Numerous natural herbs may help treat your thyroid problems. According to the MedlinePlus website, millions of Americans suffer from thyroid diseases. Your thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the front of your neck, just above your collarbone and produces thyroid hormones. It may produce too much or too little thyroid hormones, depending on your condition. Before taking herbs to help treat your thyroid problem, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack is a natural herb that you can take for your low-functioning thyroid gland. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, bladderwrack, also known as Fucus vesiculosus or sea kelp, is a seaweed found on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States. Bladderwrack has been used to treat numerous health complaints, including excessive weight, skin problems, cellulite, fatigue, menstrual abnormalities and hypothyroidism, or low-functioning thyroid. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that bladderwrack is a diuretic, mucilaginous and nutritional herb. Bladderwrack, notes Tilgner, can be used for a low-functioning thyroid caused by a lack of iodine. Before taking bladderwrack for your thyroid problem, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed is an herb that may be beneficial for over-active thyroids. Botanical.com states that bugleweed, also known as Lycopus virginicus and water bugle, is a common weed in North America that thrives in damp and shady conditions and flowers from July to September. The aerial parts of the plant are used medicinally. According to Tilgner, bugleweed is an astringent, mild gastric tonic and sedative. Bugleweed blocks the conversion of thyroxine to T3, or triiodothyronine, in your liver. Bugleweed also disrupts iodine metabolism in your thyroid by inhibiting thyroid stimulating hormone. Bugleweed, notes Tilgner, is used for hyperthyroid conditions and symptoms related to hyperthyroidism. If you are pregnant, you should avoid taking bugleweed. Before taking bugleweed for your thyroid problem, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Gum Guggul
Gum guggul is an herb that may be effective for helping with hypothyroidism. According to Botanical.com, gum guggul, also known as Commiphora mukul or Indian bedellium, is a small, thorny tree indigenous to the Middle East and the Indian plains. Usually leafless, the tree produces a thick, gummy resin that has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis, acne, inflammation, obesity and other conditions. Tilgner states that gum guggul is a hypolipidemic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antifungal, carminative, expectorant and thyroid gland stimulant. Guggulsterones, among the constituents of gum guggul, may stimulate your thyroid gland, which may account for this herb's ability to lower cholesterol levels and decrease weight. Guggulsterones may be equally effective in improving your cholesterol levels as common pharmaceutical drugs. Before taking gum guggul for your thyroid problems, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
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