Herbal Glossary: Remedies for Your Thyroid

The thyroid is an organ in the endocrine system that can be affected by a variety of diseases. It might produce little of its hormones or overproduce them. It can get inflamed, enlarged, or attacked by the body’s immune system. Sometimes, the symptoms of thyroid problems are not easily noticed. Some symptoms are only diagnosed and treated when they become worse. That’s why in today’s article I put together a herbal glossary with the best remedies for your thyroid.

Common Thyroid Problems

The thyroid is the butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the neck. Its work is to secrete hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic activities and are controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.

It particularly secretes two hormones, T3 and T4, which must remain at normal levels. However, there might be cases when these hormones increase or decrease. The changes in the hormone levels can result in different diseases and need to be dealt with.

Hypothyroidism is a decrease in thyroid hormone production.

Hyperthyroidism is an increase in hormones due to overactive thyroid.

Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland as a result of either the decrease or increase in hormones.

Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Grave’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes an overactive thyroid.

Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disease that attacks and stops hormone production.

Generally, a thyroid problem is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland or immune system and can be genetically inherited. It may also occur due to hormonal imbalance, excessive iodine or its deficiency, bacterial infection and environmental toxins.

Stress, smoking and pregnancy may also increase the risk of thyroid disorders.

A malfunctioning thyroid gland manifests some symptoms like chronic fatigue, cold extremities, joint pains, dry skin, hoarseness of voice, bulging eyes or neck, or difficulty swallowing.

Check out these hidden warning signs you might have a thyroid problem.

Herbal Glossary: Remedies for Your Thyroid

Each thyroid disorder is treated differently. Even herbs should be taken with caution to avoid exacerbating the problem. Here are some of the herbs that can bolster some of these thyroid diseases.

Ashwagandha: Withania somnifera is an adaptogenic herb that maintains the body’s balance and normalizes the metabolism. It minimizes chronic stress and improves the functioning of the endocrine system. Ashwagandha can treat hypothyroidism by converting the thyroid hormone into an active form for the body to use.

Astragalus: Astragalus membranaceus is a trophorestorative herb that can bring balance to a specific organ that needs healing. When consumed, astragalus can target the stressor in the body and bring it into balance to restore its functions. It can increase the thyroid activity and is therefore beneficial in hypothyroidism.

Black Cumin Seeds: Nigella sativa is referred to as the universal healer for its ability to treat a wide range of diseases for many centuries. Its powdered form holds promising results in improving the thyroid status in Hashimoto’s Disease. It can reduce inflammation, thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and raise the T3 concentration.

Black Walnut: Juglans nigra has been around for centuries and is used as a supplement for various health problems, including thyroid disorders. Black walnut hull is rich in iodine which helps regulate the functions of the thyroid glands. Eating 2 to 3 black walnuts may be beneficial for hypothyroidism.

Bladderwrack: Fucus vesiculosus is technically not an herb but an edible seaweed used for treating hypothyroidism and goiter. It contains a high amount of iodine to fulfill the iodine deficiency and increase the T3 and T4 levels. It is prepared by boiling and steeping 2 to 3 tbsp of the dried seaweed in a cup of water. Drinking the infusion three times a day is beneficial for hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Disease.

Bugleweed: Lycopus virginicus is a plant from the mint family that is often found in wet areas. Traditionally, it was used as a remedy for cough but modern medicine discovered its effectiveness in treating an overactive thyroid. Bugleweed contains lithospermic acid that can balance the hormone to ease mild hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease.

Both Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are chronic conditions that require ongoing management. Medicinal mushrooms offer benefits for autoimmune diseases due to their immunomodulatory effects.

Nicole Apelian’s Mushroom Trio bundle features three potent adaptogenic botanicals: Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail, all extracted from fruiting bodies. Each mushroom offers distinct, scientifically proven benefits, such as reducing inflammation, regulating the immune system, combating viral and bacterial infections, enhancing cognitive function, promoting Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production, inhibiting cancer, alleviating stress, increasing energy levels, improving mental clarity, and helping manage blood sugar levels. You can find this bundle, plus many other remedies, in the Apothecary.

Ginger: Zingiber officinale is a warm spice that can help improve metabolic functions. It is considered a safe herbal remedy for hypothyroidism. Ginger is also used by patients undergoing hypothyroidism treatment to relieve nausea and gastrointestinal problems the treatment can cause.

Siberian Ginseng: Dried Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a completely different plant from the true ginseng: the Panax ginseng and American ginseng. Also known as eleuthero, Siberian ginseng is a very effective adaptogen that boosts thyroid and adrenal health. It can improve the energy level to ease the triggers of Hashimoto’s Disease.

Lemon Balm: Melissa officinalis is a calming herb that can ease stress, anxiety and depression, as well as reduce thyroid function. It is a good herbal remedy for hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease. Daily consumption of lemon balm leaf infusion may help regulate hormonal levels.

Stinging Nettle: Packed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and tissue-tonifying properties, stinging nettle is an effective herb for thyroid protection. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) can eliminate toxins, balance the hormones and inhibit autoimmune disorders. An infusion of stinging nettle leaves of one cup a day for two weeks may be effective in countering hyperthyroidism.

⇒ Here you can find potent Lemon Balm and Stinging Nettle tinctures available for purchase.

Moringa: The adaptogenic property of Moringa Oleifera can address thyroid problems by regulating thyroxine and triiodothyronine production. It is rich in polyphenols that also boost the metabolism and reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Two cups of fresh moringa leaves or two teaspoons of moringa powder a day may help tone an overactive thyroid.

Sage: Sage tea is a safe and effective tea to take to reduce the risk of thyroid diseases. Sage (Salvia officinalis) is rich in rosmarinic acid that can reduce the thyroxine output. It can improve the metabolism and reduce the risk of cancerous and non-cancerous thyroid diseases.

Selfheal: Prunella vulgaris, or selfheal plant, can normalize the actions of the thyroid gland and prevent the development of goiter or tumors. Selfheal may either stimulate an underactive thyroid or reduce an overactive one. It may also significantly reduce inflammation of the thyroid gland and modulate the function of the immune system to prevent autoimmune thyroid problems.

Turmeric: Curcuma longa has a wide range of therapeutic effects in different biological pathways. It possesses excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and adaptogenic properties. It can reduce inflammation to alleviate thyroiditis and goiter, or prevent cancer.

Turmeric contains curcumin which balances the hormones and alleviates hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

DIY Golden Turmeric Paste for the Thyroid

It can be used to prevent thyroid disorders or alleviate any existing symptoms.

There are various ways of taking turmeric, such as infusing it as a tea or tincture. However, it is a fat-soluble spice, which means it does not dissolve in water and may not be very well absorbed by the body.

To increase its bioavailability, turmeric is best dissolved in fat and combined with black pepper.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp turmeric powder
• ¼ cup filtered water (add more water in the process, to create a paste)
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp ghee, coconut oil, or olive oil

Steps:

1. Heat the turmeric and water over medium heat to a slow simmer.
2. Add more water if the mixture is dry. Turn off the heat and add the oil (or ghee) and black pepper. Mix well into a thick paste consistency.
3. Allow to cool before transferring it to a small jar with a lid.

How to Use

Store in the refrigerator. Take ¼ to ½ tsp of the golden paste every day for a week. You can take it straight or dissolve it in a small amount of milk.

If you respond well to the remedy, increase the amount to about 1 to 2 tsp the following week and continue taking it for no more than two months.

You may also prepare this golden paste recipe in bulk by increasing the amount of ingredients. You can adjust the consistency by adding more turmeric or water and it will not affect the potency.

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