Overactive thyroid, medically known as hyperthyroidism, is a condition in which excessive thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland. Symptoms may include sweating, irritability, weight loss, nervousness, loose stools, heat intolerance and fatigue. Certain herbs have historical use in addressing hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism, however, can lead to medical complications, therefore, the condition should be managed by a health care professional. Before using herbs for an overactive thyroid, a botanically-trained health care practitioner, such as a licensed naturopathic physician, should be consulted.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed, of the Lycopus genus, is a member of the mint family. Bugleweed has historical use in treating overactive thyroid conditions. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," bugleweed works by blocking the conversion of thyroxin, also called T4, to the more potent form of thyroid hormone, tri-iodothyronine or T3. Bugleweed also affects thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, a pituitary hormone that communicates with the thyroid gland and helps regulate thyroid hormone production. Bugleweed can also alleviate a rapid or irregular heartbeat -- common symptoms with hyperthyroidism. Bugleweed may be taken as a a tea, tincture or fluid extract. Tilgner cautions that bugleweed can affect other hormones besides thyroid, and therefore it should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, known by its Latin name Melissa offinalis, is also a member of the mint family. Lemon balm derives its name from the lemon scent and taste of its leaves. Tilgner reports that lemon balm helps treat anxiety, restlessness, irregular heartbeat and irritability -- typical experiences with an overactive thyroid. Lemon balm works on various stages of thyroid action in the body: by affecting the influence of TSH, preventing the synthesis of T4 and inhibiting the conversion of T4 to T3 in the liver. Additionally, lemon balm blocks the action of auto-antibodies -- immune complexes that stimulate the thyroid gland and are typically overabundant in Graves' disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism. Lemon balm may be taken as a tea, tincture, capsule or liquid extract.
Motherwort
Motherwort, also called Leonurus cardiaca, is yet another member of the mint family. The herb has a bitter taste. Motherwort is used for melancholy, restlessness, insomnia and irregular or rapid heartbeat. Motherwort is reputed to strengthen the heart, and so it may be especially helpful for heart ailments are a main feature of hyperthyroidism. Motherwort is available as a tea, tincture, capsule or liquid extract. Tilgner cautions that motherwort can be stimulating to the uterus and should not be used in pregnancy.
Amla
Amla, or Emblica officinalis, is used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India. According to Drs. Michael Murray and Peter Bongiorno, naturopathic physicians and contributors to the "Textbook of Natural Medicine," amla shows promise in reducing T4 and T3 concentrations in hyperthyroidism. Amla is also utilized in formulas to treat diabetes, cataracts and cancer. Murray and Bongiorno caution that human clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of amla in addressing hyperthyroidism.
References
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. & Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- Natural Standard: Bugleweed
