Best Known Herbal Remedies For Thyroid Disorders
Herbs For Thyroid
Thyroid
The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands and is located in the neck, below the “Adam’s Apple”. It controls how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins, and how sensitive the body is to other hormones.
Disorders
Thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism (abnormally increased activity), hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased activity) and thyroid nodules. All these disorders may lead to goiter.
Symptoms
Hyperthyroidism: Loss of body weight, muscle weakness, too much sweating, protruding eyes, insomnia, shivering, joint aches, nervousness, frequent bowel movements, irregular menstrual cycles, panting and breathing trouble.
Hypothyroidism: Weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, difficulty in cold seasons, numbness of upper limbs, constipation, hoarse voice, depression, dry skin, puffiness around eyes.
Goiter: Not all goiters cause signs and symptoms. When signs and symptoms do occur they may include: A swollen thyroid gland, cough, hoarseness, palpitations, irritability, bulging eyes, high fever, difficulty swallowing and breathing; there may be neck vein swelling and dizziness when the arms are raised above the head.
While thyroid disorders can be partly attributed to heredity, toxic factors such as heavy metals like mercury, chronic allergies, radioactive pollutants, are what usually trigger it. Thyroid disorders are related to an autoimmune response, with the body developing antibodies to its own thyroid tissue. This may produce hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Herbal Remedies for Thyroid disorders
The best treatment for thyroid disorders is cleansing of the system and adoption of a rational diet thereafter. Juices of orange, apple, pineapple, and grapes may be taken every two or three hours during the daytime for a week. The bowels should be cleaned daily with lukewarm water. After the juice fast, the patient may spend further three days taking three meals a day of juicy fruits such as apple, pineapple, grapes, papaya, with a glass of milk, at five hourly intervals. Thereafter, the patient may adopt a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits. Plenty of green drinks containing chlorophyll are helpful.
Carrots contain carotenoids, which has Vitamin A, and is good for goiter. Eat foods rich in vitamin A, such as yellow vegetables, eggs, and dark green vegetables.
In the case of hypothyroidism, which is due to deficiency of iodine, iodine rich foods like singhara, lotus stem, chaulai, pineapple, seafoods, garlic, onion and strawberries are very beneficial. Asparagus, oats, whole rice, tomatoes and watercress too contain iodine. Fish and sea vegetables too, nourish the gland.
Rice bran is a good source of B Vitamins useful for thyroid. Take magnesium, sprouts of alfalfa besides wheat grass juice.
Selenium supports thyroid hormone production. Almonds, avocados, bananas, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds are abundant sources of tyrosine which supports optimal thyroid function. Tyrosine is found in edamame, beef, chicken, and fish too.
Omega-3 fatty acids support thyroid function to optimal level. Coldwater fish, seeds and nuts are sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Dandelion, Gentian/Taraxacum, Gentiana: These bitter herbs stimulate a low thyroid.
Bugleweed: Used for hyperthyroidism and enlarged thyroid.
Coleus: Forsklin has been shown to increase the production of thyroid hormone and also stimulate its release.
Gotu Kola: Used in autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Guggul: Stimulates thyroid.
Hai Zao: Used in Chinese medicine for goiter; it helps to improve general thyroid function and prevents thyroid disease.
Irish Moss: A sea herb, high in iodine.
Kelp: Source of trace minerals, useful in low or enlarged thyroid, activates thyroid functioning.
Meadowsweet: Has anti-thyroid effects, calming down a hyperactive thyroid gland.
Motherwort: Good for hyperactive thyroid and helps thyroid at menopause.
Myrrh: Similar to guggul, stimulates thyroid gland.
Siberian Ginseng: Enhances thyroid gland functioning and balances hormone levels.
Black and red radishes have been used by some doctors in the old Soviet Union as accepted medical treatment for hypothyroidism.
Black walnut is rich in iodine, and is the best natural remedy for thyroid problems.
Irish moss strengthens thyroid functioning.
Bladder-wrack has high iodine contents, and is very good for thyroid functioning.
Kelp sea weed is rich in iodine, and can help the gland to function properly.
Primrose oil is a useful natural remedy for thyroid malfunctioning.
Black cohosh improves thyroid functions.
Coconut oil can combat hypothyroidism.
Drinking a lot of hot ginger tea can help.
Zinc and copper are important in helping the body make thyroid hormone. Foods rich in zinc include: beef (range free), oatmeal, chicken (range free), seafood, dried beans, bran, tuna, spinach, seeds, and nuts. Foods rich in copper include: organ meats (range free), eggs, yeast, legumes, nuts, and raisins.
Avoid
When the thyroid problem is severe, avoid brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, peaches and pears as they have anti-thyroid substances. Foods such as white flour products, white sugar, flesh foods, fried or greasy foods, saturated fats, preserves, condiments, tea, coffee and alcohol, should also be avoided.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES
