Homeopathic medicine may be helpful for managing thyroid disorders, both hypo and hyperthyroid. By stimulating the individual's innate response to an external stimulus, homeopathy allows the body to heal itself. Treating thyroid disease with homeopathy may not fully resolve your condition; however, it may provide relief for many of the symptoms produced by the disease. Consult an experienced homeopath for treatment and alert your primary care practitioner before making major changes.
Thyroid Disease
In most cases where the thyroid is dysfunctional, symptoms arise relating to the imbalance of the thyroid hormones. Conventional medicine generally treats people with Synthroid, or its generic equivalent, which is a preparation of T4, one of the two primary thyroid hormones. Some people do not respond well to Synthroid and need additional supplementation with T3, the more active thyroid hormone. In spite of adjustments made by doctors to some patient's hormone supplementation, unwanted symptoms may still be present, affecting the patient's lifestyle and overall health. Homeopathic remedies may be useful in relieving these symptoms and sometimes have an affect directly on the thyroid itself. Always consult your physician and an experienced homeopath for treatment for any thyroid disorders, including autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Iodum
Iodum is indicated in cases especially where there are symptoms of hyperthyroidism, according to Dr. William Boericke in the "Materia Medica and Repertory." The person needing Iodum may feel very hot, agitated, and shaky with trembling hands and heart palpitations. There may be an increased appetite, with a desire to eat all day long, resulting in obesity; however, the individual may also have an increased metabolism and not be able to gain weight. Given in controlled doses and the correct potency, Iodum may help regulate the thyroid and the pituitary gland, the source of thyroid stimulating hormones.
Fucus Vesicelosus
Fucus vesicelosus, or sea kelp, may help thyroid conditions where there is an under-active thyroid with slow metabolism, according to the "Materia Medica of Homeopathic Medicines." The remedy has the power to stimulate the thyroid and pituitary gland, helping to adjust the amount of thyroid stimulating hormones, and boost metabolic processes. When used correctly, this powerful remedy can offer relief from many thyroid conditions and successfully reduce a myriad of symptoms, such a helping with weight loss, reducing sluggishness and fatigue. It may alleviate headaches; muscle pain and joint discomfort, as well as overcome many other unwanted symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
Additionally, this remedy also has the ability to suppress an overactive thyroid when given in higher potencies and larger doses. Fucus vesicelosus should never be self-administered. It should only be used under the supervision of an experienced homeopath that can monitor your case closely. Never adjust your dose or change the potency of the remedy without first consulting your practitioner. Dietary kelp is contraindicated while taking homeopathic Fucus vesicelosus.
Kali Carbonicum
Kali carbonicum is indicated for individuals who suffer from a slow metabolism, often seen in hypothyroidism. The remedy may relieve symptoms of coldness and chilliness, pain in the back, chronic constipation, indigestion, flatulence, belching and a sour taste in the mouth, writes homeopath Roger Morrison in the "Desktop Guide." The person needing this remedy may be aggravated in general by drinking icy-cold drinks, which may produce nausea and vomiting. The person may experience chronic bronchitis or sinus infections, which are the leading indicators for using this remedy in cases of hypothyroidism. In addition, there may be obesity and fatigue, which may be relieved by taking Kali carbonicum.
Other Considerations
Never treat yourself for thyroid problems. Any form of thyroid disease is complex and treatment needs to be supervised by an experienced practitioner. Homeopathic remedies are generally available over-the-counter and online without a prescription. Ask your practitioner for dosing guidelines.
References
- "Materia Medica and Repertory"; William Boericke; 1998
- "Materia Medica of Homeopathic Medicines"; Dr. S.R. Phatak; 1988
- "Desktop Guide"; Dr. Roger Morrison; 1993
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
