Rebalancing the Thyroid Naturally

Using plants and herbs to control hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism

Jul 23, 2009 Sarah Tomley

Some plants can help restore normal thyroid function, from any position of imbalance.

For anyone with a thyroid condition – but particularly those suffering the outrageous ups and downs of Hashimoto’s – it is good to know that certain plants act beneficially on the thyroid whatever its imbalance (hyper or hypo). The key plants are lemon balm, nettles, burdock and Queen Anne’s Lace.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is often used as a light sedative, and herbalists use it to counteract indigestion, insomnia, intestinal disease, nervousness, nerve pain, palpitations and headaches. Lemon balm extract, at least when administered intravenously, also helps normalize thyroid function (1). Of key interest to those with Hashimoto’s, it also has a powerful function against antibodies, but it is known to decrease both blood and pituitary levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, so would work against any thyroid medication.

Terpenes in the lemon balm plant are thought to produce its relaxing and gas-relieving effects, while its flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other compounds are thought to be responsible for its thyroid-regulating actions. It is often combined with Bugleweed, which has a similar, complementary effect. According to research at Northumbria University lemon balm can also improve memory and increase feelings of calmness, which is good news for anyone with Hashimoto’s.

Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus Carota)

This is a hormone regulator and diuretic. It is an excellent endocrine balancer and helps stimulate and balance the pituitary gland, the thyroid, the pancreas and the adrenals. It is said to be useful for people who “live in their second wind” (aka “running on empty”), who deplete the working levels of their thyroid, pancreas and adrenals.

Burdock (Arctium Lappa)

This plant is diaphoretic (increases sweating) but prevents fever, and is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. It helps control blood sugar levels, which can roller-coaster in Hashimoto’s (for real blood sugar dives, try a mix of any or all of these: burdock, dandelion, red clover, nettles and yellow dock).

Nettles (Urtica Dioica)

Nettle leaves and stems are rich in minerals and vitamins, and herbalists claim that the seeds nourish the thyroid and reduce any goiter. Well-known as a nutritive tonic, alterative, astringent, and diuretic, nettles also support the kidneys and adrenals. Some herbalists believe that nettles can help to “reset” the metabolism. Nettles are free and grow everywhere – so this is a great herb to use as a tea and drink on a regular basis.

Bugleweed (Lycopus Virginicus)

The lithospermic acid in bugleweed is believed to decrease levels of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) – it is approved by the German Commission E (the regulatory agency for the medicinal use of herbs) as an effective treatment for hyperthyroidism. This would obviously seem to work against any thyroid medication, but it is worth noting that this compound also keeps antibodies from binding to and "burning out" cells in an overactive thyroid gland. This may be a good herb to turn to if you are suffering from transitory hyperthyroidism during a Hashimoto’s attack.

A Cautionary Herb

An interesting but potentially more dangerous plant is the black walnut (Juglans nigra). This has laxative, anti-inflammatory, alterative, and cholegogue (promotes discharge of bile from the system) properties. It helps support the thyroid and is very iodine rich – so it is possibly too rich for anyone with Hashimoto’s to use except in very tiny quantities. However, it is included here because it is extremely anti-inflammatory, so it is useful wherever inflammation occurs deep in the tissues, as happens in Hashimoto’s. Use with caution.

The Truth About Hashimoto's Disease

Minerals and Supplements for Hashimoto’s Disease

Vitamins for Hashimoto's Disease

Notes

The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, by James A Duke, Rodale Press USA, 2001, p139.

The copyright of the article Rebalancing the Thyroid Naturally in General Medicine is owned by Sarah Tomley. Permission to republish Rebalancing the Thyroid Naturally in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.