Some people who are diagnosed with an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, prefer using natural remedies like lemon balm to manage symptoms and help normalize thyroid function. Conventional treatments for overactive thyroid involve surgery and the use of radioactive medicines, which can produce significant side effects. If you choose to use herbs to treat your thyroiditis, consult a health practitioner who is familiar with your condition and experienced in the use of herbal medicine. Herbs can cause side effects, so do not treat this condition by yourself.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is defined as an inflammation of the thyroid gland that causes it to over-produce thyroid hormones, with the result being an increased metabolism, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. It can be the effect of an acute infection, trauma to the gland, taking too much medicine for an underactive thyroid, or the result of a long-term health condition such as an autoimmune disease like Graves disease.
Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include rapid heartbeat and pulse, excess perspiration, irritability, nervousness, increased appetite with weight loss, shakiness, insomnia and bulging eyes, to name a few. Graves disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism is thought to be caused by an antibody produced by your body that triggers the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones, says the UMMC. In most cases, the primary treatment used by the conventional medical community to first to destroy the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine treatments. Once this is accomplished, thyroid surgery is usually performed to remove the dead gland, leaving patients permanently dependent on taking thyroid medicine for hypothyroidism. Alternative medicine provides patients with other options for treatment to control an overactive thyroid, including the use of herbs like lemon balm.
Herbal Properties
Lemon balm inhibits thyroid function, helping to reduce the production of thyroid hormones, according to Hamilton College. It also helps enhance the mood, calm anxiety and relieve insomnia. Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has been used traditionally to treat nervousness, migraine headaches, hypertension and hyperthyroidism, according to Georgetown University Medical Center. Modern herbalists still prescribe lemon balm to regulate the thyroid gland and as a replacement for conventional medical treatments in patients who can tolerate it.
Dose
Lemon balm is best available as a liquid extract or as fresh or dried herbs. One of the best ways to consume it is as an herbal infusion or tea. It is often combined with other herbs like bugleweed, which also helps to regulate the thyroid gland's function. The recommended dose for lemon balm is 300 mg to 500 mg, 3 times daily, according to the UMMC. Alternatively, you can steep 2 tbsp. of fresh herbs or 1 tbsp. dried herb in a cup of boiling water. Strain, cool and drink a cup of tea three times daily.
Precautions
There are no known side effects from using lemon balm, according to Hamilton College; however, consult your health practitioner for specific guidelines pertaining to use for your particular case. Do not stop taking conventional medicines or substitute lemon balm unless you are under the supervision of a knowledgeable health practitioner.
References
- Georgetown University Medical Center -- Urban Herbs: Lemon Balm
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperthyroidism
- Hamilton College: "Food for Thought"; The Science, Culture & Politics of Food; Megan Bumb; Spring 2008
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with all their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philip Felig and Lawrence A. Frohman, 2001
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