Low thyroid function, also known as hypothyroidism, occurs when your thyroid gland does not produce enough T4 and T3, or thyroid hormones. The Thyroid Foundation of Canada states that here are four principal causes of low thyroid function, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, radioactive iodine treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism, congenital hypothyroidism and surgical removal of your thyroid gland. Some herbal remedies may help treat your low thyroid function, but herbs should only be used for this condition if you are under the care and guidance of a skilled health care professional.
About Low Thyroid
PubMed Health states that many symptoms may be associated with low thyroid function and that these symptoms are usually grouped into two categories: early and late. Early symptoms of this condition include unexplained weight gain, dry or pale skin, heavier than normal menstrual periods, weakness, brittle hair and fingernails, and heightened sensitivity to cold. Late symptoms of this condition include reduced ability to smell and taste, eyebrow thinning, hoarseness, slowed speech, and puffiness in your face and extremities.
Helpful Herbal Remedies
Several herbal remedies may help treat low thyroid function, notes Phyllis Balch, a nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." According to Balch, herbal bitters, including Swedish bitters, have historically been used in treating the signs and symptoms of low thyroid function. Other herbs that may be beneficial adjunct therapies in the treatment of low thyroid function include gentian root, bladderwrack, black cohosh and goldenseal. Although these herbs are sometimes used in treating low thyroid function, contemporary scientific research has not yet thoroughly evaluated their efficacy.
A Commonly Used Botanical
Bladderwrack is a commonly used botanical remedy in the treatment of low thyroid function. In his book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," herb expert Ed Smith says that bladderwrack is an herbal remedy that possesses a significant amount of iodine, which may be helpful in treating low thyroid function caused by reduced iodine in your body. Bladderwrack, notes Smith, may help treat obesity and menstrual problems, although it is most commonly known for its ability to promote proper thyroid gland functioning while normalizing your metabolism.
Additional Information
Low thyroid function is cause for concern, as it may lead to serious health problems -- such as miscarriage, heart disease and a heightened risk for infections -- in some individuals. If you suspect that you might have low thyroid function, schedule an appointment with your family doctor. Your doctor can assess your health status, order relevant tests and provide you with valuable treatment advice. Ask your doctor about herbal remedies -- such as safety, efficacy, dosage and treatment duration -- for treating low thyroid function before using herbs for this condition.
References
- Thyroid Foundation of Canada: Hypothyroidism
- PubMed Health: Hypothyroidism
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Edward Smith; 2007
