Herbal Treatments for the Thyroid

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are common diseases affecting about 1.5 percent of the female population in the United States, according to Emedicine.com. The most common age for onset of the condition is between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can strike at any age. Herbal remedies are available for both of these conditions, but they do need to be monitored by a doctor.

The Thyroid

• The thyroid is a small reddish-brown gland that sits just above your collarbone on your neck. It secretes two hormones known as T3 and T4. The thyroid gland is responsible for healthy metabolism and tissue development. In both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, the gland can become swollen. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) recommends that every adult perform a simple "neck check" test once a month to check for a swollen thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism is often caused by an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In this disease, the body's own immune system attacks the thyroid, resulting in hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. The most common treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy, usually with synthetic T4 hormone.

Hyperthyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism is the condition where your body produces too much T3 and T4. The overactive thyroid can cause symptoms such as rapid weight loss, irritability and irregular heartbeat. The conventional treatment for hyperthyroidism is iodine, sometimes in the form of radioactive iodine. Sometimes surgery is performed to remove a portion of the thyroid.

Herbal Remedies

• The most useful herbal remedies for both under- and overactive thyroid are sea plants. Bladder wrack, a form of kelp, is used in both western and Chinese herbal medicine. It can be taken as a supplement or as an infusion. Pour boiling water over 2 to 3 tsp. of the dried herb and steep for 10 minutes. This remedy is useful if there is a deficiency of iodine in the diet.

  Bitters are helpful for mild cases of hypothyroidism. These can be found in natural foods stores usually as a liquid supplement.

  Supporting thyroid replacement therapy with herbs can be useful. Herbs which help circulation include ginko bilboa and garlic. Ginko may be taken as a supplement and garlic may be used in cooking.

  St. John's Wort is a useful herbal supplement to take against depression, which can often occur with hypothyroidism.

  Hyperthyroidism can be supported by an herb called bugleweed. This herb should not be taken without a doctor's support. It can interfere with thyroid replacement therapy, should not be taken by pregnant women, and can result in enlargement of the thyroid. Insomnia associated with hyperthyroidism can be helped by valarian and passion flower. To use these herbs, take 15 drops of each tincture in water, one half hour before bed.