Herbs have been used for centuries for the prevention and treatment of common ailments, including thyroid disorders. Gaia Herbs, a company located in the North Carolina mountains, grows and prepares a variety of botanical medicines. Some medicinal herbs are offered as single extracts, while others are prepared in combination with other synergistic herbs for higher efficacy. As medicinal herbs could have adverse side-effects or interact with the therapeutic effect of other medicine, you need to consult your doctor before taking any new herbal supplements. Consulting a holistically trained physician, such as a naturopathic doctor, may provide a more comprehensive approach to alternative treatment for your condition.
Thyroid Dysfunction
The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located in your neck right above your collar bone. Its normal function is to make hormones that control your metabolism, how your body uses energy and how sensitive it is to other hormones. While much more common in women, millions of people world-wide suffer from thyroid disease. Hypothyroid, the most common thyroid condition, means the thyroid is not producing enough hormones, which leads to weight gain, fatigue and sensitivity to cold. Other disorders include hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. If your are suspecting thyroid dysfunction, it is important to consult your doctor right away.
Helpful Medicinal Herbs
In her book, "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," Sharol Tilgner, N.D., a botanical medicine expert, notes several medicinal herbs commonly used to support healthy thyroid function. Some of these herbs may support a sluggish thyroid, as in hypothyroidism, while others may inhibit an overactive thyroid, such as in hyperthyroidism. These include lemon balm, ashwagandha, motherwort, bladderwrack and kelp. Other thyroid supplements not mentioned by Tilgner, but available form Gaia include Coleus forskohlii and spirulina. For treatment with medicinal herbs, consult a naturopathic physician.
Thyroid Stimulating Herb
Coleus forskohlii is one of the medicinal herbs noted by University of Maryland Medical Center for cases of hypothyroidism, or under-active thyroid. If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or sub-clinical hypothyroidism, Coleus forskohlii may help by stimulating your thyroid gland to produce more hormone. More research is needed to establish Coleus forskohlii's efficacy as a thyroid supplement. Consult a holistically trained doctor before taking Coleus forskohlii.
Considerations
Some thyroid conditions could become medical emergencies in a short time. It is important to be under the care of a doctor if you are suffering from any thyroid disorder. Before taking any new supplement for your thyroid, consult your doctor about potential contraindications and avoid taking supplements in place of prescription medications. For appropriate dosing of herbal medicines, consult a naturopathic physician.
References
- MedLinePlus: Thyroid Disease
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
