Most Effective Herbal Medicines For Hypothyroidism

Maybe, you are sick and tired already of the countless herbal medicines for hypothyroidism now available in the market. You may have saved a lot from not going for mainstream medicines, but still ended up paying for worthless herbal concoctions. A more careful look into the causes of hypothyroidism will likely give you effective hints on what specific herbal medicines to look for.

Known causes

According to the study conducted by Jack DeRuiter publish last 2002, 3% of the general population in the world suffer from hypothyroidism. Aside from iodine insufficiency, other factors were identified are primary causes of this disease. Many clinical studies suggested strong links between this disease and exposure to iodine-131, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and some congenital diseases, such as the absence of the thyroid gland. Deficiencies in the production of hormones secreted by the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands also cause hypothyroidism. Among mothers, 5% of them suffer from this condition within one year after giving birth.

Symptoms

Normally, earlier symptoms include poor muscle tone, fatigue, reduced ability to stand against cold, varying levels of depression, goiter and paleness on the skin. As the disease progresses, people with hypothyroidism also exhibit slow and slurred speech, dry puffy skin, especially on their arms and legs, and irregular menstrual cycles among women.

Oyster shells

Fortunately, there are several identified herbal medicines that have been proven most effective in treating this disease. Now, after knowing the inherent causes of hypothyroidism, we must be able to identify naturally occurring plants and other materials that could best address this condition. In Chinese medicine, oyster shells had been popularly considered as very potent treatment. Oysters are bivalve mollusks that live mostly in sea and brackish waters. The strong shells are actually highly calcified valves that are known as rich sources of calcium and iodine. Medicines prepared from the oyster shells are taken in the form of pills and capsules containing very fine powdered oyster shells.

Helpful study by Dr. Kar

Another 2002 study conducted by Dr. A. Kar and colleagues and published in the Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies investigated the use of water hyssop, also known as Bacopa monnieri, and its effects in the regulation of thyroid hormone concentrations in male laboratory mice. The pioneering study showed that the leaf extracts have the capacity of stimulating thyroid production naturally by around 41%. Water hyssop is a perennial creeping shrub that is commonly found in wetlands and similar environments. In separate studies, the leaf extracts also effectively increase the memory capacity and motor learning ability among the subjects. The plant is also rich in anti-oxidants.

Another plant that holds the promise of effectively curing hypothyroidism is Bael, also known as Aegle marmelos. Many localities also call it as Bilva, Beli fruit, stone apple or wood apple, among others. It is commonly found in many South and Southeast Asian countries, most notably in southern India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Philippines. The same study made by Dr. Kar showed that Bael extract was able to deliver around 61% efficiency in boosting thyroid production in the body. In several parts of central and southern India, the fresh fruit is squeezed to produce lemonade and sharbat, a refreshing drink composed of the dried pulp mixed with tamarind. Other sources are St. John’s wort, aloe vera and black cohosh.

Some important reminders. Since most of these herbal medicines are taken orally, it is most especially important to also consult medical experts pertaining to allergic reactions and other side effects. And no matter how potent the medicine is, it should always be coupled with a healthy lifestyle and balance diet rich in iodine. Only then could get optimal benefits from these herbal medicines for hypothyroidism.