Hypothyroidism is the medical name given to the condition wherein the thyroid gland fails to produce the required quantity of the hormones that are important for carrying on various bodily functions in a healthy way.Underactive thyroid is responsible for weight gain, fatigue and a whole lot of other problems because the body fails to perform many functions.People suffering from hypothyroidism are treated using synthetic thyroxine but you can also try some effective herbal remedies for treating the condition. These herbs stimulate the thyroid gland to produce enough hormones that are important for the body.
Useful Herbal Remedies For Hypothyroidism
1. Hai Zao
This Chinese seaweed is considered a good option for treating underactive thyroid because it contains rich amounts of potassium and iodine that can relieve the inflammation of the thyroid gland. However, the herb needs to be taken in controlled amounts and under medical supervision because it has traces of arsenic compounds as well. Talk to your doctor to know more about the possible side effects of the herb [1].
2. Guggul
Resin extract from the guggul tree is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism because the extract encourages regular functioning of the thyroid gland.Tonic prepared from guggul extract can greatly help in relieving the symptoms associated with the condition including weight gain and lethargy. Speak to your doctor to know more about guggul and its medicinal properties. The herb is known to increase blood cholesterol and should be used under medical supervision [2].
3. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is helpful in the treatment of hyperthyroidism that is the result of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This type of thyroid problem is caused as a result of the immune system attacking the thyroid gland.Mix a tablespoon of lemon balm extract in one cup of water and drink it daily without fail.
However, the treatment works best when you combine it with thyroid hormone replacement otherwise it can worsen the symptoms of hypothyroidism [3].
Read More:
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5 Important Dietary Changes For Hypothyroidism
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4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a favourite herbal tea all across the globe mainly because of its pleasant taste and aroma. However, the herbal tea has medicinal effects as well that are helpful in the treatment of stress, tension, anxiety, constipation, indigestion and even hypothyroidism.The herb is available in tea form and the dried flowers of chamomile are also sold commercially.
Prepare chamomile tea by boiling 4 grams of the dried flowers in cup of water for 15 minutes. Drink the herbal tea four times a day to encourage production of hormones by the thyroid gland. The tea should be taken in between the meals [4].
5. St. John’s Wort Tea
Like chamomile tea, herbal tea prepared from dried roots of St John’s wort is also very effective in toning down the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. The tea is typically used for treating depression, nervousness, insomnia and restlessness.The herb also stimulates the thyroid gland and helps stabilize and regularize the functions of the gland. Prepare St John’s wort herbal tea by steeping tablespoon of the herb in half cup hot water. Drink the tea twice a day, once before breakfast and once before your bedtime [5].
