The thyroid gland in humans is one of the most important glands in the body. Located in the lower neck region, the main work of the thyroid gland is to produce thyroid hormones. These do a lot of essential work in our body, maintaining it at peak conditions. Some of the jobs done by thyroid hormones include keeping the body warm, allowing it to efficiently use energy and keeping essential organs like the heart and brain working. Too much or too less of thyroid secretion can lead to a host of problems including weight disorders, fatigue and loss of concentration.
Thyroid Disorders
There are 2 major kinds of disorders which are associated with the thyroid gland:
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Hypothyroidism
This refers to the case when the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormones to keep the body functioning properly. This leads to major problems, including the slowing down of all body functions, including metabolism.
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Hyperthyroidism
This is the condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess of the thyroid hormone. This leads to faster metabolism and an increased heart rate, causing major complications in the body.
While there are a host of signs that you are suffering from a thyroid problem, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Change in eating habits
- High cholesterol levels
- Problems with sleeping
- Hair loss
If you are facing any of these problems, visit a physician immediately to see whether you are suffering from a thyroid problem. Once you have identified it, you can opt for a natural remedy to try curing it including many herbs that can help the thyroid.
Hypothyroidism
There are a lot of natural herbs and remedies which you can incorporate into your diet in case your thyroid is underperforming. These include:
- Iodine Rich Foods
While strictly not an herb, an iodine rich diet, comprising of food items like meat, seaweed, potatoes, kelp, eggs, parsley and fish can be a great active component to keep your thyroid gland production.
- Flax Seed
Flax seeds, a food rich in omega 3 fatty acids can be highly essential in keeping your thyroid gland healthy. Not only that, both flax seed oil as well as the regular seeds are great for helping with digestion. Consume around 1 tablespoon a day to reap the benefits of this herb.
- Licorice
Licorice is rich in triterpenoid glycerrhetinic acid, which helps control growth of invasive cancer causing thyroid cells. Thus, it provides for hormonal regulation while also providing an energy boost.
- Evening Primrose
This herb is rich in amino acids and can regulate thyroid problems by helping with an underactive thyroid. They also help in other things like controlling a high menstrual flow or hair loss. You can either consume it in the form of oil (one tablespoon a day) or in the form of tea.
- Siberian Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng is a natural stimulant that can help control an underactive thyroid gland. Take 100 to 200 grams of this herb daily, once before breakfast and once prior to lunch for the optimal results
Hyperthyroidism
Controlling the thyroid gland in case it is overactive can be done with the help of the following herbs:
- Ginger
Another great remedy for an upset stomach, ginger is rich in a lot of minerals including magnesium, potassium and zinc- all highly essential for hyperthyroidism. You can consume this any way you like, including in tea with a spoon of honey.
- Echinacea
Echinacea is a well-known herb used in solidifying the immune systems. Simply cut off the roots of this herb, boil it in water and you have a nutritious tea which can help combat an overactive thyroid gland.
- Nettle
Nettle is a well-known herb used for treating thyroid problems. Simply make some easy to make nettle tea and consume it daily.
- Lemon Balm
Belonging to the mint family, lemon balm is great as a calming herb. It is particularly effective on an overactive thyroid gland by directly blocking some of the thyroid hormones in the body, thus normalizing the effect of the gland.
However, before you use any of the above herbs, be sure to consult your physician as well. Some of these herbs may have additional effects, which may cause damage to your body. Additionally, you may be allergic to the one you select. Once that step is done, feel free to use the natural way to treat your thyroid disorders.