Herbal Remedies for Thyroid Disease: A Guide

Herbal remedies can reduce or even correct symptoms related to thyroid disease. However, thyroid sufferers should always consult with a qualified medical practitioner prior to starting any treatment.

Types of Thyroid Disease

• Located at the front of the neck, the thyroid gland secretes hormones to regulate the body's metabolic functions. Too few of these hormones result in hypothyroidism, while too many cause hyperthyroidism.

Herbs for Hypothyroidism

• For hypothyroidism, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends the following standardized extracts: 250 to 500 mg of green tea daily; 50 to 100 mg coleus two to three times a day; and 250 to 500 mg of guggul three times a day.

Herbs for Hyperthyroidism

• For hyperthyroidism, the Center recommends a daily dose of 250 to 500 mg of decaffeinated green tea and 300 to 500 mg of lemon balm.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions

• The Tillotson Institute Of Natural Health recommends the following Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remedies: purified aconite, deer antler, astragalus root, ba ji tian root, epimidium herb, dry ginger root and cinnamon bark for hypothyroidism (a yang deficiency) and prunella vulgarism (self heal) for hyperthyroidism (a yin deficiency).

The Effect of Goitrogens

• Goitrogens are naturally occurring substances that block the body's ability to utilize thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism sufferers should reduce their consumption of goitrogen-rich foods (cabbage, mustard, cassava root, soybeans, peanuts, pine nuts and millet), while hyperthyroid sufferers may benefit from consuming goitrogen-rich broccoli.