The thyroid gland, part of the endocrine system, produces the hormones triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4, which regulate heart rate, digestion, oxygen consumption, body temperature and other metabolic and energy-related activities. Thyroid disorders occur when the level of thyroid hormones is too low or too high. In hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, all the body’s metabolic processes slow down and the patient may gain weight and feel tired and cold; in hyperthyroidism, the metabolic processes speed up and the patient may have a rapid pulse, increased appetite or increased sweating. Herbs may be a useful home remedy for maintaining thyroid hormone balance. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting herbal treatment or discontinuing current thyroid medication.
Indian Penny Wort
Indian penny wort, or Bacopa monnieri, is a perennial creeper with succulent leaves found in wetland areas throughout Asia. Known as brahmi in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to treat epilepsy, memory loss, asthma, skin disorders and nervous conditions. Indian penny wort contains alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids, and has antioxidant and antitumor properties. It is also used as a diuretic, nerve tonic and heart tonic. A study published in the July 2008 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” investigated the effects of a leaf extract of Indian penny wort on the thyroid gland. The study found that the extract significantly stimulated the production of T4 in test animals, increasing levels by 41 percent. The researchers state that T4 is the predominant thyroid hormone, while T3 is derived from T4. They conclude that Indian penny wort may be effective against hypothyroidism, but further studies on humans are needed to confirm this.
Bael
Bael, or Aegle marmelos, is an aromatic tree with large white flowers and gray fruit found throughout India. All parts of the tree are useful in Ayurvedic remedies. The unripe fruit is a heart and brain tonic, and a remedy for diabetes, parasites, diarrhea and dysentery; the leaves are hypoglycemic and antimicrobial and used for asthma and worms; the roots are used for diabetes, depression and rapid heart beat. A study published in the July 2008 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” tested a leaf extract of bael to see its effects on thyroid hormone production in test animals. The study found that bael effectively decreased T3 levels in test animals by 62 percent. This is comparable to the effects of propylthiouracil, a conventional drug used to treat hyperthyroidism. These results indicate that bael may be useful in treating hyperthyroidism, but further studies are needed to test its efficacy on humans.
Aloe
Aloe, or Aloe vera, is a succulent plant found throughout Asia, Africa and other dry regions. It has a long history of use for burns, infections, skin conditions and gastrointestinal disorders. Aloe contains mucilage, anthraquinones and lectins, and the gel is used as a tonic beverage. A study published in the July 2008 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” analyzed a leaf extract to see if it affected the levels of T3 and T4 in test animals. The study found that aloe decreased levels of T3 by 25 percent and T4 by 13 percent. This is a modest reduction, but the researchers state that aloe may be useful for mild cases of hyperthyroidism because it does not have any toxic effects on the liver and, in fact, it is protective of the liver. More studies are needed to test the effects of aloe on thyroid production in humans.
