Herbal Supplements for the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is located in the throat and helps regulate many bodily hormonal functions, including normal skeletal growth and iodine levels in the blood. Patients who are currently suffering from or receiving treatment for a thyroid disorder and would like to consider an alternative to prescription medication can benefit from taking a herbal supplement. Available in most supermarkets and local drug stores in an over-the-counter capacity, many of these herbs are safe to take on a daily basis due to the low number of side effects and adverse reactions associated with each. Prior to starting herbal treatment, however, patients should first seek clearance from your medical doctor.

Herbal Supplements for the Thyroid Gland

Bladderwrack

According to the University of Michigan Health System, bladderwrack has been found to be effective in the treatment of thyroid-related disorders of Thyroid Gland. Derived from a brown seaweed bearing the same name, bladderwrack contains iodine as an active ingredient. Iodine, according to the university’s website, is the main chemical within the body that dictates thyroid functionality. A lower amount of iodine in the blood can cause hyperthyroidism; a higher amount of the chemical can cause hyperthyroidism, which can eventually lead to the development of an enlarged thyroid or goitre. Continued research on human subjects needs to be documented, however, in order to substantiate these medicinal claims and to obtain the correct herbal dosage for humans.

Garlic

As the University of Michigan Health System states, many cases of thyroid disease are related to cardiac conditions like high blood cholesterol and other factors of cardiac health. As a result, the university suggests taking a herbal supplement known for its effects in lowering blood cholesterol, like garlic. Used most often as a cooking spice, garlic contains active ingredients that help limit the production of plaque development within veins and arteries which would otherwise increase blood pressure and cholesterol due to the heart’s need to work harder. Garlic also acts as an antioxidant, which can limit the blood’s tendency to develop internal blood clots which could become lodged in smaller arteries or blood vessels, ultimately leading to other medical conditions like stroke and heart attack.

Kelp

As with other seaweed-based supplements, kelp contains iodine, which can be helpful in the treatment of thyroid disorders with Thyroid Gland. According to the University of Michigan Health System, kelp is high in both iodine and sea salt content, which can assist in improving iodine levels within the blood while lowering the risk of developing symptoms related to thyroid disorders, like a goitre.