidism sufferer, but the above mentioned herbs are most effective for hypothyroid conditions.
Photo Credit: http://endocrinesurgery.ucla.edu/patient_education_adm_hypothyroidism.html
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.