5 Herbs For Low Thyroid

Low thyroid or hypothyroidism is a phenomenon where the thyroid gland becomes less active and the production of thyroid hormones get highly deteriorated. This condition is mainly caused by iodine deficiency and also sometimes due to stress. Although the abnormality can lead to many health disorders, it can be treated with herbs.

Some of these below mentioned herbs have been used since the ancient times to beat hypothyroidism and they still continue to remain a dependable option.

Best Herbs For Low Thyroid

Kelp

Kelp, a type of seaweed, is also commonly known as bladderwrack and fucus and is also one of the most recommended herbal remedies for hypothyroidism. The main reason behind prescribing kelp for low thyroid hormone generation can be its reserve of iodine. Since low iodine concentration is one of the main reasons for the development of hypothyroidism, the iodine from kelp helps to activate the thyroid gland, thereby promoting the generation of thyroxin and other thyroid hormones.

Kelp is also believed to be one of the primary extraction sources of iodine, as iodine cannot be found in free form in nature. Being one of the most prominent food ingredients in Japan, kelp can be included in the diet to boost the thyroid gland and subsequently, the metabolism. Other than eating fresh kelp, the goodness of this herb can also be extracted in the form of capsules.

Myrrh

Myrrh, guggul or guggal are all the same plants, and are the primary sources of resin. The resin extracts from this tree have been used heavily in Ayurveda to treat different types of medical conditions, including hypothyroidism.

Although no clinical tests have strongly established the fact or tried to bring out the real reason behind the herb’s effectiveness for promoting thyroxin production, herbalists claim that this herb has full potential to treat hypothyroidism. Since resin doesn’t dissolves in water, it is useless to make herbal teas with myrrh. Hence, it is best to use 1/4th to 1/8th teaspoon of myrrh tincture thrice per day.

Watercress

Since low iodine content in blood is one of the primary reasons behind sluggishness of the thyroid gland, herbalists often prescribe those herbs which are natural sources of iodine. However, iodine is not the only element that is sufficient to trigger the activities of the thyroid gland, there are some other chemical elements and compounds required for the purpose, like vitamin C and E and zinc.

Watercress is not only a source of iodine but also of vitamin E, A and C. All these elements boost the activity of the thyroid gland, thereby making it possible to combat hypothyroidism and its associated health disorders.

Chamomile

Although chamomile may not directly induce thyroxin production from the thyroid gland, it definitely can reduce the stress level, one of the primary causes of hypothyroidism. Volatile oils and coumarins present in chamomile make it a soothing and nervine herb.

Regular usage of chamomile essential oil helps to beat stress, thereby helping the thyroid gland to work more easily and effectively. Other than using chamomile essential oil, chamomile herbal tea can also be sipped on regularly to boost the thyroid gland.

Gentian

Gentian is an herbaceous plant, native to the Himalayas and Alps. This plant is widely cultivated in China and is one of the most prominent Chinese herbs. Gentian is often prescribed for hypothyroidism, as this herb has the capability to control stress, which is one of the primary causes of hypothyroidism.

Additionally, gentian also helps to boost the activities of the thyroid gland, thanks to its being a bitter herb. You can prepare an herbal tea by mixing 1 teaspoon of the herb powder with 3 cups of water. Lemon or orange peel can be infused with the tea to make it taste better.