Herbs for an Underactive Thyroid

According to Dr. Kristen O'Dell of the Bedford Natural Medicine Clinic, "There are 27 million Americans diagnosed with thyroid disease." Many of those included in this number suffer with underactive thyroid, or "hypothyroidism." The thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped organ located in your throat. It is used by your endocrine system to manage all your major body functions, including hormonal levels. Besides replacing the missing thyroid hormone with a synthetic formula, you can boost your body by using herbs.

Bladderwrack

• A body that lacks the thyroid hormone does not have enough iodine in the system. Bladderwrack, an undersea herb, is loaded with iodine. This seaweed is harvested from the North Sea adjacent to northern Europe. After harvest, the seaweed is harvested, dried and pounded into a formula suitable for capsule consumption. This herbal supplement will help people with underactive thyroids resulting from low iodine. Individuals with hypothyroidism caused by some other factor may not see much benefit from using bladderwrack. This seaweed supplement is taken once or twice a day with a glass of water. Note: Herbal supplements are not monitored by the FDA for their effectiveness or consistency, so use a brand that you are familiar with and trust.

Coleus Forskohlii

• Coleus forskohlii comes from the mint family, and grows in subtropical countries including the Union of Myanmar (Burma), Thailand and India. Researchers are taking a look at the coleus as potential treatment in a range of health problems, one of those being underactive thyroid. The chemical components of coleus suggest the herb can increase thyroid function in some patients. No studies are yet conclusive as to any benefits of the coleus in thyroid treatment. This herbal supplement usually comes in capsules that are to be taken twice a day.

Vegetable Roots

• One of the most beloved herbs in the kitchen cabinet is parsley. The leaves of the parsley plant are delicious to add to any meal, but the parsley root may have special herbal benefits for the thyroid. Parsley is also known as a diuretic and laxative. Add fresh parsley to your weekly menu, and take parsley supplements or use parsley oil. Parsley root is ground until the oil of the vegetable is extracted. The parsley oil is then put into gel capsules or ground, and sold in tablet form. Other root vegetables that may be beneficial are radish and turnip roots. Adding these herbs and vegetables to your diet may boost your thyroid function.