10 Herbs for the Thyroid

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Thyroid disorders – whether the gland is hyperactive, hypoactive, or enlarged – are common but often misdiagnosed and it can take a while find out what is causing such problems as weight change, fatigue, depression and problems with skin. Before taking any herbs for the thyroid, therefore, it is best to consult a medical practitioner or herbalist to find out what is the best plan of treatment for the condition. Below, though, are listed ten of the best drugs to treat thyroid disorders that you may want to know about.

Echinacea

While most people think of this herb as an immune system booster, it has also been used successful to help treat those suffering from hypothyroidism or thyroiditis and does not seem to care the side effects of some of the medications traditionally prescribed for this condition.

Licorice

Licorice can help balance and even out the hormones among many different glands and can be useful for those who suffer from the fatigue that thyroid problems can bring. It has also been proven to help inhibit thyroid cancer cells.

Bugle

Bugle can be used in a tablet form or as an essential oil and in one study of those with mild hyperthyroidism, use of this herb resulted in significant improvement of symptoms without any side effects.

Ashwaganda

This herb is a powerful antioxidant and acts on the thyroid to stimulate just the right amount of hormone production. It also has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Bacopa

Research with the use of bacopa has revealed that this can help stimulate a hypoactive thyroid gland and significantly improve its function without any adverse side effects.

Eleuthero

Also called Siberian gingseng, this herb can help either hyper- or hypoactive thyroid glands by regulating hormones levels in the body and can also help with the function of the thymus and adrenal glands.

Bladderwrack

This algae contains iodine, which helps to stimulate the thyroid as well as other natural compounds which restore its normal function and can also help to reduce the size of thyroid nodules.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which can have a positive impact on thyroid health. One study found that hypothyroid patients who consumed a diet rich in these fatty acids showed an increase in thyroid hormone levels.

Black Walnut

Black walnut, like bladderwrack, is also rich in iodine, a nutrient which plays an important role in overall thyroid function and optimizes the health of the thyroid gland.

Lemon Balm

This member of the mint family has found to be very effective at reducing the levels of hormone production in overactive thyroid and easing the symptoms of hyperthyroid patients by normalizing the function of the gland.

Thyroid problems are more common than many people realize and can be complex to diagnose and treat. However, once the cause of the problem has been determined, discussing a natural treatment plan with an herbalist or other practitioner is a good idea and that plan may well involve one or more of the herbs listed above.

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Mayimina
Mayimina has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.