Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an underproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland. The thyroid regulates body temperature by creating two hormones that control how fast the body burns calories and uses energy. The ailment can range from very minor to life-threatening. Some doctors believe that many allergies are actually due to disorders of the thyroid.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include lethargy, headaches, depression, low body temperature, decreased libido and an unusual sensitivity to cold. You may also have difficulty losing weight, dry skin, slow reflexes, goiter, recurrent infections and painful menstrual periods.
Causes
Hypothyroidism is caused by a lack of iodine, the health of the thyroid itself and the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) that is circulating in the body. Since TSH is produced by the pituitary gland, problems in that gland may also affect the thyroid. It can also be caused by Hashimoto's disease, thyroiditis, as a consequence of treatment, thyroid surgery, pituitary or hypothalamic disease, radiation therapy, or medications like lithium.
Cautions
Thyroid problems need to be diagnosed medically. Since they can escalate if left untreated, it is very important to be seen if you have any of the symptoms of thyroid deficiency. A simple blood test is all that is needed to determine hypothyroidism, but it won't tell you the cause.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Bladderwrack this herb is high in iodine, which is needed for proper thyroid function. Take this herb as an extract and follow the instructions on the label.
- Kelp this seaweed is very beneficial because it is rich in iodine. It also stimulates the metabolism.
- Dulse another seaweed that is rich in protein and iodine. It is also high in many vitamins and minerals like manganese, copper, chromium and zinc.
- Oats the wild oat plant is useful as a nerve tonic. It is used primarily for anxiety, eczema, high cholesterol and hypothyroidism.
- Bugleweed this herb is also used for hyperthyroidism. Bugleweed seems to normalize the thyroid's hormone production no matter if it is producing too much or too little.
- Lemon balm another normalizing herb, this herb can be used with bugleweed to regulate the thyroid's function.
- Gentian this bitter herb is known to normalize the function of the thyroid. It can be combined with cayenne, Irish moss, kelp and saw palmetto to create a thyroid formula.
- Mustard this herb has a high iodine content and tyrosine, the compound the thyroid uses to make hormones. Add mustard greens to your salad or add it to a soup.
- St. John's wort depression is often a symptom of this problem and this herb can address that symptom.
- Walnut this herb is often used for glandular disorders, including those of the thyroid. The juice from green walnuts has shown in studies to double the levels of thyroxin in the body. Using a decoction of green walnuts, the thyroxin levels were boosted by 30 percent.
- Horsetail this herb can also be helpful for hypothyroidism. Follow the instructions on the label or that are given to you by a naturopathic physician for the best results.