Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid doesn't produce enough thyroxine, or T4, and triiodothyronine, or T3, the thyroid hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. Fatigue may be an early symptom of the disease, followed by weight gain, dry skin, sensitivity to cold, constipation, high cholesterol, aching muscles and depression. Natural herbal treatments aim at increasing T3 and T4 hormone levels to alleviate the symptoms of the disorder. It is important to consult a health-care professional before starting herbal therapy for hypothyroidism.
Chaff-flower
Chaff-flower, or Achyranthes aspera, is a small annual herb with long spikes of purple flowers found throughout India. Ayurvedic medicine considers the plant to be bitter and heating, and practitioners use it to treat gastrointestinal disorders, bronchitis, kidney disorders, leprosy, heart problems, hemorrhoids and blood diseases. Women use the plant as an abortifacient, contraceptive and to treat gynecological disorders, and many traditional healers use it for its astringent, diuretic and purgative properties. A study published in the August 2000 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology tested an extract of the leaves to see if it had an effect on thyroid hormone levels. The study found that chaff-flower enhanced levels of both T3 and T4, and ameliorated hypothyroid symptoms in test animals. Researchers suspect that the plant may work directly on the thyroid gland, or it may increase T4 levels and then enhance the conversion of T4 to T3. The researchers state that this extract may be used to treat hyperthyroid patients after safe dose levels are determined. Further research is needed to determine exactly how this plant affects thyroid hormones and to test these results on humans.
Brahmi
Brahmi, or Bacopa monnieri, is a creeping succulent with small white flowers found throughout marshy areas of India. Indian Ayurvedic practitioners use brahmi to treat anxiety, epilepsy, memory problems and asthma. The plant contains alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids, and has antioxidative and antitumor actions. A study published in the July 2002 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology tested a brahmi leaf extract and two other herbs for their effects on thyroid hormone levels in test animals. The study found that brahmi stimulated the production and release of T4, relieving hypothyroid symptoms in the test animals, and the researchers concluded that it may be effective for augmenting thyroid hormone levels in hypothyrotic patients. Further studies are needed to test these results on human subjects.
Indian Ginseng and Orchid Tree
Indian ginseng, or Withania somnifera, is a perennial used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic and rejuvenating herb. Also known as ashwagandha, it is useful against rheumatism, hypertension and memory loss. Orchid tree, or Bauhinia purpurea, is a small tree with large pink to purple flowers found throughout Asia. The bark is used to treat parasites, ulcers, leprosy, menstrual disorders and glandular diseases, including hypothyroidism. A study published in the August 2009 issue of Phytotherapy Research tested a root extract of Indian ginseng and a bark extract of orchid tree on diabetic mice with hypothyroidism induced by the anti-diabetic drug metformin, which can alter thyroid function and lead to hypothyroidism in humans. The study found that both extracts elevated T3 and T4 hormone levels, improving hypothyroid symptoms in test animals. More studies are needed to test these extracts in human clinical trials.
References
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology; Achyranthes aspera elevates thyroid hormone levels and decreases hepatic lipid peroxidation in male rats; Tahiliani P, Kar A; August 2000
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology; Relative efficacy of three medicinal plant extracts in the alteration of thyroid hormone concentrations in male mice; Kar A, Panda S, Bharti S; July 2002
- Phytotherapy Research; Amelioration of metformin-induced hypothyroidism by Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea extracts in Type 2 diabetic mice; Jatwa R, Kar A; August 2009
