Herbal remedies help normalize your thyroid function. The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service states that your thyroid gland produces two important thyroid hormones: T3 and T4. These hormones travel through your bloodstream and affect most cells and tissues within your body. Some health conditions interfere with the amount of thyroid hormones your body produces. Before you take herbs to help improve your thyroid function, consider visiting your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with herbal treatments.
Thyroid Disease
The Cleveland Clinic states that approximately 20 million people in the United States have some form of thyroid disease. Your thyroid gland -- a small gland in the front of your neck -- may produce too much hormone or too little hormone. Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland generates too much hormone, and hypothyroidism is the name of the condition associated with insufficient production of thyroid hormone. Possible causes of thyroid disease, states the Cleveland Clinic, include thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to help treat thyroid disease and improve thyroid function. According to herbal medicine expert and naturopathic physician, Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," certain herbs may be helpful for overactive thyroid while other herbs are helpful for low-functioning thyroid. Herbs for overactive thyroid include bugleweed, lemon balm and motherwort. Herbs for low-functioning thyroid include bladderwrack, gum guggul and kelp. Bladderwrack and kelp contain iodine, which helps treat hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency.
Most Useful Herbal
One of the most useful herbs in boosting your thyroid function is bladderwrack. Bladderwrack has long been used as a remedy for hypothyroidism, or low-functioning thyroid. Bladderwrack, according to the University of Michigan Health System, has been used medicinally to help treat hypothyroidism and numerous other health complaints, including constipation, diarrhea, indigestion and gastritis. Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed, or brown algae, that grows in coastal waters in certain parts of the world. Bladderwrack contains numerous trace elements and minerals.
Warning
Herbs, like pharmaceutical drugs, contain active ingredients that can exert powerful effects on your body's systems. Herbs are best used under the care and supervision of a qualified health care professional. A physician trained in botanical medicine can prescribe the best herbs for your particular condition and can tell you about dosage, side effects and any likely drug interactions that may occur. Pregnant women should use extra care when taking herbs, as some herbs can threaten your pregnancy and cause serious health complications.
References
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service: Thyroid Function Tests
- Cleveland Clinic: Thyroid Disease
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- University of Michigan Health System: Bladderwrack
