Natural Cures Guide

You don’t know it’s there. You can’t feel it working. But the functioning of the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck, influences every organ system and every function of your body. So if your thyroid gland is not operating as it should, the effects on your body are widespread.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate the rate of metabolism in the cells of the body. The condition can range from very mild to severe, leading to coma or even death.
In infants and children, hypothyroidism causes severe mental and physical retardation. In adults, typical symptoms include low body temperature, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, lethargy, fatigue, depression, memory and concentration problems, muscle weakness and stiffness, and decreased libido. In women, menstrual problems, infertility, miscarriages, and other problems with pregnancy can occur. In the long run, untreated hypothyroidism increases the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
A number of factors may cause hypothyroidism. How it is treated depends on what causes it. So if you think you may have an underactive thyroid, see your doctor for a complete medical evaluation.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is called idiopathic or sluggish thyroid. This means that the gland, for reasons that are not clear, is not quite doing its job. Other causes include autoimmune conditions (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), iodine deficiency, and, rarely, problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
If your gland’s malfunction is caused by an autoimmune condition, you’ll want to seek a treatment plan that addresses the autoimmune condition as well. Some herbs should not be used in such cases, so consult your doctor and/or a professional herbalist.
When mild or moderate hypothyroidism is caused by a sluggish thyroid, herbal and other natural remedies can help. You’ll still need to see your doctor after a month or so of taking herbs because you’ll want to learn whether the herbal remedy is working.
If you’re taking thyroid drugs now, you may be able to switch to herbs, but do so slowly and carefully, with your doctor’s help in monitoring the effects. If you have a child with an underactive thyroid, it’s best to stick with the drugs, because the consequences of having an underactive thyroid in childhood can be severe and irreversible.

Herbal Remedies

Bitters

This group of herbs has an overall stimulating effect on the body, including the digestive system and the hormone-producing endocrine system that the thyroid gland is a part of. In the clinical experience of many doctors, bitters are the most effective treatment for mild to moderate hypothyroidism. Bitters are named for their taste; their strong taste boosts the body’s production of digestive fluids, so you get more nutrients from eating the same foods. The more bitter the taste, the better they work. You have to actually taste the bitterness, so swallowing capsules won’t do the trick. Many commercial bitters tinctures are on the market; look for those that contain gentian. Typical dosage: 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three times per day before meals; or 1 cup of tea three times per day before meals.

Myrhh (Commiphora myrrha)

This tree resin stimulates the thyroid, although researchers haven’t figured out how. Resins don’t extract in hot water, though, so myrrh doesn’t work in tea form. Typical dosage: 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of tincture three times per day.

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)

This iodine-rich seaweed is one of several seaweeds that can help balance and nourish the thyroid. Typical dosage: 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three times per day.

Supplements for Thyroid Health

The thyroid needs iodine to do its work. Dietary sources of iodine include salt-water fish, other seafoods, seaweeds, and iodized table salt. If you suspect you’re deficient in iodine, include these foods in your diet or take 150 to 300 micrograms of iodine per day. Don’t exceed this dose, because excess iodine may actually inhibit thyroid function.
The amino acid tyrosine is another building block of thyroid hormones; you may want to try taking 250 to 500 milligrams per day.
Although some foods can boost iodine levels, others may actually block the thyroid from using iodine. Foods to avoid include soybeans, peanuts, millet, pine nuts, turnips, cabbage, and mustard. Cooking, however, appears to inactivate the substances that cause this effect, so don’t be afraid to eat cooked foods containing these ingredients.