Certain herbs may be helpful in treating your swollen thyroid gland. According to the Cleveland Clinic, an enlargement, or swelling, of your thyroid gland is known as goiter. Certain risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing thyroid gland swelling, including being a female over 40 years of age and having a family history of goiter. Before taking herbs to help treat swelling of your thyroid gland, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed, also known as Lycopus virginicus, is an herb that may be helpful in treating your swollen thyroid gland. According to the University of Michigan Health System, bugleweed has been used to help treat many health conditions, including hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid gland secretes excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, can cause goiter, or thyroid gland swelling. Bugleweed is an herbaceous flowering plant native to Europe, North America and certain parts of Asia. Bugleweed belongs to the Mint family, has a bitter taste, possesses cooling and drying tendencies and thrives in moist, damp environments. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that bugleweed counteracts excessive thyroxine, or thyroid gland hormone, and helps treat your hyperthyroidism. Bugleweed should not be used in cases of non-toxic goiter, notes Smith.
Bladderwrack
Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that bladderwrack, also known as Fucus vesiculosis, is a diuretic that improves your nutritional status by providing several minerals and trace elements, including iodine. Bladderwrack, notes Tilgner, may be helpful in treating hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Possible signs and symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include fatigue, dry skin, depression, weight gain and goiter. Bladderwrack is a seaweed that grows off the United States' Atlantic and Pacific coasts. This herb belongs to the Fucaceae family, has a mucilaginous and salty taste and possesses cooling tendencies. Practitioners of herbal medicine use the plants' fronds, or thallus, medicinally.
Kelp
Kelp, also known as Fucus versicolor, is a sea vegetable that contains a significant amount of minerals, including iodine, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. The University of Michigan Health System states that kelp, as a source of iodine, helps in making thyroid hormones and is used to help treat hypothyroidism caused by a lack of iodine. Dr. William A. Mitchell, Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that kelp, which grows in underwater forests in shallow oceans, has the highest mineral content of any botanical and is particularly helpful in treating low-functioning thyroid glands, especially low-functioning thyroid glands that are associated with thyroid enlargement, or swelling. According to Tilgner, if you have hyperthyroidism or if you are pregnant or are a nursing mother, you should avoid taking bladderwrack.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Goiter
- University of Michigan Health System: Bugleweed
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Plant Medicine in Practice: Using the Teachings of John Bastyr"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
