Hypothyroidism is the medical term for an underactive thyroid. Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck that secretes hormones that regulate many of your body's functions, including metabolism and temperature control. The National Institutes of Health explains that radiation damage, autoimmune disease and iodine deficiency are some causes of hypothyroidism. Conventional treatment for hypothyroidism includes taking synthetic hormones. Also, herbal remedies may help keep your thyroid working the way it should. Always consult your doctor before taking herbs or other dietary supplements to avoid potentially harmful drug interactions.
Step 1
Undergo testing to determine the cause of your thyroid problems. You may be asked to give blood samples or swallow radioactive iodine capsules to measure your thyroid function. Herbal remedies may help for certain types of hypothyroidism, such as an iodine deficiency, but not others.
Step 2
Take bladderwrack to treat hypothyroidism that is the result of low levels of iodine. This herb contains iodine and may raise your levels of the element enough so that your thyroid begins to produce more hormones. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 600 mg of bladderwrack up to three times daily for thyroid support. Be aware that this herb could also contain toxic levels of metals that may be harmful to your health.
Step 3
Submit to principles of traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, to treat your low thyroid function. TCM beliefs are such that hypothyroidism could be the result of a yang deficiency--slow metabolism--or a qi deficiency, which means your life force is weak. The Institute for Traditional Medicine recommends treating these ailments with Chinese herbs, including codonopsis, curculigo, cuscuta and astragalus. The ITM reports that patients who were also treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medications showed more improvement than those who took herbs alone.
Things You'll Need
- Lab tests
- Bladderwrack supplements
- Chinese herbs
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