About 27 million people in the United States have some sort of thyroid disease, according to Theodore Friedman and Winnie Yu in their book "The Everything Health Guide to Thyroid Disease." Thyroid glands affect every aspect of your health, and an unhealthy thyroid can result in issues with weight, depression and muscle pains. Gaia Herbs has created an herbal remedy for thyroid support. The FDA has not proven herbs effective to treat illness. Please consult your physician before taking herbal supplements.
Significance
The thyroid helps control and maintain the metabolic rate and is responsible for how the body uses its energy sources, such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats, that you derive from food. It is a small gland in the shape of a butterfly that rests just below the larynx, in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system, which regulates the body's hormones and growth.
Signs
Some signs that your thyroid may be underfunctioning include fatigue or weakness in the morning, PMS, delayed or absent menstruation, bloating, gas or indigestion right after eating, and unexplained depression, usually marked with a low libido. Unexplained hair loss, weight gain, puffy face and itchy dry skin may also be signs on an unhealthy thyroid, according to Linda Page, in her book "Diets for Healthy Living."
Gaia Herb Formula
Gaia Herbs Thyroid Support formula consists of the herbs ashwaganda root, bladderwrack, coleus, kelp and shisandra. It also contains 300 mg of L-tyrosine and natural iodine. Gaia claims that this blend helps to support normal thyroid hormone production. It may help to maintain optimal weight, neuromuscular tone, and cardiovascular health. Gaia suggests taking 1 capsule twice daily between meals. According to Gaia, its products are tested for purity and are free of pesticides. It is important to seek professional medical advice before treating yourself with herbs.
Additional Remedies
In "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook," According to Alan Keith Tillotson and Nai-shing Hu Tillotson, guggul gum may stimulate thyroid function. The Chinese herbs Zi cao root and Xing ren seed may help if the thyroid is swollen. Please consult your physician before taking herbs for your thyroid.
Warning
Herbs are not meant to replace medical treatment and may interact with certain medications. Thyroid disease is a complex condition that needs to be examined by a physician before self-treating. A thyroid can be overfunctioning or underfunctioning; it is important to know exactly what is going on before choosing herbal remedies.
References
- "The Everything Health Guide to Thyroid Disease"; Theodore C. Friedman and Winnie Yu; 2006
- "Diets for Healthy Living"; Linda Page; 2005
- Gaia Herbs: Thyroid Support
- "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook"; Alan Keith Tillotson and Nai-shing Hu Tillotson; 2001
