The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck-area that produces hormones that are essential for the body's healthful function. These hormones are designed to enhance protein synthesis, oxygenation and to moderate the correct metabolic rate of the entire system. If the level of thyroid hormones released is too high or low, this creates an abnormal situation that adversely affects the body. An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, for example, can give way to Grave's disease. An under active thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can give way to Hashimoto's disease. Thyroid problems affect approximately 2.5 percent of the North American population, with the greatest percentage affecting middle-aged women after menopause. Traditional Chinese herbal therapy deals with and regulates hormone balance in terms of yin and yang, which basically has to do with the aspects of light and dark, hot and cold and other polarities, that when properly calibrated, create a healthy body.
Huang Yao Zi
Huang Yao Zi is an herb used to treat hyperthyroidism, which the Chinese consider a yang deficiency. Yang is considered a light, fiery, positively-charged element that is associated with the masculine principle. Huang Yao Zi is a rhizome that comes from a tuberous plant and is used to cool the body when treating an overactive thyroid condition. Also known as Dioscoreae Bulbiferae Rhizoma, Huang Yao Zi is rich in steroidal saponins that when combined with other Chinese herbs such as Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, Xia Ku Cao, and Lian Qiao, create an extra-potent formula for quelling hyperthyroidism.
Rou Gui
Rou Gui is dried cinnamon bark that helps to balance yang deficiencies, Chinese herbalists use it to help with symptoms of hypothyroidism. By warming the kidneys, Rou Gui helps to stimulate energy and blood flow while ridding the body of excess cold, which in turn helps to rebalance the thyroid gland. Rou Gui is often found along with the Chinese herb Fu Zi in the hypothyroid treatment formula, Jin Gui Shen Qi.
Shu Di Huang
Also known as Rehmannia, traditional Chinese doctors use this herb to treat the yin deficiency associated with an under-active thyroid. A perennial flowering herb with a glutinous root that is used for its medicinal properties, Shu Di Huang is proscribed when the thyroid gland is producing only small amounts of thyroid hormone. Because it contains "catlpol," a glycoside that increases hormone production, the herb is able to help regulate hormone deficiencies often found in menopausal women and impotent men who suffer from a low yin content. Shu Di Huang nourishes the yin qualities needed to support both adrenal and thyroid function by reducing heat in the blood and supplying the thyroid with necessary nutrients for balanced function.
Shan Yao
Also known as the tuber Dioscorea, Shan Yao is used for the treatment of hypothyroidism because of its powerful ability to fortify the kidneys and spleen. With its astringent qualities, Shan Yao helps to nourish the yin elements in the body, which help to counteract the effects of hypothyroidism. As a member of the wild yam family, Shan Yao contains many antioxidants along with steroidal compounds and is used in many western formulae for treating hormonal imbalance.
Member Comments