The Use of Natural Herbs for Hypothyroidism

The thyroid hormone is responsible for controlling the body’s metabolism. When the body lacks the sufficient thyroid hormone because it is blocked, it is called hypothyroidism and it affects millions of people around the world.

Thyroid problems are a serious concern, whether it is hyper active, or hypoactive. For a hypoactive thyroid, iodine is most common form of treatment in modern medicine, and that same trait carries over into herbal remedies as well, as many natural herbs are high in iodine.

As with any serious medical condition, herbal remedies for hypothyroidism will not always be the optimum solution, and should be used in conjunction with medical treatment, not as a replacement for it.

Herbal Remedy for Hypothyroidism

Thyroid Assist™ By Native Remedies

This herbal remedy contains few medicinal herbs known to support natural thyroid and hormonal balance. It supports normal endocrine system and thyroid gland function and helps to maintain a balanced metabolism.

Natural Herbs for Hypothyroidism

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Maca is considered a natural remedy for hypothyroidism. It contains alkaloids that are believed to stimulate both the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Research is currently under way to to determine how maca as a treatment for hypothyroidism can be integrated into modern medicine as a possible alternative to surgery.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Since depression is often a symptom of hypothyroidism, a natural treatment for depression such as St. John’s Wort may benefit hypothyroid patients by decreasing depression. St. John’s Wort contains a monoamine oxidase or an MAO inhibitor which naturally suppresses depression and assists in elevating the mood.

Coleus Foreskohlii (Coleus foreskohlii)
Coleus foreskohlii, a member of the mint family, is thought to stimulate thyroid functioning by increasing thyroid hormone production. It should be taken in increments of one to two milliliters three times a day to be effective. Coleus foreskohlii grows in subtropical areas like India, Burma, and Thailand and has been shown effective in weight loss, psoriasis, and glaucoma, in addition to its thyroid stimulating characteristics

Dulse (Palmaria palmata)
Dulse is a chewy sea plant, rich in protein and naturally containing iodine. Dulse can be found in the cold waters of the Northwest Pacific Oceans and the Atlantic. It is used as an herbal medicine for thyroid problems largely in part because it contains iodine, shown to be beneficial in medicinally treating thyroid conditions.

Bladderwrack or Kelp (Fucus vesiculosis)
This seaweed is common in northern coastal locations in North America and Europe. It is unusually high in iodine, which is a primary chemical involved in proper thyroid function. In addition to its herbal use for hypothyroidism, the seaweed is also harvested and processed for the treatment of goiter.

Bugleweed (Lycopus europaeus)
Some research studies seem to support the use of bugleweed as an herb for the treatment of hypothyroidism and it has long been used by herbal practitioners to normalize chemical balance in super active thyroid glands. Bugleweed contains lithospermic acid which is believed to decrease the thyroid hormone thyroxine.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice contains a number of verified anti-oxidants, and is reportedly effective in maintaining the edocrine system. Other chemicals found in this herb are though to be particularly well suited for healing and maintaining the hypothalamus, and pituitary and adrenal glands.

Other natural herbs that have been used for hypothyroidism treatment.

Black Cohosh - (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Cayenne - (Capsicum annum)
Irish moss - NB: The seaweed (Chondrus crispus)
Gentian - (Gentiana officinalis)
Radish - (Raphanus sativus)
Mustard - (Brassica nigra)
Lemon balm - (Melissa officinalis)
Hawthorne - (Crataegus oxycantha)

Natural Supplements for Hypothyroidism

Super Kelp (45 mg)
by Vitabase

Notes on Using Natural Remedies to Thyroid problems

Choosing one or more medicinal herbs as a natural remedy for hypothyroidism can be a beneficial addition to the traditional medicine and might prove to be more symptom-free approach but before taking any herbal remedies, one should get acquainted with the possible side effects that may be associated with them.

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