The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck located just above the collarbone. It is an endocrine gland that produces a hormone that sets your metabolism, helping your body get energy from the food you eat. When the thyroid is overactive, it can produce too many hormones and cause your metabolism to speed up, There are various ways to control an overactive thyroid, including some natural herbal remedies. It is highly recommended that before starting any alternative medicine therapy, you should consult your doctor.
Common Forms of Hyperthyroidism
There are four main causes of hyperthyroidism. Grave's Disease is the most common form and is caused by an antibody that mistakenly stimulates the thyroid to produce too much hormone. Thyroid nodules are lumps or cysts developed by the thyroid itself. These nodules can secrete too much thyroid hormone, and although most are harmless, they should still be checked by a doctor. Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. This inflammation can lead to the release of excess amounts of thyroid hormones. Excessive iodine intake through diet, medications and even some cough syrups may also cause the thyroid to produce too much or too little hormone production in some people. However, since the human body can tolerate large amounts of iodine, hyperthyroidism due to iodine in the diet and/or medication is rare.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are easy to identify, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They include heart palpitations, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, increased appetite accompanied by weight loss, swelling of the thyroid gland or goiter, as it is more commonly referred to, nervousness and anxiety, insomnia, muscle tremors, swollen, reddened and bulging eyes; most commonly found in Grave's Disease, and occasionally, raised thick skin found over the shins, back of the feet, hand, back and the sometimes the face. In extreme cases, a fever, rapid pulse, agitation and possible delirium. In women, changes in their menstrual cycle may occur.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed is a marshland native to Europe and was grown by colonists in the U.S. in the 17th century for its medicinal properties. It has clusters of white, bugle-shaped flowers and contains lithospermic acid, which is believed to decrease the levels of certain thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine and also keeps antibodies from binding to and killing cells, according to mountainroseherbs.com. Tea is the most common preparation of bugleweed and can be combined with lemon balm, which is another herbal remedy for overactive thyroid. It is not recommended that bugleweed be used as a substitute for medicinal care of hyperthyroidism. High doses of bugleweed can enlarge the thyroid and should not be taken by pregnant women.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and is a "calming" herb. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lemon balm was used back in the middle ages to reduce anxiety and stress, promote sleep, improve the appetite and ease the pain and discomfort of indigestion. Although it is a native of Europe, lemon balm is now grown worldwide. It can grow up to 2 feet high and has clusters of small, light yellow flowers. The leaves of the lemon balm plant are deeply wrinkled and range from dark green to yellowish-green in color and when touched, they will leave a tart, sweet smell on the fingers, similar to lemons. Lemon balm is available as a dried leaf and can be purchased in bulk, to be prepared as a tea. While lemon balm is regarded as safe, it can cause dermatitis in some people if handled excessively, according to herbs2000.com, a website devoted to herbs information and treatments. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid lemon balm.
Gypsywort
Gypsywort is another member of the mint family and is a sister plant to the bugleweed. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 12 feet high. Its flowers are white, pink or blue and grow in whorls. The gypsywort likes dampness and can be found growing in wetland areas, such as near a stream or river. It got its name because it is known for providing a powerful black dye, which gypsies would use to stain their skin so that they would resemble Africans or Egyptians while they performed their "magic." The entire plant can be used as a sedative --- it slows the pulse rate in medical conditions associated with an overactive thyroid because it reduces the activity of iodine.
