Most Effective Herbal Medications for Hypothyroidism

Perhaps you are already sick and tired of the countless herbal medicines for hypothyroidism now available on the market. You may have saved a lot by not going for conventional medicines, but still ended up paying for worthless herbal concoctions. A closer look at the causes of hypothyroidism will likely give you effective clues as to which specific herbal medicines to look for.

known causes

According to the study carried out by Jack DeRuiter published in 2002, 3% of the general population in the world suffers from hypothyroidism. In addition to iodine deficiency, other factors have been identified as the main causes of this disease. Many clinical studies suggest strong links between this disease and iodine-131 exposure, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and some congenital conditions, such as the absence of the thyroid gland. Deficiencies in the production of hormones secreted by the hypothalamus and pituitary glands also cause hypothyroidism. Among mothers, 5% of them suffer from this condition within a year after giving birth.

Symptoms

Typically, the first symptoms include poor muscle tone, fatigue, reduced ability to resist cold, variable levels of depression, goiter, and pale skin. As the disease progresses, people with hypothyroidism also present with slow and slurred speech, swollen and dry skin, especially on the arms and legs, and irregular menstrual cycles among women.

oyster shells

Fortunately, there are several identified herbal medicines that have been shown to be more effective in treating this disease. Now, after knowing the inherent causes of hypothyroidism, we should be able to identify natural plants and other materials that can best treat this condition. In Chinese medicine, oyster shells were popularly regarded as a very powerful treatment. Oysters are bivalve molluscs that live mainly in marine and brackish waters. Strong shells are actually highly calcified valves which are known as rich sources of calcium and iodine. Medicines made from oyster shells are taken in the form of tablets and capsules that contain very fine powdered oyster shells.

Useful study of Dr. Kar

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

Another plant that promises to effectively cure hypothyroidism is Bael, also known as Aegle marmelos. Many localities also call it Bilva, Beli fruit, bone apple or wooden apple, among others. It is commonly found in many countries in South and Southeast Asia, especially in southern India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The same study conducted by Dr. Kar showed that Bael extract could offer around 61% efficiency in increasing thyroid production in the body. In various parts of central and southern India, the fresh fruit is squeezed to produce lemonade and sharbat, a refreshing drink made from 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 especially important to also consult medical experts about allergic reactions and other side effects. And no matter how powerful the drug is, it should always be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet rich in iodine. Only then could you get optimal benefits from these herbal medicines for hypothyroidism.