Herbal Treatments for Hypothyroidism

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 condition is due primarily to disorders of the thyroid gland itself.

Orthodox therapy is based upon taking thyroid hormone daily to replace what is not there. Often this must remain the basis of therapy, in which case therapy will aim at helping the body deal with the repercussions of the condition. The use of bitters (herbs that have a bitter taste) in mild cases is sometimes enough and is sure to be beneficial. Kelp has been used in the past; although it has much to offer, it is only truly specific where iodine deficiency is present.

Hypothyroidism accelerates the onset of atherosclerosis; thus coronary artery disease may occur because of deposits of mucopolysaccharides in the heart muscle. This damage may be lessened through the use of cardiovascular tonics such as hawthorn, ginkgo and garlic.

Relieving some aspects of the symptomatic distress may be achieved with herbs. Chronic constipation may be alleviated with laxatives. Hepatic laxatives are the best, as they support liver function; examples include yellow dock and butternut. In extreme cases, strong purgatives (e.g., cascara sagrada or senna) may be called for. Nervine tonics and other varieties of nervine may be indicated, but avoid the stronger relaxing remedies such as hops and valerian.

Antidepressant plants such as St. John’s wort and mugwort can also be helpful.

Read more: Health, Natural Remedies

Adapted from Herbal Prescriptions After 50: Everything You Need to Know to Maintain Vibrant Health, by David Hoffman (Healing Arts Press, 2007).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jennifer C.

5:22PM PDT on Mar 28, 2012

Thanks for sharing.

send a green star

Richelle R.

9:32AM PDT on Mar 28, 2012

Thank you. I take a med for this but it's a pain because of all the "rules" (empty stomach, no iron or calcium for 2-4 hrs). Also, thank you Intz W.

KS G.

4:12AM PST on Feb 6, 2012

Thanks for the article.

jayasri a.

5:24PM PST on Jan 25, 2012

thank you

Chavonne H.

2:40PM PST on Feb 18, 2011

herbal treatments are good.

Santanita G.

11:30PM PST on Nov 20, 2010

was hoping for more. Thanks

JunTing C.

8:33AM PST on Nov 12, 2010

thanks for info.

Intz W.

2:12PM PST on Nov 11, 2010

Good info, including from the comments. I would like to suggest that people with thyroid problems, go to the web site that explains Iodine Plus 2 from Natural Living, Inc. I found out about it through a Woman's Health Clinic in Sugarland, TX where it was recommended by the MD who ran the clinic. I took the online test and started taking 1 tablet a day, then the next month 2 tablets a day, then I dropped the Thyroid I was taking from the doctor (which the article explains is synthetic, not natural, then the next month took 3 tablets. Finally my life really changed, I had been sleeping up to 18 hours a day, was heavily fatigued all the time, dry skin and hair, and a multitude of the other symptoms listed in this article. After approximately 3 months I started feeling better and had more energy, gradually increasing until I usually only sleep 8-10 hours a day and have the energy to get out of my house and go shopping and not totally collapse for the next 3 days when I get back. Try this information and see what you think about it for yourself.

Darla G.

11:52AM PST on Nov 11, 2010

thanks, was looking for more info, but this is a nice start.

Sue H.

10:01AM PST on Nov 11, 2010

Thanks for this, tho I had hoped for
a bit more information.