hypothyroidism and herbs

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Hypothyroidism is an underactivity of the thyroid resulting in too little

production of thyroid hormone. Although it may be caused by a variety of

diseases that affect the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, this conditionis due

primarily to disorders of the thyroid gland itself. Inadequate secretion of

thyroid hormone leads to a general slowing of all physical and mental processes.

There is a general depression of most cellular enzyme systems and oxidative

processes, and as metabolic activity of all cells of the body decreases,

reducing oxygen consumption, decreasing oxidation of nutrients for energy and

producing less body heat.

 

The signs and symptoms, all resulting from the slowing of metabolism, range from

non-specific complaints to severe symptoms that may be life-threatening if

unrecognized and untreated. Fatigue, lack of energy, intolerance of cold

temperatures, severe constipation, heavy menstrual periods, and weight gain

despite a diminishing appetite may go unnoticed or may be attributed toother

conditions such as stress, depression, or overwork. Symptoms worsen and become

more obvious with time, the pulse slows; the skin becomes cool, dry and coarse;

muscles ache; there is puffiness around the eyes; hair falls out; the voice

becomes hoarse; and the reflexes are sluggish. Changes inmood and personality

simulating psychiatric illness may occur. The thyroid gland may enlarge,

producing a goiter in the neck.

 

Orthodox therapy is based upon taking thyroid hormone daily to replace what is

not there. Often this has to remain as the basis of therapy, in which case the

aim is to help the body deal with the repercussions of the condition. The use of

bitters in mild cases sometimes be enough, but will always be beneficial. The

seaweed Fucus vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) has beenused in the past, and whilst it

has much to offer it is only truly specific where an iodine deficiency is

present.

 

A number of important contributions can be made by herbs to supporting hormone

replacement therapy. Hypothyroidism causes accelerated atherosclerosis and so

coronary artery disease may occur because of deposits of mucopolysaccharides in

the heart muscle. This damage may be lessened through the use of

cardio-vasculartonics such as Crataegus spp., Ginkgo biloba and Allium sativum.

Problems reflecting functional and structural changes in the skin can be eased,

and whilst this may be only symptomatic relief it is essential. Emollients,

circulatory stimulants etc. etc. can all find a role, but the specifics will

depend upon the patients experience. Moisturizing is especially importantas the

skin is usually dry and scaly.

 

Relieving some aspects of the symptomatic distress may be achieved herbally. Any

chronic constipation present may be alleviated with laxative. Hepatic laxatives

are the best as there will be the support of liver function, examples include

Rumex crispus, Juglans cineria(Butternut). In extreme cases the anthraquinone

containing herbs might be necessary, e.g. Rhamnus purshianus (Cascara sagrada)

or Cassiasenna (Senna).

 

Nervine tonics and other varieties of nervine may be indicated, avoiding the

stronger relaxing remedies such as Humulus lupulus and Valeriana officinalis.

The anti-depressant plants such as Hypericum perforatum and Artemisia vulgaris

can be helpful.

 

 

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS

 

 

 

Include in the diet molasses, egg yolks, parsley, apricots, dates, and prunes.

Eat fish or chicken and raw milk and cheeses.

 

 

Eat these foods in moderation: Brussels sprouts, peaches, pears, spinach,

turnips, and cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, and mustard

greens. If you have severe symptoms, omit these foods entirely. They may further

suppress thyroid function.

 

 

Avoid processed and refined foods, including white flour and sugar.

 

 

Drink quality water, steam-distilled is preferred if possible.

 

 

Do not take sulfa drugs or antihistamines unless specifically directed to do so

by a health care provider.

 

 

Avoid fluoride (including that found in toothpaste and tap water) and chlorine

(also found in tap water). Chlorine, fluoride, and iodine are chemically

related. Chlorine and fluoride block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland,

resulting in reduced iodine-containing hormone production and finally in

hypothyroidism.

 

 

 

 

 

HERBS

 

Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites

(glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise

indicated, teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep

covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots.

Drink 2 to 4 cups per day.

 

 

Bayberry bark, black cohosh, and goldenseal can help this thyroid condition.

Caution: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one

week at a time, do not use it during pregnancy, and use it with caution if you

are allergic to ragweed.

 

 

This combination supports thyroid function: Combine equal parts of the following

herbs for a tea (3 to 4 cups per day) or tincture (20 to 30 drops three times

per day) — horsetail (Equisetum arvense), oatstraw (Avena sativa), alfalfa

(Medicago sativa), and gotu kola (Centella asiatica).

 

 

Kelp (Laminaria hyperborea), bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), and Irish moss

(Chondrus crispus) may be taken as foods or in capsule form.

 

 

Coleus foreskohlii (1 to 2 ml three times a day) stimulates thyroid function

with an increase in thyroid hormone production. Also, herbs such as guggul

(Commiphora mikul) (25 mg of guggulsterones three times a day) and hawthorne

(Crataegus monogyna) (500 mg twice a day) are taken to counteract high

cholesterol, which often accompanies hypothyroidism.

 

Physical Medicine

Contrast hydrotherapy (hot and cold applications) to the neck and throat may

stimulate thyroid function. Alternate three minutes hot with one minute cold.

Repeat three times for one set. Do two to three sets per day.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may be helpful in correcting hormonal imbalances.

Massage

Therapeutic massage can relieve stress and improve circulation.

 

 

 

Acupuncture & Hypothyroidism

 

Acupuncture has traditionally been successfully employed in China to treat most

illnesses and there is little doubt that acupuncture is an excellent therapy for

people suffering with this condition. There are several studies suggesting that

acupuncture and Traditional can be very helpful in the

treatment of Hypothyroidism. For instance, in a study at the Shanghai Medical

University in China, 32 patients with hypothyroidism were treated over a period

of one year with a Chinese herbal preparation to stimulate the kidney meridian

(energy channel). The results were compared with a control group of 34 people.

At the end of the study, the clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism were reported

to be markedly improved confirming that "Hypothyroidism is closely related to

deficiency of kidney energy". (1)

 

(1) Relation of hypothyroidism and deficiency of kidney yang Zha LL, Inst. of

the Integr. of TCM-WM Med., Shanghai Med. Univ. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho

Tsa Chih (CHINA) Apr 1993, 13 (4) p202-4,195,

 

 

 

Traditional & Hypothyroidism

 

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine has been shown to offer an effective

alternative treatment for people suffering from hypothyroidism (an

under-functioning thyroid gland). In a study at the Shanghai Medical University

in China, 66 patients with hypothyroidism were monitored over a period of one

year. 32 patients were treated with a Chinese herbal preparation to stimulate

the kidney meridian (energy channel) and their results were compared with a

control group made up of the other 34 patients.

 

At the end of the study, the clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism were reported

to be "markedly improved" in the TCM group confirming that Traditional Chinese

Herbal medicine can offer real help in its treatment and suggesting that

"hypothyroidism is closely related to deficiency of kidney energy".

 

Relation of hypothyroidism and deficiency of kidney yang Zha LL, Inst. of the

Integr. Of TCM-WM Med., Shanghai Med. Univ. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa

Chih (CHINA) Apr 1993, 13 (4) p202-4,195

 

 

Dr. Vikram